Top 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow Yourself
Traditional healers have taught the benefits of easing illness with a healthy lifestyle and the use of herbs and botanicals. Healing plants were used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Herbs and spices can be picked a few steps from your front door and used to perk up your cooking and your health. Today, it’s easy to forget that some of the most beneficial medicinal plants can be found growing in our own backyards. Some are considered pesky weeds even though they are valuable herbs. The freshly harvested herbs are inexpensive, are easy to grow, treat a wide range of illnesses and contain few side effects in comparison to prescription drugs. While Western medicine relies heavily on prescription drugs, most practitioners of Eastern medicine disciplines, as well as traditional naturopathic doctors and herbalists, consider many herbs and botanicals to be safer — and sometimes more effective — alternatives.
Here are the 10 medicinal plants you can grow home in your garden:
- Marigolds
Marigolds are hardy and beautiful flowers, with orange and yellow flowers. You may have some marigolds planted in your backyard, or if you don’t, after reading this post you will definitely plant some. Marigolds are loaded with antioxidants that can ward off free radicals in the human body. Free radicals are the unstable molecules that damage our DNA and can cause cancer. A recent study from Washington State University found that Lutein, antioxidant found in marigold extract, can reduce and prevent tumors. This study was conducted on mice’s. Also, we can say that marigolds have anti-inflammatory properties as well. They can provide relief to irritated skin, scrapes and burns. You can also make an excellent pest repellent, which paralyzes insects just few seconds after being consumed.
- Basil
This plant is often used in Italian cuisine, but it also has amazing health benefits for your body. Basil is an excellent source for beta-carotene, an organic compound that our body converts into Vitamin A. Our body uses Vitamin A for healthy vision, cell growth and immune system function. The basil extract or basil oil contains a liquid called eugenol. Eugenol can soothe swelling bones and joints in a similar way to how painkillers (Advil, ibuprofen) work. Basil oil has anti-bacterial properties as well. It can inhibit bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotic drugs from spreading. Just start growing this plant in your garden, and you will transform your health with it.
- Chinese yam
This herb is especially known for strengthening your stomach and spleen. The Chinese yam is a vine credited for its healing properties. Chinese yam is loaded with Vitamin B6. The Vitamin B6 helps you against heart disease. This is because Vitamin B6 breaks down homocystenine, an amino acid that damages blood vessel walls. People use Chinese yam to soothe sore throats, treat diarrhea, and control blood sugar levels and weight gain. Just get the cinnamon-scented vine from your garden and eat it raw.
- Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and it’s also known for its pleasant aroma. People used lemon balm for centuries as a sleep aid, reduce anxiety, improve digestion, and it’s also used to treat lesions and cold sores. A recent study at the University of Maryland has shown that lemon balm is also extremely efficient remedy for herpes lesions around both the mouth and genitals. Lemon balm is loaded with eugenol, which is anti-bacterial and is often applied topically to cavities by dentists. You can use dried lemon balm as a garnish to salads or make a hot tea with it.
- Thyme
This herb belongs to the plan genus Thymus, which is indigenous to Europe and Asia. Thyme is usually used for decorative purposes. Bees use the thyme’s pollen to make delicious honey. Thyme has anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties as well. According to the latest research from the University of Manitoba, Canada, reports show that thyme can help reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics like penicillin. Another research, conducted by group of scientists at the Leeds Metropolitan University, England, has found that thyme preparations can treat acne and other skin problems, better than the prescription creams. Thyme is also extremely useful in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal problems soothe sore throat and arthritis as well. Thyme is very lovely plant, which can be added to your garden and stored to enhance its flavor.
- Sage
You can find sage all over the world. This herb is a colorful plant, which is native to the Mediterranean. Sage is marked by blue, purple, white and pink flowers and leaves. Sage has healing properties and it’s often used for treating digestion problems, muscular spasms and mental problems. Sage has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, so it’s very useful in boosting your immune system and it can be used to treat fungal infections. Sage is also extremely useful in easing menstrual cramps and hot flashes in women. According to the medical experts, sage extract can improve cognitive function and may help in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Sage is an herb that can bring joy to your garden and can enhance the flavor of many dishes.
- Echinacea
One of the most popular herbs in America is Echinacea. Echinacea was used by the Native Americans for centuries to treat wounds and infections. Today, people use Echinacea to shorten the life span of colds and sinus infections. A lot of herbalists recommend this plant to people for treating urinary tract infections, migraines and bee stings. You can easily add Echinacea to your garden, because it’s drought-resistant flower. Echinacea blooms into a beautiful coneflower during mid-summer. You can use Echinacea to make ice tea.
- Nettle
Herbalists used nettle plant for centuries and they mostly used it to treat many different health conditions, such as: arthritis, allergies, insect bites and urinary tract infections. Nettle is usually known by it stinging hairs. The nettle’s stinging hairs sting whatever they come into contact with. But, they have a reverse effect whenever they come into contact with skin that is already been irritated. This plant is extremely delicious and it is used in the kitchen by many people in the world.
- Comfrey
This herb can be recognized by its bristly hairs and dropping flowers. It’s a plant that provides comfort in more ways than one. Comfrey contains an ingredient called allantoin. This compound is extremely useful as a moisturizer and it’s used in different skin care products. Greek physicians used comfrey and people still use it to treat broken bones and heal open wounds faster. According to the latest studies, researchers have found that comfrey can help you treat dermatitis, ulcers and swollen ankles. But, you should be careful as well, because according to some medical experts, comfrey contains some amounts of cancer-causing alkaloids. So, because of this, many experts and herbalists recommend that you don’t consume comfrey internally.
- Yarrow
This plant is very easy to take care of. It’s extremely useful plant with many health benefits. Yarrow affects almost every organ in the human body, including the spleen, liver, kidneys and bladder. The legendary warrior Achilles used yarrow to treat open wounds. But, who knows, maybe it’s just a myth. Yarrow has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People use this miracle herb to treat many different health conditions, from bleeding wounds to gastrointestinal problems. Yarrow can be also used as a remedy for the treatment of rashes, fever and high blood pressure. It’s loaded with alkaloids that can provide pain relief for menstrual cycles as well. There are many different ways you can add yarrow to your healthy diet. You can add it to salads, meats, soups or stir-fry.
There you have it guys. Your gardens don’t have to be just a beautiful place to spend your free time. They can also be a source of food, medicine and life. Start growing your own medicinal herbs and save your health. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you share it with your friends and family. Thank You.
