Iran, a land with a rich and abundant history, has long been recognized as the cradle of traditional medicine and medicinal plants, associated with sages such as Avicenna (the father of classical medicine). His book, The Canon of Medicine, transformed medical science in both the West and the East for centuries, serving as the greatest medical reference of its time. This ancient heritage is rooted in thousands of years of using healing plants, which today, thanks to Iran’s diverse climate and fertile soil-continues to thrive more than ever. As one of the world’s richest countries in terms of medicinal plant diversity, Iran plays a key role in supplying raw materials for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries by producing products such as saffron, thyme, and damask rose. These plants, exported as essential oils, distillates, oils, and dried herbs to global markets, not only demonstrate the power of Iran’s nature but also provide its unique competitive advantages internationally. In this article, we invite you to explore the world of Iran’s export medicinal plants and discover their most important species and unique characteristics:
Top Export Medicinal Plants of Iran
1. Saffron (Iran’s Red Gold):
• Properties: Antidepressant, calming, immune-boosting
• Uses: Food, textile, cultural and artistic, cosmetic industries
• Main export destinations: Spain, India, UAE, Germany, France, and others
• Advantage: Highest quality and quantity in the world, with unmatched color and flavor
Interesting fact: Most saffron consumed globally, even when branded under other countries, originates from Iran.
2. Licorice:
• Properties: Anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, respiratory health
• Uses: Pharmaceuticals, beverages, cough remedies
• Main export destinations: China, Italy, Germany, Japan, India, and others
• Advantage: Superior quality and competitive pricing
3. Borage:
• Properties: Calming, anti-stress, nerve tonic
• Uses: Herbal teas and therapeutic products
• Main export destinations: European countries, Canada, Qatar, and others
• Advantage: High quality and optimal climate conditions
4. Tragacanth:
• Properties: Anti-inflammatory, cough relief, digestive aid, immune booster
• Uses: Stabilizer in food and cosmetics
• Main export destinations: Germany, USA, India, and others
• Advantage: Grows exclusively in certain mountainous regions of Iran
5. Thyme, Yarrow, Fennel, and Cumin:
• Properties: Antiseptic, immune booster, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
• Uses: Spices, medicines, supplements
• Main export destinations: Russia, Turkey, Europe, and others
• Advantage: High concentration of active compounds, wild growth in Iranian mountains
6. Chamomile:
• Properties: Stomach tonic, ulcer and gastritis remedy, digestive aid, skin healer
• Uses: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food industries
• Main export destinations: UAE (especially Dubai), Turkey, Russia, Europe, and others
• Advantage: Affordable, high quality, abundant in Iran
7. Damask Rose:
• Properties: Calming, anti-inflammatory
• Uses: Perfume, pharmaceuticals, food industries
• Main export destinations: European and Asian countries, and others
• Advantage: High quality, widespread cultivation
8. Sage:
• Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, memory enhancer, digestive aid, reduces sweating, cold remedy, brain function booster, calming
• Uses: Cosmetics, food industries
• Main export destinations: Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and others
• Advantage: Drought resistance and high medicinal value
9. Lemon Balm:
• Properties: Calming, anti-anxiety, digestive and migraine relief, antiviral, antibacterial, immune booster, brain function enhancer
• Uses: Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
• Main export destinations: Europe, North America, Middle East, and others
• Advantage: High quality and broad applications
10. Hollyhock:
• Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, respiratory, and digestive aid
• Uses: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food industries
• Main export destinations: Europe, Asia, Middle East, and others
• Advantage: High quality, wide therapeutic benefits
This remarkable diversity and quality have made Iran one of the world’s largest exporters of medicinal plants, positioning this sector as one of the country’s most promising markets for the future.
written by: Sara Ebrahimi
