Some prominent benefits of plants are air purification; houseplants and trees remove toxins from indoor and outdoor environments. Trees, shrubs, vines, roots, and grasses provide an assortment of foods (nuts, grains, and vegetables), and clothing materials such as cotton and flax originate from flowers and shrubs.

Indeed, the agricultural, horticultural, and textile industries make up a large portion of commerce that utilize plants, but they are far from the only ones. The medical industry (traditional and non-traditional), with its myriad of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, also utilizes plants.

Bread Poppy:

The sap of the notorious Papaver somniferum (Bread Poppy) is one of the oldest medicines known to man. Although recognized for its painkilling properties, it has detractors and should be prescribed and used with care.

Aloe Vera Plant:

The sap of aloe vera has healing properties. It is generally used as a topical to treat minor burns.

Elderberry:

Marketed as Sambucol, the dark blackberries originate from the Native American Bush and are used in cold remedies. The syrup is sweet and does not lose potency when blended in beverages. Take Sambucol at the first onset of a cold.  If using raw berries, cook before use, as berries can have toxic properties.

With public health concerns on the rise, The Food and Beverage Industry has followed suit to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their products.  Sweeteners were once relegated to sugar and honey; now, there are a variety of sweetener alternatives (plant and chemical-based) on the market. Note:  While chemical-based sweeteners have much of the same benefits as stevia and monk fruit, many are still controversial (think Splenda).   

Stevia:

An herb touted for its production of steviol glycosides, or non-glycemic sweeteners. Stevia is an alternative for people with diabetes, cancer, and other health conditions where sugar cannot be consumed. Stevia is an acquired taste, as some people find it bitter.  

Blue Agave Syrup:

Blue Agave Syrup or Nectar comes from the Blue Agave Plant.  An impressive succulent that reaches up to 7 feet at maturity.  Though agave syrup is considered a vegan alternative to honey,  it is not a good substitute for individuals who cannot consume sugar, as the nectar contains fructose.   Fun Fact: The Blue Agave Plant is also the ‘tequila’ plant.   

Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit):  

Monk fruit is not a new sweetener, yet its availability was limited back in 2011 when I discovered it. Many large Asian Markets sell monk fruit as produce, and the average grocery store carries the powder form. Monk fruit resembles kiwi, but it is larger. It is non-glycemic like stevia, but unlike stevia, it does not run the spectrum of bitter to sweet, which is off-putting to people. 

Plant-Based Meat and Dairy:

Vegan meat, soy, and hemp milk are some of the creative ways plants are being reintroduced into our diets. While these ideas are not new, people are adopting new attitudes towards food consumption. A healthier, natural, or tasty plant-based diet has allowed these concepts to flourish and become industries.  

The benefits of plants are an exhaustive list, and their use extends well past what people consume, drink, or wear. Consider that we also wash in plant-based soaps and shampoos. We build houses out of wood, maintain lawns with mulch or pine needles, and create privacy fences out of arborvitaes.

The flora kingdom is one of many keystones to our survival on Earth, and we owe it much gratitude, so the next time you are out, please stop and smell the roses.