Save money and get super health benefits by growing your own herbs. It’s so easy you’ll want to plant them in every nook and cranny! Learn to cultivate patchwork plots indoors and out with You Can Garden Anywhere: 1,317 Quick & Easy Gardening Tips the Experts Don’t Want You to Know. Not only do herbs add a beautiful, natural element to your garden or home, but they make it easy to embrace a healthy living lifestyle.

 

Aloe vera

 

Natural healing benefits

• Snap off a leaf of your aloe plant, split it open, and squeeze the cool gel onto your skin to:
• soothe a minor cut, scrape, rash, blister, or burn
• ward off insects
• ease the pain and speed the healing of a cold sore

How to grow herbs for health

• You can grow aloe vera, even if your thumb is less than green. It’s one of the easiest plants to grow and among the hardest to kill.
• Start with potting soil labeled for cactus and a shallow pot to accomodate its spreading roots.
• Set it in the sunniest window in the house.
• Feed it with a diluted fertilizer for flowering plants in spring, along the lines of a 10-40-10.
• Soak the soil when watering in summer, but let it dry out between drinks.

 

Chamomile

 

Natural healing benefits

•  Chamomile contains a natural plant compound called apigenin, which has a mild sedative effect. It works by binding to the same receptors as benzodiazepines, drugs commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
• To make your own tea, steep 1 heaping teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily to relax and help bring on sleep.
• Although chamomile is considered generally safe, some people have an extreme reaction. If you are allergic to ragweed, steer clear of this herb, as it belongs to the same plant family.

How to grow herbs for health

• Two kinds of chamomile are collected and dried for culinary and medicinal purposes, and you can grow either in most parts of the United States.
• Matricaria recutita is an annual, also known as German, Hungarian, or wild chamomile.
• Chamaemelum nobile, a perennial, is called Roman, garden, or sweet chamomile.
• To harvest your own chamomile, cut the daisy-like blossoms once they’ve opened and spread them on paper in a cool space until they become quite dry. Store them in an airtight container and use in potpourri, teas, and recipes.

 

Fennel & fennel seed

 

Natural healing benefits

•  Fennel is a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, folate, and potassium, as well as an interesting natural plant chemical called anethole.
• Chew the seeds or drink fennel tea after a meal to release the anethole and relieve intestinal problems. By relaxing the muscles of the stomach and stimulating the production of bile, fennel helps relieve cramps, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion, and stomachache.
• The fennel bulb contains soluble fiber, which helps control diarrhea.
• The anethole compound in fennel seeds, as well as the insoluble fiber from the fennel bulb, helps speed up digestion. This reduces the amount of time food stays in your digestive tract, which not only helps prevent constipation but also quickly removes cancer-causing toxins from your colon.
• Hot fennel tea can help thin out any mucus that’s stuffing up your sinuses.
• Some people claim that chewing fennel seeds helps suppress their appetite.

How to grow herbs for health

• Many people enjoy two main edible varieties of fennel — Florence and common. Both are tasty, aromatic additions to salads, soups, and various entrees, but only common fennel has the healthy, chewable, brewable seeds.
• Fennel’s stalks, leaves, and seeds are all edible, but Florence fennel also has edible bulbs. The plant’s flavor and fragrance, which is similar to licorice, is sometimes mistaken for anise.
• The fennel plant has closely arranged stalks topped with feathery green leaves. It blooms in clusters of tiny golden flowers, which become the plant’s “fruit” or seeds.
• The plants thrive almost anywhere and enjoy a long lifespan. Just be sure you plant dill and fennel a good distance apart. If you plant these herbs side by side, they cross pollinate and create odd-tasting seeds.
• To make fennel tea, crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add your seeds. Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and drink.

  

Flax & flaxseed

Natural healing benefits

• Flaxseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in fiber and other healthy compounds. Just remember to grind the seeds to get their full healing benefits.
• Packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, flaxseed bulks up your stool for an easy ride through your system. Put a stop to constipation with as little as 1 tablespoon a day.
• Flaxseed’s most powerful weapons might be its cancer-fighting phytochemicals — phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans. Flax is the #1 source of a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), which inhibits the formation and growth of new tumors. When you eat flaxseed, you help guard against breast, prostate, and colon cancer, and possibly other cancers as well.
• Flaxseed lowers total and LDL, or bad, cholesterol without affecting your good HDL cholesterol levels.
• Some studies show that an increase in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the type of omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, leads to a decrease in blood pressure. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides 1.8 grams of ALA.
• Flaxseed fights inflammation — a key player in heart disease — by blocking pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and platelet activating factor. Studies also show that ALA lowers the risk of heart attacks and heart disease. It reduces blood clotting, which contributes to heart attacks and strokes, and prevents abnormal heart rhythms.
• When adding high-fiber foods like flaxseed to your diet, make sure to do so gradually. Adding too much fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. You also want to drink plenty of water.

How to grow herbs for health

• The type of flax you would grow for its healthy seeds is an annual called Linum usitatissimum. It’s grown like a grain crop, with many plants close together. The seeds are ripe and ready to harvest about 4 months after planting.
• Keep whole flaxseed up to 1 year in a cool, dry place.
• Store ground flaxseed for 4 months at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container.
• Refrigerate or freeze flaxseed to make it last even longer.
• For the freshest flax, grind whole seeds in a coffee grinder and use them immediately.

 

Garlic

Natural healing benefits

• As recently as World War II, garlic was used to disinfect wounds. Studies of its antibacterial properties show that garlic can, indeed, fight the growth of many strains of bacteria, causing some people to call it nature’s penicillin.
• Because garlic contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and organosulfur compounds, it has also shown promise in fighting clogged arteries, diabetes, osteoarthritis of the hip, and, perhaps, cancer.
• Breaking open a garlic clove seems to release the medicinal chemicals inside. That means you don’t get as many health benefits from a whole, unbroken garlic clove as you do from one that has been chopped or crushed. And prep it at the last minute. Garlic that is freshly pressed is more potent than processed.

How to grow herbs for health

• Garlic is an easy-to-grow perennial that can reach 1 to 3 feet high. Here are a few planting and harvesting tips.
• Don’t plant the garlic bulbs you buy from your supermarket. For best results, choose fresh, organic cloves from a nursery or local farmers market. You can also buy planting bulbs from a mail order company or online.
• Experts say your bulbs will be bigger and more flavorful if you plant in the fall.
• Garlic needs a sunny spot where it will get a moderate amount of water.
• Your garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow or brown, but before they dry out.

 

Horseradish

 

Natural healing benefits 

• The next time you’re suffering from a stuffy nose, reach for horseradish. This spicy condiment can really break up mucus and open your sinuses. If you need a little sugar to help the medicine go down, mix the horseradish with a bit of honey. This not only makes it more appetizing, but boosts its germ-fighting power as well.
• Horseradish has a long history in folk medicine. It was used traditionally to treat respiratory conditions, relieve gas, stimulate the appetite, and relieve pain. Today, researchers believe horseradish acts as a natural antibacterial and may help treat and prevent various types of infections.

How to grow herbs for health

• The horseradish plant is a hardy perennial related to mustard and cabbage — and grown successfully in most home gardens. Just be careful — it can take over your yard. Keep it in check by planting in a bottomless pot sunk into the ground.
• You won’t notice any odor until you cut into the horseradish root. That’s because breaking down the cell walls releases an enzyme that converts the plant’s natural chemicals into mustard oil, the eye-stinging vapor that can irritate your mucous membranes. Peel and grate the root to use in sauces or as a relish for meat and fish.

 

Lavender

Natural healing benefits

• The use of lavender in folk medicine dates back for centuries. Teas and extracts were used to treat pain and infection. Small bags of lavender flowers were often placed under pillows to help people relax and sleep. And the steam from boiled flowers was inhaled as a cold remedy.
• Currently, lavender oil is used to reduce stress, but it also shows promise in treating digestive disorders and fighting certain bacteria. For better circulation, soak your feet in a warm bath with lavender.

How to grow herbs for health

• English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is the most common species, but there are more than 30 types grown throughout the world. All varieties need full sun and well-drained soil.
• These evergreen shrubs boast small blue or purple flowers that contain the essential oil used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, massage oils, perfumes, powders, soaps, and shampoos.
• To make lavender sachets or potpourri, cut the whole flower spikes or strip the flowers from stems just as the blossoms begin to show color. Then dry in a cool, shaded place.

 

Lemon balm

 

Natural healing benefits

• Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis has long held a reputation as a sweet-smelling weed. But no more. Many people now think it’s one plant no herb garden should be without.
• Since ancient times, it has been used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and improve memory and alertness.
• Its fresh scent makes it ideal for potpourris, sachets, and bouquets.
• Rub crushed leaves on your skin to repel insects if you’re not allergic to ingredients in its essential oil. Test a small area first.
• Lemon balm extract is an ingredient in some over-the-counter remedies for cold sores and fever blisters.

 How to grow herbs for health 

• This hardy perennial, which looks like mint but has a strong lemon scent, is so easy to grow that it’s perfect for beginners. Just beware — lemon balm reseeds profusely and could take over your garden. You can keep it under control by pruning the flowering stalks before they go to seed.
• Start plants from cuttings or seeds in a well-drained, partially sunny area. Harvest for drying just before the flowering stage. The top 1/3 of the plant contains the most essential oil. Dry the leaves and store them up to 1 year in glass containers in a dark place.
• Use lemon balm in herb teas and as a garnish in cold drinks. You can also add a few leaves to a lettuce or fruit salad.

 

Marjoram

 

Natural healing benefits

• According to folk medicine, marjoram can treat nausea, headaches, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Singers sometimes drink it as a tea to soothe and protect their voices, and its essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to calm and relieve stress.
• Early scientific studies show marjoram might be useful in treating asthma and certain skin disorders.

How to grow herbs for health

• Sweet marjoram is a perennial herb with a mild flavor very similar to oregano. This member of the mint family is originally from the Mediterranean region, but it will grow as an annual in most kitchen gardens.
• You’ll want to harvest the leaves to use in a variety of dishes, especially those with lamb and veal. Just add marjoram near the end of cooking time so you don’t lose its delicate flavor.

Parsley

 

Natural healing benefits

• Don’t ignore that sprig of parsley garnishing your plate. Eat it, and you’ll get a healthy dose of vitamins C, A, and K, plus the flavonoid luteolin, which acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells from damage.
• As an added bonus, you’ll also freshen your breath.

How to grow herbs for health

• There are more than 30 varieties of parsley, but the most popular are flat and curly. Flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, has a bright, fresh flavor and strong aroma. Many experts prefer cooking with flat-leaf, but it’s sometimes hard to find in the supermarket.
• Curly-leaf parsley is the type you’re probably most familiar with. It has a slightly bitter taste but looks pretty on a plate and is available year-round.
• Because parsley is native to the Mediterranean region, it doesn’t like cold winters. So most gardeners treat it as an annual. It’s easy to grow in pots indoors as long as it has well-drained soil and gets good light.

 

Peppermint

Natural healing benefits

• There are more than 30 types of mint, but you’re probably most familiar with peppermint and spearmint. Both have a fresh, spicy aroma and flavor, with spearmint being sweeter and milder.
• Peppermint oil and peppermint tea are often taken to soothe digestive complaints, like indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and gas. Experts also say the menthol in mint acts as a natural decongestant to treat throat and respiratory problems. It helps thin mucus and loosen phlegm.
• To make tea, steep 2-3 stalks of fresh peppermint leaves. But don’t take peppermint if you suffer from heartburn or ulcers — it could make your symptoms worse.

How to grow herbs for health

• Mint is an aggressive plant, growing wild throughout the world and easily taking over any backyard garden if you’re not careful. It’s a great plant for containers, not only to curb its growth but also to make it accessible to the cook.
• Add mint leaves to your favorite hot or cold drinks, and use them to liven up salads, sauces, and cooked dishes.

Rosemary

Natural healing benefits

• One of the oldest known herbs for health, rosemary has been used for centuries to boost brain function, concentration, and memory. Aromatherapists believe breathing the vapors of rosemary’s essential oil can increase alertness and treat anxiety.
• Today, scientists are interested in its antioxidant properties, which might be used to fight cancer and inflammation.
• Add rosemary to meat before grilling to stop cancer-causing compounds from forming.

How to grow herbs for health

• The evergreen rosemary shrub is a wonderful element in any garden — whether you’re a gourmet chef or not. It’s a pretty plant, with flat needles that are green on top and silver-white underneath and flowers that can range from pink to white to blue, depending on the variety. It’s very fragrant, with a sharp scent somewhere between lemon and pine that’s so popular its extract is used in cosmetics and other products.

Sage

Natural healing benefits

• The botanical name for sage, Salvia officinalis, means “to save” or “to cure,” which reflects its long role in folk medicine. This bushy perennial has been used for centuries to treat wounds, indigestion, sleep problems, headaches, and sweating.
• As a mouthwash or gargle, sage is said to soothe the inflammation of a sore throat. Some people even claim it can improve memory and mental performance. Studies are ongoing to determine if sage could be a weapon in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

How to grow herbs for health

• A great choice for container gardening, sage grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest the leaves before or just after blooming for top flavor. Add sage to bean or pork dishes, stuffings, and sausage. It will lend a slightly bitter, minty taste.

 

Visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health for more information about specific herbs, what research says about their health benefits, and important warnings.

Remember, just because herbs are natural doesn’t mean they are always safe. Like any medicine, herbal remedies can have serious side effects. Some interact with prescription drugs, (https://nccih.nih.gov/health/herbs/understanding-interactions) either blunting their effectiveness or dangerously boosting their power. Be especially careful about mixing herbs with antidepressants or blood thinners. Make sure to tell your doctor about any herbs you take.

 

 

 

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