The Qatari wilderness have a multitude plants and herbs with medicinal properties that need to be explored, according to Ali Talib al-Hinzab, a pioneer of the Qatari environment participating at the ongoing 11th Qatar's International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2024) and owner of Al-Hinzab Initiative for Desertification Control.
He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that his participation in the exhibition is to raise awareness and educate the local community, both citizens and residents, about the importance and benefits of Qatari wild plants, whether medicinal or aromatic, and why we should work to preserve them from extinction, overgrazing, and urban encroachment.
"We hope that such plants will spread in the streets, schools, as well as public and private gardens to ensure their protection from extinction."
The fragrant Cymbopogon plant is currently being researched by Qatar University to determine its medicinal benefits. The Port Royal senna plant is a well-known medicinal plant with the ability to cleanse the stomach and intestines, often consumed like tea. The kapok bush or desert cotton plant has the ability to stop bleeding in cases of wounds and injuries, and some may use it as a stuffing material in pillows, known for their pain-relieving properties.
Al-Hinzab mentioned that the "Arabic Gum tree," was used by the ancestors for dressing the wounds of camel hooves due to walking on rocky and mountainous terrains. The Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum Oliv) plant is used for for respiratory diseases such as shortness of breath and coughing, the "Piptanthus" plant for treating stomach pains and cramps, and the " Nettles " plant has a significant ability to fight bacteria.
"These plants were used by the ancestors in folk medicine, but today, with scientific advancements, it's advisable to use them only under medical supervision," al-Hinzab said while adding that he expects that about 40% of Qatari wild plants have medicinal uses, but research is needed to determine their health benefits.
Ali Talib al-Hinzab
