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8 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow

Heal rashes, treat depression, and reduce indigestion with these herbs you can grow in your own garden.

from Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond
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You too can grow a healing garden.

In ancient times, monks and physicians grew gardens specifically full of healing herbs called Physics. Why not plant your own with some of these herbs? By investing a little sweat and the cost of seeds, you'll have the makings of infusions, teas, and balms that will keep you healthy and soothe ailments.

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1. Basil

Heals: Flatulence, lack of appetite, cuts, and scrapes.

Harvest the young leaves of this annual plant as needed.

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2. Chamomile

Heals: Indigestion, anxiety, skin inflammations.

Use the flower heads for infusions and salves.

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3. Parsley

Heals: Flatulence, bad breath

This herb is loaded with nutrients as well as healing powers.

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4. Sage

Heals: Mouth and throat inflammations.

Sage's genus name, Salvia, means "to heal," reflecting its early use as a medicinal, not culinary, herb.

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5. Thyme

Heals: Coughs, congestion, indigestion, gas.

The active principle in thyme, thymol, is a strong antiseptic. 

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6. St. John's Wort

Heals: Mild to moderate depression. (Talk to your doctor first.)

The glossy leaves and yellow flowers are this herb's active parts.

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7. Lemon Balm

Heals: Anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, flatulence, upset stomach.

A relative of mint, lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb.

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8. Feverfew

Heals: Headaches (including migraines), arthritis, skin conditions.

Use leaves and flowers for teas; chew leaves to ease headache pain.

Your Comments

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)

  • http://youthkichoice.com/ Youth

    growing 
    Chamomile can be benefil :)