So many of us are fond of gardening and a small kitchen garden in the backyard is a source of simple delight.
But why don’t we plant an herb garden instead of growing vegetables? Herbs make for such good healing and have a varied use. And they are also very easy to grow.
So, just choose growing plants from your local garden center, rather than seedlings. Grown annually for one season, these herbs do not need much tending to and can grow on their own.
Herbs are a great low-calorie way to boost flavor apart from having a variety of health benefits. Herbs like coriander, mint and parsley are used for both seasoning and for their medicinal properties. Some of the other herbs that work as great seasoning are rosemary, sage, basil, thyme and marjoram. But the health benefits of these herbs outweigh their other properties. For example, coriander beats bloating and wind while thyme is a natural antiseptic. Parsley is rich in Vitamin C and basil is an anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate IBS syndrome. It also acts as a natural antibacterial.
Some of the most common medicinal herbs are calendula, German chamomile, lemon balm, St Johns Wart, peppermint and yarrow. Lavender is often used as fragrances in perfumes, oils and candles. This too has a healing effect.
Calendula has antiseptic properties and is used to treat wounds, skin abrasions and infections. It also helps alleviate indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
An herb like alfalfa has the properties of a blood cleanser. It is rich in fiber, calcium, protein and Vitamin A. And like the alfalfa, the blue green algae too have blood cleansing properties. They are used as a tonic to improve overall health. Also hike energy levels and said to be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
Mullein is another medicinal herb which is used very often in the treatment of respiratory illness. It helps clear the lungs.
Echinacea and sage are the more commonly used medicinal herbs and have many benefits. The former is used topically in tincture form as a wash for skin irritations. Sage, the name of which is derived from the Latin salvare which means ‘to heal’, is often used to provide relief from respiratory infections, like cough and sore throats. It is also said to be good for the liver.
And there are many other herbs that can contribute toward our staying healthy.