We are all aware that plants are beneficial to our overall health. Just having plants around provides clean air, boosts productivity, reduces stress, among many other advantages. Some plants offer more benefits through their medicinal factors. Here are 5 must-have medicinal plants at home.
1. Chamomile
Best known as an ingredient in herbal tea, chamomile has been used for centuries as traditional medicine. Chamomile preparations are beneficial to various health issues, including inflammation, fever, menstrual disorders, rheumatic pain, insomnia, and others. Since it is usually consumed in tea, you can have your own at home and brew dry chamomile flowers. If you’re not a tea person, you may also use it as an essential oil.
2. Catnip
Catnip is a herb from the mint family. The name is derived from the response that felines show towards it, a kind of euphoria which is neither harmful nor addictive to them. Catnip also has various medicinal properties for which its white flowers and dried leaves are utilized. Both are generally used to make tea and help to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, and more. Besides, it tastes good!
To make your catnip tea,
- Mix 2 teaspoons of dried catnip flowers or leaves in a cup of boiling water.
- Add lemon juice and honey and stir
- Let cool for several minutes and drink
The longer you leave the lemon in it, the more you’ll taste a citrusy and minty flavor.
3. Basil
The herb basil is used for numerous delicious recipes due to its aromatic leaves that add a great flavor to a range of dishes. However, this herb can be beneficial for so much more than just cooking! It is an excellent source of antioxidants that are helpful for inflammatory diseases, namely, fever, high cholesterol level, heart attacks, stress, reduces the risk of low blood sugar, and others. You can use basil as a garnish to your dishes as it can be added to practically anything. Otherwise, you may also include it as an ingredient in smoothies.
4. Peppermint
The fresh herb that you taste in toothpaste and gum is peppermint. This herb has various calming effects on menstrual pains, flatulence, depression, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve pain, etc. You may include them as a culinary mint into salads, sprinkling them over fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, you can also enjoy it as a cooling summer drink with plenty of benefits by adding mint ice cubes or leaves to your lemonade, iced tea, or a good mojito!
You can have your little healing garden at home with these herbs!
