Herbs to Heal

For hundreds of years, people have used herbs both to nourish and to heal the body. In addition to adding flavor to food, many herbs are high in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

There are several grocery stores and local markets that sell fresh, as well as dried herbs. 

It is easy and inexpensive to grow your own herbs at home.

Here are 5 common herbs that should be in your home:

• Basil

 Basil contains oils and flavonoids that help protect the body from illness and infection. It can work as anti-septic for cuts and scrapes, and it can offer relief from headaches, flatulence, and a lack of appetite.

Basil contains vitamins A, C and K, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron and helpful omega-3 fatty acids.

Grow your basil plant from seed in a warm, sunny location, and keep the soil moist.

• Parsley

Parsley is loaded with nutrients, including folic acid and vitamins A, C, B-12, and K. 

It can be used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, constipation, jaundice, flatulence, indigestion, colic, coughs, asthma, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure. 

Parsley prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

• Thyme

It is a strong antiseptic. It is used for treating coughs, congestion, flatulence, and indigestion. It can be grown in a sunny location. 

ways to use:

1. As a gargle to treat bad breath and mouth sores.
2. As a poultice on the neck to reduce throat pain.
3. As an inhalant to calm nerves and exhaustion.
4. In an extract to relieve chest congestion, asthma, or whooping cough.
5. As a tea to ease digestive problems

• Mint

Sniffing a sprig of peppermint can help alleviate the nausea and vomiting that is associated with motion sickness. Menthol gives this herbs its taste and aroma. A cup of min tea can  calm nervous tension and an upset stomach, as well asl helps soothe headache pain.

Mint prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. 

• Rosemary

Rosemary aka " the herbs of remembrance" Rosemary grows best in a sunny location with well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with neutral to alkaline conditions. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as well as phytonutrients, iron, calcium, essential fatty acids and vitamin B6. It can be used to treating headache pain, the common cold, indigestion, muscle pain and neuralgic conditions.

Growing and consuming herbs can improve your overall health. It can reduce you dependence on high priced over the counter medicine. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this article.