With so many people promoting healthy alternative lifestyles these days it can seem like a daunting task to wade through all manner of information looking for the definitive answer on what flowers, plants and barks you can eat and drink – or even just use in baths and the like – on a regular basis to promote or help with common health complaints. Here is a short list of some of the plants you can use for health issues or just to help promote everyday health, with the bonus that these can be easily grown in your garden, patio or in a window box for ease of access!
Aloe Vera
Aloe is great as it can be used for a number of skin problems and complaints and can help relieve the pain associated with cuts, scrapes and mild burns. It’s great for moisturising the skin and hair and can be used all over the body where dry skin is a nuisance. The gel like innards can even be taken internally in juices and teas for a host of other health benefits such as treating diarrhea, helping the digestive tract, aiding in constipation and providing a huge burst of antioxidants to the body.
Mint
Mint is a fantastic herb for any window box, garden or apothecary due to its great cold fighting properties. Useful in cooking as well as for headaches and to attract money, protection and prosperity into the home, mint is a herb that has been used for its fantastic properties for millennia. Dry the leaves and steep in water to make a bright, invigorating and refreshing cup of tea, perfect for mid afternoon pick me ups.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a small white flower similar to a daisy that takes off like a weed and can be grown almost anywhere. Great for calming baths, teas, sachets and more, this versatile herb has likewise been used for millennia to also help with nausea, cramping, muscle spasms and can be great to help you sleep and relax.
Lavender
Known for its calming properties, lavender is also a fantastic pain reliever when it comes to headaches. Lavender has always been a go to herb for many to help with sleeping issues and anxiety. Use a bit in your bathwater for a luxurious experience that will leave you with the impression of wandering the lavender fields of France. You can even cook with it and make lavender tea or iced tea to help with headaches and anxiety as well.
Stinging Nettle
Okay, so more a pest of a plant than a herb or flower, stinging nettle is actually incredibly useful in both home and garden and has a variety of uses. Dried stinging nettle can be crumbled up and steeped in a tea that is full of antioxidants and can help with digestive health. It can help ease water retention as well as promote healthy gum health and even reduce issues surrounding blood sugar in those with diabetes. Want a 100% organic fertiliser that will make your garden explode? Chop up fresh nettle including stems and steep it in a covered container of some kind for around fourteen days. Warning: It will smell horribly, kind of like fish. Just mix with water when watering the garden and watch the results.
So if you are looking for some great suggestions on herbs to grow that will add a whole host of benefits to your life, this is the way to go. So grab some potting soil and cuttings and get to work creating your own fantastic herb garden today!