Herbs & Plant Medicine

Medicinal herbs are plants that are used for their therapeutic properties. They have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and promote health and wellness. Some of the benefits of medicinal herbs include reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and relieving stress and anxiety. Incorporating medicinal herbs into your diet or using them in natural remedies can be a great way to support your health and well-being.

The Pharmacy is in your Garden

Your family will benefit when you add herb plants to your garden. The other plants will benefit as well!

We can take steps towards a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle life by reducing our dependency on outside sources. One way to accomplish this to add medicinal herbs to our gardens and our diets. Plants have been used since forever to treat ailments, strengthen the immune system, and contribute to good health and well-being. With medicinal herbs in the garden, we have at -home aids for improving digestion, boosting the immune system, relieving stress and anxiety, and more. Most people do not realize that herbs currently thought of as only seasonings – such as rosemary, mint, and savory -, are filled with health qualities. Many herbs are easy to grow; their flowers will bring bees to your garden; and they can offer your food crops protection against disease and insects.

Easy to grow medicinal plants for every garden

Borage, Borago officinalis, is an annual herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has, star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves. Borage is commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its leaves and flowers are used to make tea, and its seed oil is used in skincare products. The edible flower is used by chefs to decorate their creations. Additionally, the blue flowers of borage attract pollinators to gardens. Borage is easy to grow and reseeds easily.

Calendula, Calendula officinalis, is a plant that belongs to the daisy family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 60 cm in height and produces bright yellow or orange flowers. Calendula is known for its medicinal properties and is commonly to treat skin conditions such eczema, wounds, and burns. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent. Calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil, it be grown in containers or in the ground. Calendula has "C" shaped leaves that reseed on their own. Flowers are edible and made a beautiful addition to salads.

Nasturtium, Tropaeolum, is a genus of roughly 80 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants. These plants are native to South and Central America, but have been widely throughout the world for their ornamental value and culinary uses. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and prefer full sun to partial shade, making them a popular choice for gardeners all skill levels. They are also edible and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.The flowers have a spicy radish flavor.

Lavender, Lavandula, is a popular herb that is widely used for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a great addition to any garden. Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects, and is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It also used in cooking, cosmetics, and as a natural insect repellent.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that grows as a compact-small to medium-sized woody shrub. It helps with memory, concentration, and alertness. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain, swelling, and arthritis symptoms. It stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and improves gut health. In addition, Rosemary oil has astringent and antibacterial properties that helps treat skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. It also promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff

Mint is an aromatic, perennial herb. It has spreading, underground, and overground roots and square stems. Mints will grow 4–48 inches tall and can spread unchecked, while some mints are considered invasive. Mint can help relieve indigestion and stomach pain, because it contains an enzyme that promotes digestion and metabolism. It is included in many oral care products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, and breath mints. Peppermint oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm properties, as well as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective properties.

Chamomile has two popular types that are both easy to grow. German chamomile, an annual, produces abundant flowers, and self-seeds. German chamomile is the more common variety to grow in herb gardens and to use for teas.

Roman chamomile is a perennial that will return from its roots in the spring and produces larger, more fragrant blooms. This variety is a popular ground cover. Its blooms taste bitter, and therefore not often used for culinary purposes.

Chamomile, in general, promotes relaxation, and thus can help reduce anxiety and stress. It alleviates stomach cramps, gas, and indigestion. It also reduces pain and swelling associated with conditions such as arthritis and menstrual cramps, , Chamomile contains antioxidants and, helps lower blood sugar levels.

Herbal Preparations

Once you have grown all those lovely herbs, what do you do with them?

There are more ways to ingest herbs than the eating them in food or drinking them in tea.

Many farmer’s markets have vendors who are creating products from herbs. Be creative and try them all!

Types of Herbal Preparations:

Infusions: Herbs are steeped in hot water for a period of time.
Decoctions: Herbs are boiled in water for a longer period.
Tinctures: Herbs are soaked in alcohol or vinegar.
Salves: Herbs are mixed with oils or waxes to create a topical ointment.
Essential oils: Herbs are distilled to make concentrated extracts.

Other ways to use herbs

Caps: Fill caps with dried herbs.
Hydrosols: water-based portion of the seam distillation process used to make essential oils
Perfumes
Sprays
Bath soaks and salts
Soaps