Every gardener knows that plants can serve multiple purposes. They add color and beauty to our landscape, provide yummy fruits, vegetables, and herbs for our kitchen, and purify our air. In the day of modern medicine, however, we seem to forget how useful plants can be in providing us with medicinal assistance. These are some of the most useful plants to start growing in your home or garden.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a mild, daisy-like plant with white flowers. It is usually brewed into a tea and it is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It can even be made into a salve and used to calm skin rashes and eczema. Chamomile tea helps with insomnia because of its natural calming effect. It can help with muscle pain, stomach pain, and even calm fussy babies dealing with colic. When you think of chamomile, think “calm.”
Echinacea
This plant blooms into a bright purple sunburst with a golden middle. Echinacea is famous for its ability to boost the immune system. When you have any kind of sinus or respiratory infection, Echinacea is the first plant you should turn to. It works best as a preventative measure, so taking a daily dose of Echinacea is beneficial for those prone to seasonal afflictions.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may be the most versatile plant you can grow in your home. It can be used on skin, cooked, ingested, or even used in your beauty routine! Rub aloe on your skin to treat burns or sunburns. Massage it into your scalp to treat dandruff. Boil the leaves in water and inhale the steam to help with asthma. You can even swish the aloe juice around in your mouth to promote healthier teeth and gums.
Peppermint
Peppermint is best used for tummy troubles. If you’re feeling nauseated, chewing a peppermint leaf may be the best remedy. Peppermint also gets bonus points for freshening your breath. Boiling the leaves into tea can help soothe stomachaches, diarrhea, morning sickness, and headaches. Even the scent of peppermint can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Blackberries
Surprisingly, blackberries have many medicinal properties. Blackberry juice is rumored to be good for heart health, but blackberries are more widely applauded for their antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin C, which leads to healthier eyes and a stronger immune system. Blackberries help protect your skin from sun damage, improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood clotting, and aide in keeping blood sugar levels steady for people who have diabetes.
