For the avid gardener, nothing is more rewarding than growing and producing your own fruits and vegetables. Flowers are another way to enjoy yard space and create curb appeal. But what if your garden could boost your health, too?
Growing an herb garden could be the key. Once you know what herbal remedies serve which needs, it’s easy to plan and grow a wide array of options. Here’s how some savvy gardeners treat common conditions without ever leaving their own property.
Ease Stomach Discomfort
There’s nothing more unsettling than a sour stomach. Whether the trigger is gastroenteritis or something you ate, getting rid of nausea is a top priority. Having a peppermint plant in your backyard can come in handy during times of stomach distress.
Packing a refreshing zing, peppermint tea can combat nausea, indigestion, and vomiting. According to Mount Sinai, it also works well in a tincture.
Having this herb in your garden will not only reinvigorate your senses, but it may also soothe an upset tummy. Plus, it just plain smells fantastic, too!
Control Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety can creep up out of the blue. Finding natural ways to manage it isn’t always easy, but your herb garden may be able to assist. In fact, simply planting your own herbs and tending to a small garden space can help ease stress. But a fragrant lavender plant can actually trigger your body’s natural relaxation response.
Benefiting your nervous system, lavender oils and flowers help calm nerves and ease tension. This beautiful plant is also an attractive pollinator in the garden.
Boost Memory and Concentration
Have trouble concentrating? The cause could be as simple as stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise. Reviving those tapped reserves naturally is often best.
Rosemary does just that. According to Healthline, this simple plant stimulates the body to generate and send more oxygen to the brain, making it a good alternative to caffeine products for that extra stamina to get through the day.
Use rosemary in tea or in your favorite recipe.
Improve Skin Health
Calendula, or pot marigold, is a type of herbal plant that soothes tired skin. Planting this golden flower in full sun will give you years of fresh new plants because it easily reseeds itself.
This herb contains flavonoids, which are powerful healers with strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can harvest the petals right away or dry the flower heads just before they go to seed.
The true benefit of Calendula is that it can ease irritated, stressed skin. It may also help calm itching and inflammation in certain areas.
While herbs should never take the place of medical care, there’s plenty of evidence to show they have a role to play in health and wellness. Plus, growing your own herbal remedies is an excellent way to ensure good potency and effectiveness. Just be sure to label and store each mixture properly for maximum effectiveness.
