Medicinal and aromatic plants are plants in which different parts of plants or active substances are used for treatment in humans and animals. This usage can be internal or external. Plants that contain bioactive substances with therapeutic features are called "Medicinal Plants" and plants that are rich in volatile or essential oils are called "Aromatic Plants." There are different types of classifications of medicinal and aromatic plants. These classifications are made according to their benefits in use, morphological, botanical origin, active ingredients, areas of action of active ingredients, and pharmacological effects.
It is known that plants have been used for medical purposes by different civilizations for centuries. Today, the place of medicinal and aromatic plants in the field of cosmetics, natural health products, and health is quite wide.
Features of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Medicinal and aromatic plants are highly known for their benefits on health. Their usages are also rather high in the field of cosmetics and health. These plants are frequently used in the production of products such as medicines, creams, and lotions.
The lands that medicinal and aromatic plants are planted are limited. Special lands are needed for these plants to grow. Especially in commercial uses, plants are grown on lands specially reserved for them. The climatic conditions, geographical conditions, soil characteristics, and environmental factors of the area where the plants will be planted are very important. Soil and climatic conditions of medicinal and aromatic plants are also different from each other. Soil and climatic conditions of the plant may change in different genus plants belonging to the same species. Turkey has suitable conditions for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants thanks to its rich flora. In many regions, different medicinal and aromatic plants can be grown according to the conditions of the region.
Since medicinal and aromatic plants have different genera within their own species, it can be difficult to distinguish plants belonging to the same species. Each plant has its own characteristics and active ingredients. This directly affects the cultivation technique of the plant. Another feature of medicinal and aromatic plants is that they are used for therapeutic purposes.
The first records about the treatment with herbs date back to 5000 BC in the Mesopotamian civilization, and it was determined that 250 herbal drugs were used.
