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There are many benefits to having a garden, including the ability to grow your own food and the opportunity to get some exercise. However, did you know that your garden can also be a source of natural healing? There are a variety of plants that have been used for centuries to treat everything from headaches to digestive issues. In this blog post, we will explore 9 healing plants from your garden and what their benefits are.
The popularity of alternative medicine has exploded in recent years, as people have become more interested in holistic approaches to health. Even health insurance companies have recognized alternative medicine, with some including coverage for acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, and herbal remedies.
There are many reasons people today are turning to alternative medicine. For one, we often see natural healing methods as being more effective than conventional medicine. Alternative medicine takes a more holistic approach to health, which many people find appealing.
If you’re considering trying alternative medicine, be sure to do your research and work with a qualified practitioner. With the right care, you can improve your health and wellbeing in a natural and holistic way.
Healing house plants are not only beautiful, but they can also transform your home into a living, breathing medicinal plant apothecary. By adding a few key plants around your space, you can create an indoor sanctuary that promotes health and wellbeing.
Having plants in your home does more than just make it look nicer – they can actually improve your health in several ways. Studies have shown that being around plants can help reduce stress levels, improve your mood, and even clean the air in your home.
So if you’re looking to improve your health and wellbeing, consider adding some of these plants to your living space.
Description / Interesting Facts: The clear gel found inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant is incredibly valuable, containing 75 health-giving nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. We can use this gel to improve health and well-being.
How To Use: To use aloe vera gel for healing, simply apply it to the affected area. Aloe vera is not only effective at soothing sunburns, but can also be used as a homemade beauty product. There are many recipes available online for aloe vera-based beauty products, or you can apply the gel directly to your skin. You can also add aloe vera to food, smoothies, and drinks for an extra boost of nutrition.
Benefits: There are many benefits to using aloe vera, both for your skin and overall health. For example, aloe can soothe sunburns, moisturize skin, and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera is a natural source of vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system.
Things To Consider: Water aloe vera plants deeply, but infrequently. To discourage rot, allow the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep between waterings. Don’t let your plant sit in water. Water about every 3 weeks and even more sparingly during the winter.
Description / Interesting Facts: Ginger is a rhizome, not a root, as many people believe. A rhizome is an underground stem that is often used in cooking and alternative medicine. Ginger is commonly grown in warmer climates and can be cultivated all year round. However, the best time to plant ginger is at the end of winter or early spring.
How To Use: Do not give ginger to children under the age of two. If your child is over the age of two and experiences nausea, stomach cramping or headaches, ask your doctor if ginger would be an appropriate treatment option and what dosage they recommend. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming large amounts of ginger, as it can interfere with the baby’s development. For the general population, only 4 grams of ginger should be consumed per day.
Benefits: Health care professionals often recommend ginger to help with nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, and even chemotherapy-related nausea for cancer patients. It can also help reduce mild stomach upset and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Plus, some studies suggest that ginger may be beneficial for heart disease patients as well.
Things To Consider: Ginger plants grow best in warm, humid locations. They prefer part shade with 2-5 hours of dappled sunlight each day. They cannot tolerate locations with strong winds or poorly draining soil. In poorly draining soil, ginger roots may develop stunted or distorted roots, or they may just rot.
Description / Interesting Facts: Chamomile is a plant that comes from the Asteraceae family. It is found in Europe, Asia, and NorthAfrica, but can be found all over the world. There are many different types of chamomile, but people only use Roman and German chamomile.
How To Use: Herbal medicine is a centuries-old practice that can help to fortify the body and address illness. However, herbs can sometimes interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Therefore, it is best to take herbs under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Benefits: Chamomile is a versatile herb that can be used to treat a variety of ailments in humans, from hay fever and inflammation to muscle spasms and menstrual disorders. Chamomile essential oils are also popular in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Things To Consider: If adding several chamomile plants, space them about 8 to 12 inches apart for good air circulation. Chamomile needs about an inch of water per week when young. Once established, it’s fairly drought tolerant—let it dry out between waterings, but make sure to water during extremely dry periods.
Description / Interesting Facts: Rosemary is an amazing herb with a plethora of uses. It is most commonly known for its culinary purposes, but did you know that it can also be used to make bodily perfumes and has potential health benefits? Rosemary is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes other popular herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender.
How To Use: If you’re looking for a way to naturally boost your health, consider adding rosemary to your daily routine. This herb can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or fluid extract, and can also be used topically when mixed with other oils. Speak to your doctor to find the right dose for your individual needs, but generally, total daily intake should not exceed 4-6 grams of the dried herb.
Benefits: Rosemary is known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Regular consumption of rosemary can help lower the risk of infection and bolster the immune system against any infections that do occur.
Things To Consider: Rosemary shrubs have good drought tolerance once they are mature, and it’s better to underwater rather than overwater them. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Description / Interesting Facts: Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that has many uses. The nectar from lavender plants is used to make delicious honey. In the language of flowers, lavender symbolizes devotion, luck, success, and happiness. Lavender plants are easy to care for and propagate – they don’t produce seeds, so propagation is done by cutting or root divisions.
How To Use: Lavender is a wonderful herb to grow in your kitchen garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but the flowers can also be used to flavor baked goods. Lavender butter or sugar are easy to make, and add a lovely floral flavor to cookies or cakes. Dried lavender buds can also be added to tea for a lovely, floral burst of flavor.
Benefits: Lavender has long been used for its healing properties, both physically and emotionally. Aromatherapists often use lavender in inhalation therapy to help treat headaches, nervous disorders and exhaustion. Herbalists may use lavender oil to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections, wounds, eczema and acne. Lavender can also be used in a healing bath to help relieve joint and muscle pain.
Things To Consider: Water your lavender after planting, and then pull back on the water. During cooler winter months, water only when soil is dry to the touch about 1 inch deep. Consider using a terra-cotta pot for growing lavender indoors. The porous clay pot sides lose moisture, which can help prevent root rot.
Description / Interesting Facts: Mint has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. It is most commonly known as a remedy for digestive issues, such as abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Mint oil is thought to help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, making it a popular natural remedy.
How To Use: Mint oil is an effective natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions. Its antiseptic properties help to cleanse and speed the healing of minor cuts and scrapes. It can also be applied to pimples, skin rashes, sunburn, bug bites, and hemorrhoids to reduce pain, itchiness, and inflammation.
Benefits: Mint is a delicious and refreshing herb that has many health benefits. Mint is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and iron, making it a great addition to any diet. Adding mint to your diet can help you stay healthy and happy.
Things To Consider: To grow mint, ensure the soil is moist but well-drained, and place the plant in full sun to partial shade. Growing mint in a pot is ideal, as it can become aggressive and overtake other plants when placed in the ground. You can harvest the mint as needed, allowing some stems to produce flowers for pollinators.
Description / Interesting Facts: Basil is an herb with a sweet, peppery flavor that is used in many cuisines around the world. It is a member of the mint family and is related to other herbs such as oregano, thyme, and lavender. Basil is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, from salads and pasta to pizza and chicken. Its nutrients may also provide some health benefits.
How To Use: Basil is a popular herb that has many uses. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is often used for stomach issues, such as cramps, gas, and bloating. It can also be helpful in treating loss of appetite and kidney conditions. Additionally, basil may be used as a natural diuretic to relieve fluid retention. Some people also use it to clear up head colds and minor respiratory infections. Additionally, basil can be applied topically to treat warts and insect bites. For women who are nursing, basil is sometimes consumed to promote milk production and circulation. It is also sometimes used before and after childbirth to help with blood circulation.
Benefits: Basil has been shown to have adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. Research indicates that holy basil specifically can promote mental balance and help the mind cope with various types of stress. While the concept of an adaptogen is holistic in nature, the science behind holy basil’s stress-relieving benefits is very specific. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage stress, this powerful plant is definitely worth considering.
Things To Consider: Basil likes to stay moist and requires approximately 1 inch of water every week. Water deeply at least once a week to keep roots growing deep and the soil moist. Basil growing in containers will need more frequent watering. Your goal when growing basil in a container is to keep the soil from drying out.
Description / Interesting Facts: Thyme is an aromatic herb that hails from the Mediterranean. It has a long history of use in cooking, medicine and as a decoration. The leaves, flowers and oil of thyme are all used to treat various ailments. These include stomach aches, diarrhea, arthritis and sore throats. Thyme is most commonly found in the form of Thymus vulgaris.
How To Use: Many people use thyme oil as a natural remedy for hoarseness, swollen tonsils, sore mouth, and bad breath. Thyme oil is known to be a powerful germ-killer and is often used in mouthwashes and liniments. Applying thyme oil to the scalp has also been shown to be effective in treating baldness, and it can also be used to fight bacterial and fungal infections in the ears.
Benefits: Thyme is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been traditionally used to treat coughs and respiratory infections. Some recent studies have also shown that thyme may help improve cognitive function in patients with dementia. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.
Things To Consider: Feed regularly with a water-soluble plant food. Keep soil moist and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Once thyme is established, harvest as needed but avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Description / Interesting Facts: Lemon balm is a plant that is native to Europe. It is grown in many places around the world, including herb gardens and farms. The plant has many uses, such as medicine, cosmetics, and furniture polish. Lemon balm usually grows to be about 2 feet tall, but can grow taller if they do not trim it.
How To Use: Lemon balm has long been used as a natural remedy for cold sores. A recent study found that applying a lotion containing lemon balm extract to cold sores right after they appear can shorten healing time and reduce symptoms. If you’re feeling stressed, lemon balm may be able to help. Taking it by mouth has been shown to increase calmness, memory, and alertness in adults under mental stress.
Benefits: Lemon balm has long been used as a herbal remedy for various ailments, including digestive disorders, nervous system problems, and liver diseases. Today, lemon balm is still widely used for its medicinal properties. You can drink it as a tea, take it as a supplement or extract, or apply it topically in the form of balms and lotions. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy for its stress-relieving and calming effects. However, it should only be used for short-term purposes, no more than six weeks. Be sure to stop using lemon balm two weeks before any planned surgery, as it may slow down blood clotting.
Things To Consider: Lemon balm is a versatile plant that can grow in many different types of soil, but it prefers rich, well-drained soil. This plant can grow in part shade to full sun, but it will be most vigorous in full sun. You don’t need to fertilize lemon balm for it to thrive, as this can actually diminish the intensity of its fragrance.
There are so many plants that are said to have medicinal values. Some of them are used to cure common diseases and ailments, others to increase immunity and a few to improve overall well being. Consider the lists above for some healing plants that you can grow in your garden and reap the benefits of their positive energy.
Herbal remedies are a great way to naturally treat common ailments without having to rely on harsh chemicals. And, these 9 healing plants are some of the most effective herbs out there. From treating inflammation to boosting immunity, these plants can do it all. So, read on to learn more about the amazing health benefits of these 9 healing plants.
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