10 herbs you can easily grow at home
Our society often gives off the impression that leading a healthy lifestyle is inconvenient, expensive and simply out of reach. However, this is a mere myth that you can bust yourself. Food can be medicine or a poison, depending on what you choose to put in your body. Growing a garden can feel like an unattainable goal, especially to someone without a natural green thumb. While it does take time and attention, it can be accomplished one plant at a time, one day at a time. Be patient. Once you know the benefits of these easily grown herbs, you’ll believe it is worth your effort.
Photo by Not Just A Housewife
Most grocery stores offer these herbs in plant or another form. But keep in mind these words from Brian Hetrich, a naturopathic doctor and gardening expert at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, “Half of the nutritional value of plants is lost within thirty minutes of harvesting. When you grow your own herbs you can use what you need at the moment by harvesting small amounts, fresh from the plant.” Save money and reap the most benefit from the herbs you intake by growing them at home.
- Parsley is loaded with nutrients and heals flatulence and bad breath. Be patient with its growing process, as it will take longer than you’d prefer, and make sure its soil doesn’t get too dry.
- Basil is known to have the same mood-enhancers as its sweet counterpart, chocolate. It aids with ever-undesirable flatulence, increases a lack of appetite, heals cuts and scrapes, and helps clear any skin inflammation. It has a detoxifying effect on the liver, and lastly, it is an excellent source of fiber. It doesn’t require much attention, only to be watered every other day.
- Chamomile Talk about flower power! Use the flower heads in a salve to relieve indigestion and colic, anxiety and tension, as well as any inflammations or irritations. It will soothe you from the inside out, from spirit to flesh.
- Peppermint helps to alleviate gas, aid indigestion, and reduces pain caused by headaches. Just two tablespoons provides more than half of the daily-recommended intake of Vitamin A. This plant grows fast! Try growing it outdoors in an isolated area, as it will overtake any plant in its region.
- Rosemary increases memory and concentration, improves mood, and sweetens breath. To grow rosemary requires full-on sunshine and frequent watering. Plant it where you will often touch it to release its strong aroma, which is what will aid your mind.
- Thyme is a strong antiseptic, aiding in relieving a cough, congestion, indigestion and gas. The flowers are pretty enough to grow inside your home. It will remain small in size and requires plenty of sunshine.
- Marigold when applied topically is good for healing sunburns, acne and blemishes. It soothes ulcers and digestive problems. When the flower dies, replant the flower petals to start again. It is the flower that keeps on giving!
- Lavender’s scent alone is known to calm and relax. It eases pain and acts as an antiseptic when applied to cuts and bruises. Lavender grows best outdoors under 8 hours of sunshine in well-drained soil.
- Echinacea eases the severity of a cold or flu symptoms and helps to strengthen your immune system.
- Dill is a great antioxidant and is said to cure hiccups if slowly sipped in tea form. When grown in a large pot outside, it only needs to be watered once a week.
Don’t feel like you have to have a thriving garden right away. Be as patient with yourself as you are with your plants. Start with just one or two herbs at first. Enjoy the process, and enjoy the benefits of these homegrown herbs!
