Many medicinal plants are used in the pharmaceutical industry, and some are also present in cooking, both for adding flavor and for smell. The good news is that certain herbs can be very easily grown at home, and consuming them in teas and tinctures will have many health benefits for our body. Below are the benefits of 5 medicinal plants that you can try to grow this spring.
CHAMOMILE
True chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) is a medicinal plant that is suitable for both children and adults. It is most commonly used to treat indigestion, but is also a mild sedative. In other words, it calms tension and also helps with sleep problems. In addition, chamomile essential oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes, so inhaling chamomile soothes sinusitis and asthma. As chamomile relieves cramps, it is good for stomach aches, painful periods and biliary and intestinal colic. It is easily tolerated by infants as well. Studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Therefore, homemade chamomile flower tea is a good solution to relieve irritability, to help with sleep and relieve stomach pain.
LEMON BALM
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is one of the digestive plants, and acts as a spasmolytic, ie it relaxes soft muscles and suppresses winds. Like many fragrant plants, it has a calming effect and successfully acts on the nervous system. It is good for indigestion associated with anxiety and nervousness. For irritable bowel and similar digestive problems it is combined with comfrey, chamomile and peppermint. For gastritis, mild depression is combined with St. John’s wort and other herbs. It also helps lower high blood pressure as it stimulates circulation while calming tension. Flowers and leaves are used to make tea.
THYME
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been used for centuries as a cooking spice throughout Europe, but its aromatic leaves are also extremely medicinal. Many claim that thyme and thyme are exactly the same plant. Although both are from the genus Thymus, thyme is one plant – Thymus vulgaris, and thyme the other – Thymus serpyllum. The visible difference between thyme and thyme is that thyme grows upright and thyme crawls. The main active ingredient thymol is an essential oil with strong antiseptic properties that helps relieve coughs, sore throats and is good for treating colds and flu. Thyme strengthens the immune system and has a strong antimicrobial and astringent effect that helps fight infections, including oral infections. You can use a solution of thyme for gargling, drink it as a tea or it can be crushed and used as a dressing to help with wounds.
SAGE
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is another plant often used in aromatic dishes, and the elongated gray-green leaf of sage is extremely easy to grow. Salvia, from the word “salvere” in translation means “to heal”. Sage is a medicinal plant that treats infections with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it is similar to thyme because it has an antiseptic effect. Sage is of great benefit in the treatment of sore throats and upper respiratory diseases. Also, studies show how sage can be helpful in improving the mood and memory of adults, as well as providing a sense of calm. Sage is a good plant for treating and relieving fever and night sweats because it acts to regulate body temperature. It can be gargled in case of gingivitis or oral infection, inhaling its vapors to relieve respiratory problems or consumed as a solution in hot water.
PEPPERMINT
It is sometimes simply called mint (Mentha x piperita), and has been widely used for centuries for a variety of health problems. It has a particularly beneficial effect on the digestive system. Mint relieves stomach upsets including bloating, nausea, morning sickness and diarrhea. The active ingredient menthol cools the skin and acts like a topical analgesic. In people suffering from indigestion, including irritable bowel syndrome, mint leaf tea can help relieve bloating, pain and discomfort. The leaves will prevent nausea and vomiting and encourage a feeling of calm.
