Homemade Health - Useful Herbs

Herbs do not take the place of traditional medicine, but did you know that several herbs you can grow in your own garden or pots have been used throughout history to alleviate ailments? In addition to their many health benefits, they are also all packed with vitamins that are essential to good health.

Here’s just a few that you could start to grow this year!

Lemon Balm - This herb is used to soothe the digestive and nervous systems. Lemon Balm works with your digestive juices to help better digest food, especially when turned into tea and drunk after meals. It also contains a compound which compresses anxiousness in the brain and promotes balance, making it a useful herb to improve sleep, stress and anxiety.

Mint - Peppermint aids your digestive system and can be used to relieve stomach aches. It can also be used topically to soothe sore muscle, headaches and tightness. This herb is an anti-inflammatory, so it can reduce cellular damage, making you all around more comfortable and healthier.

Rosemary - Another anti-inflammatory, Rosemary boosts your immune and circulatory systems. In fact, Rosemary has a great variety of health benefits. It is shown to improve energy, mood, memory and concentration. It helps your brain by bringing it more oxygen. It promotes hair and skin health, and it improves digestive issues.

Thyme - This herb has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It can help with acne, blood pressure and respiratory issues. It gives your immune system a boost as well as your mood. It can even be used to fight off pests and fungus in your home!

Lavender - What can’t lavender do? Lavender is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. It aids the nervous system and is shown to help with problems related to depression, stress, sleep, acne, etc. It also helps allay fungal infections, hair loss, cuts, burns, and bug bites. Some studies show it may remedy digestive problems and headaches as well.

The best part of herbs? They’re relatively easy to take care of. These things are hearty, often to a fault (they can take over your whole garden!) So, if you don’t have a green thumb, give it a try anyway, you might surprise yourself.

Most of these herbs can be eaten whole, turned into teas, or made into balms, tinctures, etc. Just give them a quick web search to find the best way to use them for your particular needs.

Take advantage of the growing season to create your own healthy boosters!