Medicinal Herbs & Plants

There are so many reasons to creating your own garden, one of them is the access to ancient medicinal herbs and plants! Next time you're feeling down, just go to your backyard and make a tea, tincture, infusion, and more!

You can grow herbs with average garden soil outdoors and conservatively use a balanced fertilizer. If you want to grow the herbs in containers, make sure to use potting mix and slow release fertilizer to avoid bolting. Either method requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Before we go over how to make medicinal products, please make sure to accurately identify the herb you're using and if it comes from a clean source. Do not use herbs that have been sprayed with pesticide, it can cause negative reactions. Some herbs are not for everybody; consult with your doctor if herbal and plant remedies are right for you.

Three Teacups

Rosemary Sprig

Echinacea Coneflowers

The following plants and herbs are suited for the following ailments:

CHAMOMILE.

Soothes indigestions and colic, reduces tension, good for skin irritations.

ECHINACEA.

Boosts the immune system, potential to lessen the severity of colds and flu.

JOHNNY JUMP UP.

Has anti inflammatory properties, good for eczema and skin irritations. Will also help loosen up phlegm.

LAVENDER.

Calms and relaxes. Good for easing pain. Also functions as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Can be used for aromatherapy

POT MARIGOLD.

Good for sunburn, acne and blemishes, soothes digestive problems.

PEPPERMINT.

Good for digestion, gas, and headaches.

ST. JOHN'S WORT.

Known as an antidepressant. Also promotes skin healing.

ROSEMARY.

Helps memory and concentration, improves mood

You have many options to choose from. When you decide on which one is right for you, you can then decide if you want to apply it externally or ingest it. There are several methods.

Popular External Methods:

Poultices: Grind fresh or dried herb. Make a thick paste by adding water to grinded herbs. Make sure your skin is clean by washing it with soap and water (or hydrogen peroxide). Once your skin is clean, you can spread the herbal grind on the affected area. You will need to cover the affected area with a piece of fabric, such as cotton, muslin or a towel to secure it. Leave on till dried.

Compresses: Soak a cloth in an herbal tea, or a diluted tincture. Once you've soaked the cloth, you must then wring it, you can then place it on the affected area.

Popular Internal Methods:

Teas: Immerse 1-2 tsp. of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 3 -5 minutes. You can drink it hot or wait for it to cool off and drink it cold. To alleviate ailments, drink two to four cups per day.

Tinctures: Cover fresh or dried herbs with one to two inches of 80 proof alcohol and tightly seal the jar. Store in a dark place for at least two weeks, shaking daily, strain out plant material. Once it's ready, strain out the plant material, leaving only the liquid. Fill a glass tincture bottle with the liquid and store in a dark place, remember to label the bottle with the herb used and the date. To alleviate ailments, dilute 1⁄2 to 1 tsp. in tea, juice or water, drink 1-3 times per day.