Asians have been using herbs and fruits for medicinal purposes for centuries. Asian Geographic serves up six common plants that have surprising effects on our health.
Antifungal | Neem oil
Native to temperate Northern Hemisphere, including China
Binding agent for medicine | Pectin
Native to South Asian
Lowers blood pressure | Reserpine
Native to South Asia
Nasal decongestant | Pseudoephedrine
Native to Mongolia, Russia,
Northern China
Stimulating balm, cough suppressant, decongestant | Camphor
Native to Southeast Asian rainforests
Pain relief | Opium
Grown across temperate Asia,
native to Eastern Mediterranean
Check out the rest of this article in Asian Geographic No.127 Issue 5/2017 here or download a digital copy here
