Iran is one of the most important centers for the cultivation of medicinal plants. The strategic geographical location, unique climate diversity, and rich soil are the reasons for the uniqueness of these plants. This country includes mountainous to desert areas that have caused the growth of various species of plants and have been the focus of people and international merchants for a long time due to their medicinal properties and food uses.
History of the use of medicinal plants in Iran:
Iran was one of the first civilizations that used medicinal plants to treat diseases and maintain health. Historical medical and pharmaceutical books such as Ibn Sina’s “Law” played a big role in introducing and knowing the medicinal properties of plants to the world. Today, this knowledge has been modernized and combined with technology.
Geographical location and climate diversity:
The climate diversity of Iran includes four different climates (temperate and humid, dry and desert, cold mountainous and semi-tropical), which has provided a suitable platform for the growth of medicinal plants. In some mountainous and semi-arid places, there are plants that grow only in these areas due to special soil and air conditions.
– Lime and rich mineral soils: this type of soil causes the growth of plants with high healing properties.
– Mountain and Mediterranean climate: in some regions of Iran such as Alborz and Zagros, this climate has caused the growth of certain types of medicinal plants.
Prominent medicinal plants of Iran:
In Iran, more than 8000 plant species have been identified, of which about 2300 species have unique medicinal properties. In the following text, we will mention some of the most important medicinal plants of Iran:
- Rosa damascena: Rosa damascena is one of the fragrant plants in Iran, which is mostly cultivated in Kashan and central regions. The extract of this flower is used in the preparation of herbal extracts and rose water, which has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Saffron (Crocus sativus): the most famous spice of Iran and known as “red gold”. Due to the special climatic conditions of Khorasan, saffron is produced with the best quality in the world. Its medicinal properties include improving depression, reducing stress and strengthening the immune system.
- Barijeh (Ferula gummosa): It is one of the native species of Iran, which is found in the central and eastern mountainous regions of Iran. This plant is used in the treatment of many skin and digestive diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Sorrel (Descurainia sophia): It is a plant that is planted in arid and semi-arid areas of Iran and is used in traditional medicine to treat constipation, digestive problems and improve kidney function.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris var. persicus): Various species of thyme grow in Iran and are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections, strengthen the immune system, and improve sore throats. Wild thyme is very famous in mountainous areas like Zagros.
- Ajwain: Ajwain is a plant that grows in dry and tropical areas of Iran and is used as one of the ancient and medicinal spices in traditional medicine to strengthen the stomach and digestion.
- Kakuti (Ziziphora clinopodioides): Kakuti is one of the native medicinal plants of Iran, which mostly grows in the mountainous areas of northwestern Iran. This plant is used to strengthen the heart and treat migraine headaches.
- Khatmi (Althaea officinalis): Khatmi is a plant found in different regions of Iran, especially in the north of the country. It is used as an anti-inflammatory drug to relieve joint pain and skin problems.
- Pecanum (Peganum harmala): Pecanum is an ancient and sacred plant in Iran, which is known as an air disinfectant and a cure for sore eyes. It is also used in traditional medicine to strengthen the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel is an aromatic plant with many medicinal properties that is used in Iranian traditional medicine to strengthen the digestive system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. This plant is rich in fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Black seed (Nigella sativa): Black seed, also known as “blessing seed”, is used to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and treat respiratory and digestive problems. Its main active compound, thymoquinone, has anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties.
- Angelica (Heracleum persicum): angelica is a native plant of Iran, which is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems and strengthen the stomach, in addition to food applications. Also, this plant has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): Coriander has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and is used as a digestive enhancer and reducer of flatulence in traditional Iranian medicine. Its leaves and seeds are widely used in cooking and herbal medicine.
- Persian goon (Astragalus spp): Iranian goon is one of the native medicinal plants of Iran, whose gum is known as Katira. This plant is used in traditional medicine to strengthen the immune system, heal wounds and relieve inflammation.
- Iranian mountain tea (Stachys lavandulifolia): Mountain tea, a plant native to the mountainous regions of Iran, is used as a natural sedative and relieves anxiety and stress. This plant also helps to treat digestive pains and improve sleep.
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis): Green tea is a strong antioxidant that helps to lose weight, improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart diseases. This plant is very useful for reducing inflammation and improving body metabolism.
Iran’s strategic role in medicinal plant trade:
Due to being on the Silk Road and close to Asian, European and Middle Eastern markets, Iran has a privileged strategic position for the trade of medicinal plants. Rosa damascene, Coriandrum sativum ،Thyme, Coriander, Paganum Harmala، Descurainia sophia are among the products that are exported to international markets and play a significant role in international trade.
Ladomira Export Consortium, as an international commercial-scientific forum, has brought together medicinal plant experts to make effective research on these products. Ladomira Consortium plays an important role in the trade of these special products.
Climate changes and increasing demand for natural and organic products in the world have created new opportunities for Iran. By developing the processing of medicinal plants and their export in the form of packaged and processed products, Iran can strengthen its position as one of the most important producers of these unique plants in the world.
Conclusion:
Medicinal plants of Iran have unique characteristics due to specific geographical conditions, soil type and climate diversity. These plants are not only used in Iranian traditional medicine, but due to the growth of global demand for natural and organic products, Iran can take a larger share of the international markets with proper planning and development of the special medicinal plant industry. To get more information for bulk orders or export of these special products, contact our commercial experts.