Increasingly, people are turning to natural therapies to help improve their health and manage a variety of medical conditions, especially chronic conditions which often require long-term, day-to-day management, like arthritis or high blood pressure. These herbal therapies often prove to be both effective and safe, without many of the side effects conventional medicines can bring with them.
The great thing, too, is that often a person does not even have to go to a health food store to buy these herbal remedies – they can grow them at home and harvest what they need fresh from their own garden. Below is a list of ten of the best medicinal herbs to grow at home.
Basil
Basil can be easily grown in any warm, sunny location and is a natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. It can be used for digestive problems, wounds, kidney stones and more.
Parsley
Parsley does well in the ground or in pots and can overwinter in milder areas. It is high in antioxidants and volatile oils and can be used to treat digestive issues, respiratory problems and arthritis.
Mint
Mint can take the sun or shade and loves moisture. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties which make it great for treating irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, fever and headaches.
Rosemary
Rosemary likes sunshine and well-drained soil. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well and can be used to treat arthritis, depression, indigestion and neuralgia.
Sage
Like rosemary, sage likes a well-drained, sunny spot. It is a natural stimulant, antibiotic, carminative and tonic. It can help treat appetite problems, painful periods, depression and respiratory problems.
Thyme
This herb likes dry and sunny spots and is a natural antioxidant and antibacterial. It is very useful for treating respiratory issues like a cough or sore throat as well as digestive issues and joint pain.
Lavender
Lavender does well in pots or in dry soil with lots of sun and is valued for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. It can treat stomach issues, stress and insomnia.
Oregano
Oregano can be grown in containers or well-drained soil and is used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and tonic properties. It is great for treatment of colds, fatigue, menstrual cramps and lack of appetite.
Lemon Balm
This herb likes rich soil and full or partial sun. It is an astringent, antiviral and antispasmodic which can help treat herpes, colds, stomach complaints, insect bites, fevers and headaches.
Dill
Dill can be grow in pots or a dry and sunny location in the garden. Its carminative, antiseptic, and sedative properties make is great for treatment of insomnia, intestinal gas and infections.
Having these easy-to-grow medicinal herbs on hand not only saves a lot of money, but it ensures a constant, fresh supply of plants with proven medicinal properties that can treat a large variety of health conditions and complaints.
More From Meghan:
5 Spices that Turn Water into Food Elixir
6 Common Behaviors of Cancer Survivors
Four Natural Sweeteners that Are Actually Healthy
