BENEFITS OF PLANTS FOR CONTINUATION OF LIFE

Plants or plants are very important for the long-term survival of humans and animals. Plants are an important resource for humans and air animals for breathing, water, food, medicine and others. Here are the benefits of plants or plants:

1. Oxygen generator

One of the materials or materials that plants produce when making food is oxygen gas (O2). This oxygen gas is an important part of air. Both plants, animals and humans need oxygen to stay alive. When humans breathe, we breathe in oxygen taken from the air to keep our cells and bodies alive. All oxygen available to living organisms comes from plants.

2. Producer of food

Plants are the only organisms that can convert light energy from the sun into food.

Plants produce all the food eaten by animals, including the food eaten by humans. Animals that produce meat for human consumption such as chickens and cows eat plants such as grass, wheat, corn or others. Without plants there can be no food. All carbon in protein, fat and carbohydrates comes from plants through the process of photosynthesis.

3. Medicines

Plants play an important role in the discovery of new drugs. Many drugs, either directly or indirectly, come from plants.

It is important for humans to protect plant biodiversity so that new medicinal discoveries can be made in the future. Plants have a major impact on health as well as other economic benefits.

Here are some types and benefits of medicinal plants that we can cultivate ourselves:

a. Ginger, quite popular as a drink to warm the body. As a medicine, whether taken orally, ginger can treat colds, headaches, digestive problems such as stomach pain or nausea, and can reduce coughs.

b. Turmeric is useful for treating ulcer problems and digestive disorders, lowering fat and cholesterol levels, preventing cancer, and can be used to treat wounds and relieve itching on the skin.

c. Kencur, apart from being a kitchen spice, is also effective for treating coughs, diarrhea, fever, and toothache. Kencur is also useful for improving menstruation, relieving fatigue, increasing appetite and can even treat muscle injuries.

d. Betel leaf. Of course we often hear the tradition of chewing betel to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. This has been done since the time of our ancestors and this tradition of chewing is medically proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. In addition, betel leaves can overcome nosebleeds, toothaches, and body odor problems.

e. Cat's Whiskers, as a medicinal plant, is a diuretic which triggers an increase in urine production, so it is useful for preventing and overcoming problems with bladder infections, urinary stones and kidney infections.

f. Aloe Vera, can be used to treat skin problems such as treating wounds and burns, overcoming acne problems on the face and removing black spots on the face. To treat hair problems, aloe vera can prevent itching, dandruff, and reduce hair loss. In overcoming and preventing disease, aloe vera can improve blood circulation, relieve constipation, anti-inflammation, and reduce high blood pressure.

4. Habitat

Plants are essential in providing habitat for a large number of different species. Plants are the main habitat for thousands of other organisms. Animals live in, above or below plants. Plants provide shelter and safety for animals.

Plants also provide a place for animals to find other food. Native wildlife relies on plant species such as trees. Without plants, the animals would not necessarily be able to defend themselves.

5. Climate

Plants have an effect on climate change. On a small scale, plants provide shade, help heat up temperatures, and protect animals from wind. At larger scales, such as in tropical rainforests, plants actually change rainfall patterns over large areas of the Earth's surface. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Plants take in CO2 and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This CO2 is used as building blocks for new tissues such as stems, branches, leaves and roots which act as carbon stores.

6. Prevent air pollution

A variety of chemical pollutants can cause health problems in industrial and urban environments. The existence of green spaces in urban areas is important to fight these pollutants so as to improve air quality. The existence of green spaces can reduce air pollution. Plants near urban and industrial environments will be very effective at increasing the absorption of pollutants.

Septi Indah Sari 

X AKL 1