Minky Chawla
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Long ago, when there were no hospitals and people needed ailments, they were not dependent on medicines but plants. Plants were only used to cure illness and heal wounds. Moreover, many modern drugs, such as aspirin, are derived from healing plants. Humans have found many plants that are useful for nutrition for adding spice to foods and also for treating us.
Positive mental health as per science is proving that gardening isn’t just about all those pretty flowers in your backyard. Instead, it shows that gardening can help you deal with anxiety and depression, manage stress, and control blood pressure. And there’s no question that is getting outside and putting your hands in the dirt for a few minutes after a stress-filled day just feels right.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera grows indoors in bright light. We don’t have to overwater it as it doesn’t like to keep wet. It overcrowds in the pot, so you don’t have to worry about dividing and repotting it unless you want to make more plants.
How to use: Compounds in the leaves of this plant have anti-inflammatory properties that heal the skin tissue. Cut off the largest outermost leaves, peel and squeeze the gel-like substance onto minor burns or to soothe poison ivy or poison oak rashes.
MINT
Mint has hundreds of varieties of different flavors. It is an aggressive grower, so keep it in pots, or it will take over the whole garden. It likes full sun and is one of the most natural herbs to grow.
How to use: Mint relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach. When you have tummy trouble or feel nauseated, make a tea of it and sip. Strip about a dozen leaves and steep in one cup of boiling water until it takes on a yellowish hue.
LEMON BALM
This versatile herb likes full sun and well-drained soil. Its small white flowers aren’t particularly showy. One should keep it in a container so that it doesn’t spread quickly in the garden.
How to use: As the name suggests, healing pour one cup of boiling water over five or six fresh leaves of this balm. Steep for five minutes, strain and sweeten. Drink several times a day for an upset tummy.
ROSEMARY
Rosemary has originated from the Mediterranean. It needs full sun and prefers sandy or rocky soil. It can tolerate drought and is perennial in a warm climate. Pot it up and bring it indoors for the winter, giving it enough light. It is suitable for oily hair.
How to use: Place one teaspoon dried rosemary or a handful of fresh rosemary in a cup of boiling water and make a hair rinse. Add one tablespoon lemon juice, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and let the mixture cool and pour through freshly-shampooed hair.
CHAMOMILE
There are two types of Chamomile flowers — Roman chamomile, which is a low-growing perennial and German chamomile that grows annually. It can become two feet tall. It likes full sun to part shade but does good in well-drained soils. You will be glad to know that it aids sleep and indigestion.
How to use: Both types are used interchangeably. You can use them when the flowers just begin to open, harvest them, and spread out to dry. Then make a tea to aid sleep or indigestion. For this chop the dried flowers and add about one tablespoon per cup of hot water, and steep five minutes or place the chopped herbs in a small muslin bag with a drawstring to make a teabag. Bonus: Use this after it cools to soothe red, puffy eyes!
LAVENDER
Lavender is easy to grow in full sun in well-drained soil and is used as a perfume as well as an insect repellent. Its widespread use includes its antiseptic properties like stabilizing mood, improved sleep, balanced blood sugar, pain relief, and speedy wound healing.
How to use: Harvest the leaves and flowers of the lavender (just as the flower spikes begin to open), chop them up and put them in a small sachet, and tuck a few under your pillow to reduce anxiety and help you sleep better.
SAGE
Sage needs full sun and well-drained soil. Not at all difficult to grow and is a popular culinary herb used in stuffing, chicken, and pork dishes. As far as health benefits are concerned, it can boost your mood and relieve anxiety. Sage is effective in treating inflamed throat and also acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals. One can also enhance memory power.
How to use: Sage’s antimicrobial properties may relieve cold symptoms. Chop up about one teaspoon of the leaves and steep in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Cool and use as a gargle for sore throats.
THYME
Thyme likes hot, dry conditions and soil that isn’t too rich. It’s incredibly easy to grow in full sun, and its most varieties spread quickly. It has all the vitamins your body needs every day. Luckily, thyme is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A. If you feel a cold coming on, thyme can help get you back in good health. Other health benefits of thyme are that it is a good source of copper, fiber, iron, and manganese…
How to use: Thyme’s antimicrobial activity can relieve coughs and cold symptoms. Make a tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of fresh leaves, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink several times a day.
CALENDULA
These pretty orange and yellow flowers, also known as French pot marigold, like full sun and moist soil and bloom from summer until frost. Its tea cures the urinary infection. Its healing and anti-inflammatory properties soothe the throat and relieve you from ulcers and help indigestion.
How to use: Pick the flowers when they’re fully opened, but not yet gone to seed. Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of petals. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and let cool. Use it as a mouthwash or gargle to relieve inflammation.
BASIL
Basil is a great and excellent source of vitamins and essential nutrients. There are a lot of other nutrients, plenty of vitamins and minerals are present in the basil such as vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acid.
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