Medicinal Plants and their Traditional Uses

It is estimated that there is the number of between 750,000 and 1,000,000 plant species on the world.The 500,000 of them have been identified and named.Around 2000 new flowering plant species are identified and named in each year.The number of plants which have been used for treatment since ancient times shows a steady increase.According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of plants used for treatment is estimated to be around 20,000.The studies on medicinal plants and active substances derived from them have increased the interest in these plants in recent years [1-3].Plant products are generally preferred and used by patients who have chronic medical conditions including cancers (2%), liver diseases (21%), HIV (22%), asthma (24%) and rheumatologic disorders (26%).Many believe that natural treatment methods are harmless.Whereas, many recent scientific studies have pointed out the serious consequences of the side effects of herbal products such as giving other damages to patients who seek solutions to problems such as obesity.Side effects may occur due to misuse of plant products, contamination, and interaction with other plants and medicines.Therefore, it is necessary to be careful when using herbal products [4, 5].Traditional uses of Medicinal Plants Herbal drugs (herbal medicine raw materials) can be prepared for use in different ways.The simplest way is to take the drug as it is in powder form.However, in terms of taking it easier and determining the amount taken; Pills, infusions, decoctions and ointments are commonly used methods. Powder (pulverise)It is obtained by pestling or milling the plant pieces.The easiest way to use in powder form is to pour the fine powder into half a glass of water and drink the mixture after mixing. Pill (pilulae)It is obtained by turning the finely powdered form of drug into pill with the help of excipient.