Did you know there are plants you can grow in your garden and have they healing properties? Check out five medicinal garden plants to grow this year and the uses for each one.
1. Echinacea
Also known as purple coneflower, this ornamental plant is part of the aster family and can be used in various forms to boost immunity and stave off the effects of cold, flu, and other germs. Echinacea can be planted in either cutting or seed form and grown in any well-drained garden soil in partial sun (no more than half shade).
2. Chamomile
Commonly used in tea, chamomile flowers are known to aid digestion, relieve colic in infants, and promote healthy sleep. This plant is usually grown directly from seed and will yield delicate, daisy-like flowers in about six weeks. These blooms can be picked and dried, then made into tea. Chamomile does well in cooler climates and should be planted in full sun. It also self-propagates, so it will come back on its own each season.
3. Yarrow
Yarrow, another member of the aster family, contains chemicals that reduce inflammation, facilitate healing, relieve pain, and calm anxiety. This plant required little care and from June through September, even grows pink lilacs! When you’re ready to use medicinal garden plants like yarrow, harvest and dry the stalks.
Related article: 5 Common Medicinal Plants Found in the Wilderness
4. Lemon Balm
This fragrant plant has long been used to reduce fever, treat cold symptoms, relieve cramping and headaches, and induce restful sleep and relieve anxiety. The fresh leaves can be used to make tea that tastes delicious either hot or iced. Lemon balm can be grown from seed and flourishes in fertile soil and full sun.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a well-known digestive aid, so it’s a great choice among medicinal garden plants to grow. The plant is also know for curing a number of other ailments, such as indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and IBS. Since this herb is invasive, it should be grown in containers rather than directly in your garden.
Check out ginkgo biloba review, it may be another plant to add to your medicine cabinet and it’s easy to grow!
Featured Image from Nature Uninterrupted Photography/Unsplash
