Ancient cultures around the world have a long history of using medicinal plants and herbs for treating a variety of ailments and illnesses. There are still a plethora of plant species that are not fully known by modern science.
Before the advent of modern medicine in the last 200 years, plants are the only source of medicine to treat any illnesses that people suffer. The chemicals from many of these healing plants and their healing effects form the basis for most modern medicine today.
According to the World Health Organization, 11 percent of the 252 drugs that are in the basic and essential category are exclusively from flowering plants. There is an incredible variety of medicinal herbs in the world, but unfortunately, you may find it difficult to purchase most of these from your local market.
By possessing the knowledge of how to grow your herbs and about the medicinal properties of these herbs, you can avoid regular visits to the doctor. You can also save on significant expenses on medical treatment. Here are the top 8 medicinal herbs for your garden with all the details on how to grow and how they heal.
1. Gingko
Gingko is one of the oldest medicinal plants that are an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine.You need a large open space for planting Gingko trees as these trees can grow to large sizes during their potential life span of 3000 years.Although Ginglo trees can tolerate a variety of soils, they thrive best on sandy soil.
Gingko trees do not require additional fertilizers, however, they require direct sunlight. Gingko plays an effective role in improving brain health and can help in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. According to recent research, Gingko can help in treating diabetes and improve bone healing.
2. Mint
There is a load of varieties of mint to choose from and grow, ranging from chocolate to peppermint. Mint is an aggressive species, and if you do not want it to spread through your whole garden, you need to keep it in a pot.
Mint does not require any special care and can tolerate most types of soil as long as it gets a good deal of sunlight. Mint is effective for healing your digestive issues. You can make tea from boiling mint leaves and water in a pot, which can relieve nausea.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is an excellent medicinal herb that has an appealing smell and sweet flavor, and it serves as a mild sedative and relaxant. The high Azulene content in Chamomile provides anti-inflammatory properties, and you can use it as a pain relief for arthritis.
Chamomile is also excellent as a stimulant to sleep and for destressing. Chamomile can be hard to grow in hot climates, although it likes a good amount of sunlight. You also do not require additional fertilization of the soil, and the plant can grow in a variety of different soil types.
4. Cannabis
Marijuana can also help you recover from muscle spasms and pain due to multiple sclerosis, according to multiple studies. The active compounds in cannabis also aid in resolving sleep deprivation and can be useful for treating pain due to surgery or trauma from neurological injury.
Vaporization of cannabis and inhaling the fumes can also reduce neuropathic pain. Young Cannabis plants tend to grow more quickly in warmer climates and slightly cooler temperature results in better color and smell of buds in the flowering stage.
Cannabis plants require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and grow well in soil with adequate amounts of compost. For growing Marijuana indoors, make sure you buy indoor seeds from the get dmt for sale in canada.
5. Basil
Basil is a prevalent herb that we use in our meals and salads to provide flavor and add essential vitamins and minerals for the body to remain healthy. While planting the seed, ensure that you do not sow it too deep in the soil. Basil thrives better in a warm climate and will germinate and grow slower in cooler climates.
Basil has several health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting metabolism, and reducing stress.Other benefits include improving immunity, antibacterial properties, strengthening liver and bones, reducing inflammation, and many more.
6. Lavender
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Lavender flowers spread an aromatic and pleasant smell through your garden, and you can make tea by mixing it with other garden herbs. Lavender is ideal for treating acute to chronic anxiety and reducing stress. You can even stuff lavender in your eye pillows for encouraging you to sleep better. They thrive in arid soil and can not withstand high humidity, which can cause rotting of the root. You only need to water this plant once or twice a week after planting.
7. Jiaogulan, Southern Ginseng
Jiaogulan is a close relative of the Ginseng, and it shares many of the medicinal properties.
Preparing a tonic tea from this plant helps alleviate chronic stress, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and promote vitality and longevity. This herb prefers moist and rich soil with plenty of shade, and although it only grows 4 inches off the ground, it can spread horizontally and occupy your entire garden.