How many times have you had to run to the drug store to get an ointment for a burn? Imagine how handy it would be to just step into your backyard and heal away these small burns, rashes and indigestions.
Here is a list of medicinal plants to grow at home which will not only beautify your garden, but will also work as an amazing means of improving health mental stress release.
15 Medicinal Plants to Grow at Home
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
This beautiful, compact plant of light yellow to deep orange color is more than just a flower. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which are known to soothe the skin and keep you looking fresh and young. It is externally applied to:
- Wounds
- Bites
- Stings
- Sprains
- Sore eyes
- Corns and warts
- Taken in tea increases circulation and eases varicose veins
It blooming season is from the early summer to the beginning of frost. It takes around 45 – 60 days for them to grow from seeds to full grown flowers.
Motherwort
This plant is used to make medicines. It treats heart disease, asthma, absence of menstrual cycles in females, painful menstrual cycles and menopause symptoms and also sleep problems and hyperactive thyroid gland.
It can be applied directly onto the skin for wounds, itches and shingles. It is rich in antioxidants, reduces inflammation and has antimicrobial effects. It also induces uterine contractions, hence effective in proper menstrual cycles in females.
Passionflower
This is a climbing vine which has healing properties. It will add great aesthetic and medicinal value to your personal garden. It can be taken orally for insomnia, anxiety and attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD). It can also be applied directly onto the skin for swelling burns and hemorrhoids.
This flower has muscle relaxing, sleep inducing and calming effects.
Echinacea – Purple Coneflower
This popular herb is usually taken to combat flu and cold. It improves the immune system and treats illnesses and infections. The active chemical properties of Echinacea include phenols, alkylamides and alkamides. They have antioxidants which are great for human health. Some of its uses are
- Acid indigestion
- Pain rheumatism
- Bloodstream infection
- Dizziness
- Genital herpes
- Migraine
- Malaria
- Gum disease
- Fatigue
- Tooth ache
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Tulsi, known as the Queen of herbs, is known for its healing properties for centuries and is one of the best medicinal herbs to grow indoors. It is mentioned in ancient medicinal texts of ayurved. Tulsi beads are also worn by many believers as it has positive physical and healing effects.
- It is taken as an herbal tea
- It has antibacterial properties
- It helps relieve severe and acute respiratory syndrome
- It is known to cure bronchitis, cough and gives relieve in cold
- It is used as eardrops
- It combats against malaria, cholera, hysteria and indigestion
- Very effective against indigestion and headaches
Sage
Sage in Latin is ‘Salvia’, which literally means ‘to heal’. It has been used for centuries for its amazing medicinal effects. It is effective in treating internal problems
- Female sterility
- Menopausal problem
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive perspiration
- Excessive lactation
- Liver problems
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
On the other hand, it has many external applications to treat:
- Gum infections
- Insect bites
- Skin infections
- Vaginal discharge
- Mouth infections
- Throat infection
Lemon Balm
These fresh and lemony smelling leaves are used externally and also taken orally. These leaves are sweet smelling and full of nectar, that’s the reason they can either be applied or crushed and mixed with water.
It can be applied on:
- Insect bites
- Herpes
- Skin as mosquito repellent
- Sores
- Gout
It leaves are crushed and mixed with water to:
- Treat colds
- Relieve fevers
- Relief for indigestion
Chamomile
This white flower has a fruity, herby fragrance and has been used as a medicinal remedy for digestive problems for years. It is also used for stress release and for calming effects by means of aromatherapy and helps in sleeping. It is also used for toothache, earache and shoulder pain.
John’s Wort
These yellow colored small flowers and its leaves contain healing properties. It is known for its amazing results for treating mild to moderate depression. It is also used as a dietary supplement for treating menopausal symptoms and obsessive compulsive disorder. It can also be used topically to help heal wounds.
Siberian Ginseng
This is used as a powerful tonic herb for good health. It is medicinally used
- As an anti-inflammatory
- For chemo protective purposes
- For immunogenic purposes
- For radiological protection
- To treat Poor appetite
- As a treatment Insomnia
- To release Physical and mental stress
- To treat Menopausal problems
- For Increasing endurance
- For Enhancing memory
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is the most popular medicinal plant. It is grown on well drained moist soil with plenty of sunlight. It has many internal and external applications.
- Its gel is known to soothe burns
- It heals cuts and wounds
- It is anti-inflammatory
- It can also be taken with water to relieve chronic constipation, poor appetite and digestive problems.
- It can also be applied on the skin to make it fresh and younger looking. It helps in hair thickening and hair growth when applied on the scalp. The gel is also known to have teeth-whitening effects.
Parsley
Parsley looks great for garnishing and is packed with nutrients. It helps with bad breath and flatulence.
Thyme
Great for treating coughs, this antiseptic plant is known for the treatment of congestion and stomach gas as well. It is also used to treat bronchitis and whooping cough. Being an antiseptic, it also treats colic, parasitic worm infections and skin disorders.
Lavender
Known for its sweet perfume, this beautiful purple plant also has wonderful medicinal benefits. It is an anti-depressant and adding a few of its leaves in your bath will help you release stress and cure insomnia. It is also used to treat sunburns and acne.
Basil
This ‘king of the herbs’ has small leaves and is really effective in treating flatulence, lack of appetite and small cuts and wounds. It also treats snake and insect bites. When taken with water, it treats stomach spasms and intestinal gas.
Plants are nature’s greatest gift to us. Making use of their extraordinary qualities is been going on for many centuries. It is a great idea to have such plants as a small garden at home. On top of that, you can put these plants at the right place to decorate your home. It is a great hobby and the mere act of taking care of these plants will be stress-releasing. Not only will it provide you with natural and organic health benefits, a medicinal garden will also make your home an eco-friendly haven for you and your family.
