Have you always wanted to grow your own garden of medicinal plants but were unsure of where to begin? Well, here is a general guide to some of the most common and useful plants that have earned their place in any medicinal garden due to the number of ailments that they have been proven to treat.
Aloe Vera
No medicinal garden would be complete without this light green, spiky succulent whose gel has amazing healing properties. If using topically, it can help treat burns, wounds, cuts and eczema and when taken internally, it is could for a number of gastrointestinal problems, including poor appetite, sluggish or poor digestion, chronic constipation or ulcerative colitis.
Marsh Mallow
This plant not only will produce large, beautiful pink blooms, it can treat a number of complaints and like aloe can be used topically or internally. Externally, the root of this plant can be applied to aching muscles, bruises or sprains and if taken internally, can help soothe down the mucous membranes which line the urinary and respiratory tract and reduce inflammation there.
Great Burdock
Burdock is also aesthetically pleasing with bright purple blossoms but is extremely useful, too. Leaves and seeds can be crushed to form a poultice to treat ulcers, bruises, burns and sores. Taken internally, it is a great detoxifier and can help to remove harmful substances from the body, contributing to overall health.
Marigold
Also known as calendula, this plant is prized for its bright gold flowers and has been used since ancient times as a skin tonic to treat stings, bites, wounds, sore eyes. It can also be used internally as a tea and can improve circulation, helping with conditions like varicose veins as well as chronic infections.
Gotu Kola
Because of its ability to influence the different phases of connective tissue development, this unobtrusive green plant can be used to treat conditions like skin injuries, ulcers and capillary fragility and can stimulate the production of proteins and lipids needed to maintain healthy skin.
Chamomile
These lovely, daisy-like flowers have been used since ancient times to help soothe an irritated digestive tract and also to calm the nerves and promote restfulness, hence its addition to many nighttime teas aimed at helping people to achieve a good night’s sleep. It also has analgesic properties and can ease symptoms from conditions as diverse as neuralgia, ear ache, toothache and shoulder pain.
Chinese Yam
This attractive green plant is sweet-tasting and has long been used in Eastern traditional medical practices to treat fatigue, weight loss and poor digestion or loss of appetite. It can also help with respiratory problems like asthma and chronic cough.
So if you are wanting to start your own natural pharmacopeia, here are some plants to consider beginning with. You will be harvesting your own store of medicinal plants in no time!
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