Thinking of planting medicinal herbs in your home? Here are the top 5 medicinal herbs you should consider growing, and why.
Medicinal Herbs to Grow at Home
Medicinal herbs have been gaining increasing popularity, as a natural replacement for pills and antibiotics. They are now considered to be not only cheaper, but also a healthier way to deal with a variety of aches and ailments. In addition, gardening is the perfect remedy against stress and anxiety. Here are 5 medicinal herbs that you can easily grow at home.
Thyme
This ancient and aromatic herb is famous for its antiseptic properties. You can use it to treat sore throat, coughs, indigestion, acne and arthritis.
The easiest way to grow thyme is to buy seedlings from a gardening store. Pick a sunny spot at home to place the pot and fill it with soil. Add some compost and ensure that there is good drainage. You should plant seedlings at least 20 centimeters apart. Thyme is usually harvested in summer. Gardeners should make sure they leave a few centimeters of the stem, so that it can grow again.
Basil
Basil possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful in cases of nausea, lack of appetite, headaches and even kidney stones.
Pick a pot and soil type that will ensure adequate drainage. Buy basil seeds and sow them 2 to 5 centimeters apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and moisten the soil a bit. Place pot in a warm and sunny spot and protect it from cold. See how you can grow it indoors here.
Chamomile
Chamomile flower heads are used to relieve skin irritation, indigestion, anxiety and tension.
The best time to plant chamomile is in late winter or early spring months. It thrives well in a loose, sandy soil that drains well. Buy a celled planting tray in order to ensure enough space between stables. Place 2-3 seeds in each cell and cover them with the soil. Place the tray at moderate light and keep the soil moist. When seedlings are about 1 centimeter high, remove unhealthy ones from the tray.
Lavender
This beautiful and aromatic plant has a great calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. It also eases pain and possesses antiseptic properties when applied to skin cuts and bruises.
Gardening experts would tell you that lavender is a Mediterranean herb, so it requires lots of sunlight. Pick a well-lit and warm location, which will also provide good shelter in the winter months. If you choose to plant lavender in a pot or container, make sure it has enough space for the roots. It is easiest to plant the herb from cuttings.
Parsley
Apart from enhancing the flavor of meals and salads, parsley has a variety of health benefits it is known to boost the immune system conquer inflammation and prevent diabetes.
It is easiest to grow parsley by seed planting. Keep in mind that it has long roots, so you would need a large container for that purpose. Sprinkle a few seeds over the soil and then cover them with some more soil. The plant requires moderate light and regular moistening. If you need to plant other herbs together with parsley, then mint, thyme and basil are some good options.
Keep in mind that your small garden at home will need regular leaf clearance and weed control. If you are not sure about something, you can always turn to local gardening professionals for help and advice.
Still not sure how to get started? Check out more tips here from Forest Farming:
Are you going to grow these medicinal herbs? Let us know below in the comments!
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It woud help to perhaps add a few words on companion planting with each of the herbs you have listed to get each ones full benefits.