Gardening for Health: 10 Medicinal Plants You'll Have in Your Backyard

Gardening is a fantastic way to improve your health, both physically and mentally. Not only can

it provide you with fresh and delicious produce, but it can also provide you with medicinal plants

that you can use to create natural remedies. From the humble aloe vera to the powerful

echinacea, there are plenty of medicinal plants that you can grow in your backyard. In this blog

post, we’ll look at 10 of the most popular medicinal plants that you can easily add to your

garden.

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1) Yarrow

Yarrow is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is found in

many backyards and can be easily identified by its clusters of small white flowers. The leaves,

flowers, and stems of yarrow contain beneficial compounds, including tannins and flavonoids,

which give it its many medicinal properties.

2) Chamomile

Chamomile is a versatile and fragrant flowering herb that makes for a great addition to any

backyard garden. The plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy, and it's

especially known for its calming effects. It's often brewed into teas to help promote relaxation

and combat stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also be used topically to reduce inflammation

and fight bacteria. Chamomile is easy to grow and maintain in any backyard, making it an ideal

choice for those looking to incorporate medicinal herbs into their gardening plans.

3) Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a medicinal plant with bright, daisy-like flowers that

have a purplish-pink hue. This herb has been used medicinally for centuries, primarily as an

immune system booster and to help fight off colds, flu and other illnesses.

The most common way to consume echinacea is by brewing it into a tea and drinking it. To

make the tea, use one teaspoon of dried herb for every cup of hot water. Let the mixture steep

for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain the herbs out before consuming. The tea should have a

light, earthy flavor with hints of citrus.

4) California Poppy

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is an easy-to-grow annual that offers a variety of

medicinal benefits. Native to the western United States, this plant has a vibrant orange flower

that is often used for decorative purposes. The leaves and flowers of the California poppy

contain alkaloids, which are known for their sedative and analgesic properties. This makes the

California poppy useful in treating stress and anxiety, as well as pain relief from headaches,

arthritis, and muscle tension.

The California poppy also contains flavonoids and terpenes, which can help reduce

inflammation. These compounds have been used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and

eczema. The plant can also be used topically to treat minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes.

As with other medicinal plants, it is important to use the California poppy correctly. Overdose or

misuse can cause nausea and vomiting, so it should always be taken under the guidance of a

medical professional.

5) Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant that is widely used for its medicinal properties. It is a

member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. The flower heads are the

most widely used part of the plant for medicinal purposes. Lavender has been used to treat

insomnia, anxiety, depression, and restlessness for centuries. It can also be used to ease

muscle pain, headaches, and skin irritation.

To use lavender medicinally, steep 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10

minutes and then strain. Drink up to three cups daily. The essential oil of lavender can be added

to bathwater or used in aromatherapy.

Lavender can also be planted in the garden. The plants prefer full sun and will tolerate a wide

range of soils. The flowers attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, so they make

great additions to any garden. With proper care, lavender will thrive and produce fragrant

flowers year after year.

6) Garlic

Garlic has been used medicinally since ancient times, and is known for its antibacterial,

antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties. Garlic is a powerful remedy for fighting common

illnesses such as the flu, colds, and even heart disease. It can also help reduce inflammation in

the body and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Garlic can be added to your favorite dishes for flavor or used raw to reap the full benefits of its

medicinal properties. You can even make a simple garlic tincture by adding crushed garlic

cloves to vodka and allowing it to sit for 2-4 weeks. This tincture can be used as an immune

booster or taken when you feel a cold coming on.

7) Ginger

Ginger is a fragrant and flavorful root that can be used as a spice in cooking or brewed into a

tea. It has long been used for its medicinal benefits and is still popular today.

Ginger is known to help with digestion, nausea, and motion sickness. It can also help reduce

inflammation, which can help with pain relief. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is used to

treat colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses.

8) Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that can be found in most gardens. It has a lemony scent and

flavor and is often used as an ingredient in teas and other medicinal recipes. The plant contains

compounds that can help with digestion, headaches, and stress relief. It can also be used to

treat skin ailments and insect bites. Lemon balm can be used fresh or dried and should be

harvested before it flowers for the best flavor. To use it medicinally, steep one teaspoon of dried

lemon balm in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. You can also apply a

compress of the same mixture directly to skin irritations or insect bites. For added effectiveness,

you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.

9) Marshmallow

Marshmallow is an herbal plant that has long been used in traditional medicine as a natural

remedy for a variety of ailments. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to three feet tall and

produces small, white flowers. Marshmallow root is used in herbal remedies to treat digestive

issues, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin irritations such as eczema.

10) Evening Primrose

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is an easy-to-grow flowering plant that can be found

growing wild in many parts of the world. It has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for

a range of conditions, and recent research suggests it may have many potential health benefits.

The primary active components of evening primrose oil are gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and

linoleic acid, both of which are fatty acids known to reduce inflammation. Studies have

suggested that evening primrose oil can help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid

arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

It also has anti-aging properties and may improve the appearance of skin by providing essential

fatty acids, which help maintain skin’s elasticity. Evening primrose oil is often used as an

ingredient in facial creams, lotions, and other skin care products.

In addition, evening primrose oil has been found to be effective in treating premenstrual

syndrome (PMS), anxiety, and menopausal symptoms. It can also be used to reduce pain

associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because evening primrose is a fast-growing flowering plant, it can easily be grown in any

garden or even on a windowsill in your home. It’s easy to harvest the seeds and flowers to make

your own evening primrose oil, but it’s also available commercially in capsule form. Adding

evening primrose to your garden will not only provide you with a beautiful, fragrant flower, but

also with the potential health benefits of this amazing medicinal plant.

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