People’s taste for phytotherapy (plant medicine) is not new. Herbs and medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat all ailments. Let’s be clear: natural remedies do not replace doctor’s treatment. However, using the power of medicinal plants wisely can improve everyday life and soothe all the little ailments of everyday life. And it’s even more pleasant when we just have to stretch out our hand to collect what we need! Also, instead of rushing to the pharmacy or herbalist, discover all the easy-to-grow medicinal plants that you should include in a pot at home or in your garden. With a little corner of a medicinal garden, you can grow your own pharmacy!
1) Aloe vera, the best medicinal plant to grow
Aloe vera gel is very popular for its moisturizing power on the skin and hair. However, these medicinal virtues are multiple and often unknown! From soothing sunburn to relieving insect bites to healing minor burns, its external use is unlimiteds. However, it can also be used internally. When ingested, it helps reduce digestive disorders (constipation, flatulence and bloating). It also participates in the regulation of blood sugar levels.
2) Lavender, iconic for good reasons
Lavender has much more to offer than just a scent of Provence. Antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing and sedative, it is the swiss army knife of medicinal plants. Powerful, it’s a safe bet when you don’t really know what to use. Besides, it’s a great classic. If you have limited space and therefore little room to install all the plants you want, at least consider it. Disturbed sleep, digestive, respiratory or cardiovascular problems, headaches, dermatological conditions (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc.), it’s quite simple: nothing scares him! And what’s more, growing it will keep mosquitoes, flies, etc. away.
3) Lemon balm: the safe bet of medicinal plants
Lemon balm is a relaxing medicinal plant in case of stress and friend of the digestive sphere. Moreover, our grandmothers were well aware of its benefits for children suffering from digestive disorders or hyperexcited states. However, adults also like its soothing properties on digestive spasms and various disorders surrounding digestion (gas, etc.). In the event of a period of nervousness, it calms states of anxiety very quickly. In addition, its smell and taste are appreciated by everyone.
4) Peppermint, the all-terrain medicinal plant
Certainly, gardeners fear it a little for its very invasive side. However, if you plant it in a pot, peppermint will be useful every day. At the end of a meal, it helps with better digestion and better breath. Its antispasmodic power is in fact very effective on the digestive tract and it helps stimulate bile and digestive secretions helping with digestion. Enough to feel light and relieved after a big meal! Its benefits also extend to headaches which, as with its essential oil, do not go away with it!
5) Basil: as delicious as it is useful
We love it in tomato salads, but it is much more than just an aromatic herb! On his CV, he displays skills such as an antispasmodic, stimulating, febrifuge (against fever) or even digestive tonic effect. You will have understood: basil is one of the best medicinal plants to overcome digestive disorders : indigestion, bloating, nausea and vomiting, sour stomach, etc. It can also help combat fatigue by stimulating your cognitive abilities. Finally, with two infusions per day taken over the long term, you will be able to reduce your seasonal allergies.
6) Rosemary
In dishes or as an infusion, rosemary shines only with its exquisite flavor. It is one of the most recommended medicinal plants in the event of a liver crisis to stimulate and support thehepatic, digestive and renal activity (not to mention that it acts as a real lipid regulator!). Excellent for digestion, it also improves blood circulation and relieves fatigue. Like basil, it will stimulate brain activity, particularly memory.