• Garlic cloves are used to treat wounds.garlic image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Evidence shows that some 60,000 years ago many plants were used for medicinal purposes, according to the United States Forest Service. These plants to this day still ease troubled minds, cure diseases and work as an antibiotic to heal wounds. While some people do not believe in medicinal plants, many are backed by clinical trails.
  
  

Garlic

• Garlic has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, according to the Physicians Insurance Agency of Massachusetts (PIAM). The plant is a perennial that can grow up to 2 feet tall. The compound bulbs grow underground, which is the part of the plant used for medicinal purposes. Each bulb contains four to 20 garlic cloves. It is rich in antioxidants, which help destroy damaging particles in your body.
  
  Studies show that garlic consumption may decrease the progression of cardiovascular disease, as stated by the University of Maryland. Other ailments garlic consumption may help are common colds, cancer, fatigue and roundworms. Fresh garlic has allicin, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Many people use the antibacterial properties of garlic to heal wounds.
  
  

Onion

• Onion contains substances and antibiotics that lower cholesterol, prevent blood clotting and blood sugar. Onions also grow underground, and are harvested when the tops have fallen over and dried. Onion plants adapt to a wide variety of soils and weather conditions. Sweeten onion juice with sugar or honey to use as a remedy for coughs and colds. The PIAM also states onions are rich in vitamin C, B-1 and B-2.
  
  

Butterfly Weed

• Butterfly weed is native to North America and many people use the root of this plant to treat bronchitis. This plant is a perennial herb found in dry, open fields and grassy places. The plant has deep yellow to dark orange flowers that bloom from June to September. Harvest the root of the plant in the fall to use for medicinal uses. The root promotes coughing, which raises phlegm from the chest. Many people use butterfly weed root as a diuretic and for the treatment of diarrhea and chronic rheumatism. Use medical poultice of butterfly weed root to treat bruises, skin ulcers and heal wounds.
  
  

Chamomile

• Many people drink chamomile as an herbal tea. Use the tea for insomnia and nervous conditions. Chamomile is an annual herb that grows along roadsides and in open, sunny fields. The dried daisy-like flowers of chamomile are used as an alternative medicine as a tonic, anti-inflammatory and anodyne.
  
  As soon as the flowers bloom, gather and allow drying for later herb use. Additional uses of chamomile include a mild laxative, sore throats, aches, menstrual cramps, gas pains and fevers. Apply dried chamomile herb to sunburns, skin inflammations, achy muscles and skin burns as an anti-inflammatory. The plant also works to heal the wounds.