Growing Medicinal Plants Herbs
Medicinal Plants: Gardening With Medicinal Herb Plants
Medicinal Plants That Heal
There are thousands of species of plants which have medicinal properties and which are used in the preparation of many pharmaceutical drugs. Many plants are used in traditional medicine systems and there has been an increase in the use of medicinal plants in the past few decades. More and more people are opting for herbal medicines for various health problems and ailments. Apart from medicinal use these plants are also used for cleaning, making perfumes or for personal care needs. The medicinal property of the plants depends on the type of chemical component present in them. Here are some of the medicinal herbs that can be grown in your garden easily.
Mint
This is a herb which can be grown in garden beds or in pots. Mint requires well drained, humus rich, moist soil and moderate sunshine to grow. Mint is rich in antioxidants and there are different varieties such as peppermint and spearmint. The menthol content in the plant leaves helps as a decongestant during common cold infection. The soothing and cooling effect gives relief from indigestion and upset stomach. It also relieves bloating and discomfort caused by gas in the stomach. Peppermint tea is a commonly used home remedy for flatulence. Mint is used in the preparation of skin lotions and ointments for treating skin rashes and insect bites.
Basil
Basil is used in Thai, Italian and Mediterranean culinary dishes as an aromatic garnish. This plant can withstand cold and frost to some extent. They grow well in moist soil in places receiving good sun. Basil has antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-flatulent, expectorant properties. Basil tea is refreshing and also relieves stomach problems such as constipation, indigestions, gastritis, etc. This plant helps in reducing throat inflammation and cold and fever. Basil can be easily grown from seeds in your herbal garden.
Ginger
Ginger can be grown well in places with soil temperatures 200 -300 C. You need to prepare the soil by adding sand and compost to ensure good drainage as well as moisture. You can plant fresh pieces of ginger with signs of shoots. Watering is required during summer and reduces watering when the plant starts to die after 25 weeks. Ginger will be ready to harvest after 25 weeks. Ginger is a good remedy for motion sickness, morning sickness, diarrhea, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. The phenolic content in ginger relieves the gastrointestinal problems and increases the production of bile and saliva.
Fennel
You can easily grow fennel in your garden by sowing them at soil temperatures 10 to 25 degree Celsius. Fennel loves full sun and fertile and well drained soil. The leaves, seeds and bulbs are used in various dishes. The plant provides an aniseed flavour. The curative property includes diuretic properties, fighting colic attack, promoting breast milk production, curing asthma, headache, cough etc.
Chamomile
This plant not only offers soothing properties but also fills your garden with sweet scented flowers. You can use German chamomile or Roman chamomile for your herbal garden. Well drained, moist soil and full sun are necessary for their growth. Chamomile tea offers calming or soothing effect. The anti-inflammatory property helps in treating acne, sore throat, ulcers etc.
It is said 25% of the total prescription drugs today are obtained by herbs and 75% are from plant juices. Now you know what medicinal herb plants are and how they can benefit your health try planting and growing some herbal remedies that do heal in your garden today.
