Antioxidant Medicinal Plants

Bilberry

• Vaccinium myrtillus, or bilberry, is also known as whortleberry, huckleberry and European blueberry. This perennial shrub grows wild in forested and mountainous areas of Northern Europe and the northern United States. The herb averages 1 to 2 feet tall. It has oval-shaped, alternating green leaves and produces bell-shaped pink or red flowers between April and June. The flowers are replaced later in the summer by bluish-black or purple berries that closely resemble blueberries. The fruit contains antioxidant chemicals called anthocyanosides that reverse or prevent cellular damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bilberry also has beneficial properties that protect the eyes from conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Always speak with your doctor before using medicinal plant remedies.

Ginkgo Biloba

• Ginkgo biloba is a large deciduous tree native to Eastern China. It grows between 40 and 80 feet tall with a 30 to 40-foot spread. According to the University of Connecticut, the tree grows taller the farther north it is planted. It has notched fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters of three to five. It flowers when it reaches around 20 years of age. Ginkgo biloba has two kinds of plant chemicals called terpenoids and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, ginkgo is useful in treating age-related disorders such as dementia, memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo also dilates the blood vessels and reduces the stickiness of blood platelets, which the University of Maryland Medical Center says improves blood circulation. Consult with your doctor before using medicinal plant extracts.

Grape Seed

• Vitis vinifera or wine grape plants are woody vines that grow between 10 and 20 feet long when cultivated, according to the USA National Phenology Network, escaped plants have stems that grow as long as 115 feet. This perennial plant, which is primarily a cultivated species, accounts for around 90 percent of all grape production in the world. Its seeds contain antioxidant chemicals called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes that protect the body against heart disease and cancer and slow the signs of aging. Grape seed also lessens edema, or swelling caused by surgery or injury, and may help the heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about the effectiveness of wine grape plant antioxidants.

White Tea

• Camellia sinensis is a medium-sized shrub native to Southeastern Asia. It grows between 4 and 6 feet tall. It produces several different kinds of tea depending on when the plants are harvested. White tea, which is harvested before the leaves are fully opened, undergoes very little processing. It provides the most health benefits of any kind of tea, according to Antioxidantreference.com. The tea contains chemical compounds called catechins that are rich in antioxidants. Consult with your physician about the use of camellia.