Iran’s Medicinal Plants: A Rich Heritage of Native Herbs

Medicinal plants native to Iran

Iran : Land of Flowers and Medicinal Plants

Iran is a country where you can experience all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Situated between two seas, Iran has a unique geographical location. This special location allows for a wide variety of flowers and medicinal plants to grow in different regions.

Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, the diversity of medicinal plants in Iran is exceptionally high. Today, we aim to introduce Iran’s diverse climate and highlight some of the medicinal plants native to the country.

Some of the Most Important Medicinal Plants Native to Iran

Iran’s unique climate and topography make it extremely rich in vegetation. The country is a natural habitat for medicinal plants, meaning that every region has its own native species. Currently, about 2,500 plant species have been identified in Iran. Among the most important is saffron, often referred to as “red gold.” Saffron is one of Iran’s most valuable plants and grows especially well in the Khorasan province. Other medicinal plants native to Iran include :

• Borage (Echium amoenum) : Native to northern Iran, especially Mazandaran and Gilan.

• Thyme : Grows in mountainous regions such as Hamedan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Lorestan.

• Chamomile : Found in western and central Iran, including Hamedan and Isfahan.

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• Chicory : Found in temperate regions such as Isfahan, Khuzestan, and central provinces.

• Pennyroyal (Wild Mint) : Found in temperate and humid northern regions, including Gilan and Mazandaran.

• Mint : Grows in most regions of Iran, especially humid areas.

• Black Cumin : Found in Kerman and South Khorasan provinces.

• Lemon Balm : Grows in mountainous and temperate areas such as Tehran, Mazandaran, and Khorasan.

• Licorice : Found in dry and semi-arid regions such as Kerman, South Khorasan, and Yazd.

Some regions of Iran are world-renowned for their medicinal plants. For instance, Kashan is famous for rose (Gol Mohammadi), Lorestan for thyme, and northern Iran for lemon balm—home to three of the most significant medicinal plants native to the country.

Types of Climate and Their Impact on Iran’s Medicinal Plants

Climate is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth. Suitable weather and soil conditions can influence a plant’s quality. Fortunately, Iran has a diverse climate, each supporting specific types of plants. The country has four main climates:

• Temperate and Humid (Northern Caspian Coast) :

The northern coast along the Caspian Sea has a temperate and humid climate. Residents experience heavy rainfall, high humidity, and moderate temperatures. Summer temperatures range from 25–30°C during the day to 20–23°C at night.

• Cold (Mountainous Regions) :

The cold climate is typical of mountainous areas, including the western slopes of Iran’s central mountain ranges. The average temperature in the warmest months is around 10°C, while in the coldest months it can drop to −3°C. Winters are harsh and long, while summers are relatively cool.

• Hot and Dry (Central Regions) :

The hot and dry climate characterizes semi-arid areas. These regions experience dry winds, intense direct sunlight, low humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Summer daytime temperatures can reach 70°C (likely an exaggeration; typically around 40–45°C), dropping to 15°C at night.

• Hot and Humid (Southern Coast) :

Found along the southern coast, separated from the central plateau by the Zagros Mountains, this climate features very hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 35–40°C, with high humidity that can sometimes be challenging to endure.

Medicinal Plant Export Trends in Iran

Iranian medicinal plants are not only widely consumed domestically but also play a crucial role in the country’s export economy. The annual value of these exports reaches millions of dollars, and Iran is particularly recognized in international markets including Europe, the U.S., and neighboring countries.

Major Export Products

1. Saffron :
   Iran is the world’s largest producer and exporter of saffron, accounting for approximately 90% of global production. Major export destinations include Spain, the UAE, the U.S., Germany, and Japan. Iranian saffron is highly valued internationally for its color, aroma, and quality.

2. Rose ( Damask rose ) and Rosewater :
   Kashan, Qamsar, and other central regions are major centers for rose production. Rosewater and rose extracts are exported to Europe and the U.S. and are widely used in the fragrance and food industries.

3. Chamomile, Thyme, and Borage :
   These plants are primarily exported as dried herbs or extracts to European and Asian countries. They are widely used in pharmaceuticals, herbal teas, and dietary supplements.

4. Other Medicinal Plants :
   Valerian, fennel, licorice, and yarrow are also exported in bulk to neighboring countries and European markets.

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Export Routes and Challenges

• Most exports are conducted via border customs, southern ports (Bandar Abbas and Chabahar), and international airports.

• Key challenges include meeting international quality standards, proper packaging, global competition, and currency fluctuations.

• The government and related agricultural and trade organizations have programs to support exporters, develop national brands, and ensure product quality in global markets.

Export Growth Trends

• Over the past decade, Iran’s medicinal plant exports have grown annually by 10–15% on average.

• Increasing global demand for organic and natural products presents a major opportunity for expanding Iran’s exports.

• In addition to traditional exports, processing industries and the production of extracts, herbal oils, and plant-based medicines are increasingly entering international markets.

Conclusion

Climate is the most important factor influencing the growth of medicinal plants. Diversity in climate and weather conditions can make a country rich in medicinal flora. Iran, with its diverse climates, is a natural home to many flowers and medicinal plants. Some of these plants are highly valuable and found abundantly only in Iran.

Iran’s diverse climate includes four main types: temperate and humid, cold and mountainous, hot and dry, and hot and humid. Each climate supports specific plants—for example, thyme grows in mountainous areas, while borage is found in northern regions. Each plant requires specific weather, soil, and environmental conditions to grow optimally.