10 Medicinal Plants That You Can Grow at Home
When we are sick, traditionally, it is first instinct to go to the doctor, get a prescription, and take that prescription as told. This is effective but it can be worrisome to put things into your body that are not natural. However, there are powerful remedies to common illnesses and discomforts that could grow right in your backyard! Choose from a variety of possible homegrown, medicinal plants that are good for cooking as well as being quite potent for medicinal uses. With that being said, it is always important to consult your doctor before self-treatment. If you are sick, see a doctor first and discuss your options including your medicinal plant use before using.
Plants That Heal
1. Cayenne
Spice things up with cayenne! This flavorful spice is useful for enhancing your metabolism and promoting digestion. Capsaicin is present in cayenne and is known to alleviate pain, as it is found in topical ointments; aiding shingles and back pain. Among other topical uses, cayenne has been shown to dissolve fibrin, a substance that leads to blood clots making it useful to apply to an open wound to staunch bleeding.
2. Bay
Bay leaves grow on trees so there is always an abundant supply ready for you. Although they grow slow, once fully grown they can be up to 50 feet tall. They also make beautiful additions to any yard.
The plants have been used traditionally to aid digestion. However, did you know that by soaking bay leaves in oil they can be wrapped around sprains and arthritic joints to ease the discomfort? They also can help with coughs and colds by placing a bay leaf infused warm washcloth on your chest. There was even a recent study showing that bay leaves can help with Type 2 diabetes by improving insulin production.
3. Oregano
This herb has a wide range of uses and can be prepared and used in different forms. Oregano is sold widely in oil form health stores. Its calming properties help reduce tension in muscles and stress. Also, when applied topically, you can benefit from its anti-bacterial properties as well as its ability to ease swelling, aching, and bee stings. Aside from its oil state, when prepared as a tea, it can be used to stimulate the appetite, digestion, and to relieve bloating.
4. Ginger
Ginger plants a whole lot of good qualities that human bodies can benefit from. The list is long for this one but some of its medicinal attributes include gut healing, easing nausea, preventing ulcers, strengthens the immune system, anti-inflammatory aid, cholesterol-lowering, supporting healthy blood sugar levels, and maintaining memory. Ginger has warming properties which makes it particularly good for treating colds, stomach cramps, and menstrual discomfort.
Ginger is easy to grow and will continue growing even after use. How might this be? You can cut off a part of it and return the rest to the soil to continue growing!
5. Basil
Basil comes in many varieties, from lemon basil to cinnamon basil. It needs warm air to grow so if you are in the colder months, you can still plant your basil seeds indoors in pots. They are easy to grow and also taste great in many dishes.
This flat green leaf is rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene creates vitamin A which works to maintain the health of our eyes, skin and immune system. Basil can be used to fight depression, indigestion, fevers, colds, nausea, and vomiting.
6. Parsley
Parsley is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is useful for detoxing and cleansing the body due to the fact that it is a herbal diuretic. You also don’t need to prepare it anyway if you have stomach cramps. Just simply eat the leaves and feel the relief. You can also brew it as a tea for these purposes as well.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint oil soothes by easing stress and tension. It also cools as it soothes which, when used topically, is great for easing muscle soreness. Many studies have shown that the plants oil has the ability to soothe your tummy as well by relaxing your stomach muscles. You can also steep peppermint leaves as a tea to treat nausea and flatulence.
8. Rosemary
Not only does it smell fantastic, but rosemary also contains compounds that stimulate the immune system, promote digestion, while being anti-inflammatory all in one! Rosemary has been used to treat circulatory conditions, Alzheimer’s, indigestion, and stiff muscles.
9. Sage
Sage is an MVP for flu season. Like rosemary, the volatile oils in sage also have anti-inflammatory properties. The great thing about sage is that you can benefit from its medicinal properties just by adding it to any dish. It tastes great and you will be feeling healthy just by eating!
10. Thyme
Thyme offers powerful antimicrobial properties. It’s aromatic oils can be beneficial in treating respiratory troubles like asthma. So smell away!