GROWING MEDICINAL PLANTS

Herbs and medicinal plants can be grown from seeds. You don't need lots of space for herbs, many will grow happily in hanging baskets window boxes, and all sorts of pots. Only keep these herbs and plants away from busy roads, or you will be getting unhealthy dose of exhaust residues along with those beneficial ingredients. Avoid pesticides for the same reason.

Aloe Vera -

• Buy a small plant from a plant nursery and keep them indoors on a sunny windowsill if you live in a cold area or cold area, otherwise plant them in well-drained soil where it will get plenty of sunlight.

• How to use - Cut one of the fleshy leaves and squeeze the gel onto minor cuts or burns. The gel dries and forms an invisible bandage keeping bacteria out and moisture in.

Gumin and Caraway -

• Cumin and caraway produce masses of seeds with a distinctive aniseed flavor. They taste fantastic in spicy or fragrant dishes and do wonders for digestion. Both can be sown outdoors in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed.

• How to use - Harvest the seeds at the end of summer. They can be ground in a pestle and mortar or used whole. Put a teaspoon of either type, or mix the two in a cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes strain, and drink.

Garlic -

• At the beginning of winter break up a plump healthy bulb into individual cloves and plant them 5cm deep in rows about 15-20 cm apart and forget about them. Each clove will grow into a bulb and they will be ready to dig up late the following summer. Keep the stems on so you can plait them and hang them in a warm airy place to dry.

• How to use - Peel the cloves and add to recipes or eat them whole. Eating a clove and the flu season will help to boost immunity.

• And eating it every day after dinner will help you from gas and indigestion.

Peppermint -

• This easy-to-grow aromatic plant loves rich moist soil in a position of direct sun or light shade. It grows easily from seed or runners and spreads fast. To stop peppermint from becoming weedy, grow it in a bottomless pot sunk into the soil, or container but be sure to keep the soil well watered.

• How to use - Peppermint leaves fresh or dried in digestive infusions and mouthwashes. Add the leaves to a steam inhalation for treating colds or flu.

• You can also add these fresh leaves to lime soda or your mocktail drink.

  Chamomile -

• Chamomile has antibacterial properties with flavonoids that can fight free radicals.

• German chamomile the most popular form is an annual. Sow the seeds where they are to flower when all danger of frost has passed. Scatter the seeds, tamp down, and keep them damp. Chamomile likes a well-drained partially shaded spot.

• How to use - Pick the flower in full bloom and spread them on a muslin cloth in a dry place, or hang them upside down over a paper bag to catch the falling petals. Chamomile tea calms stomach upset and eases anxiety.

  Lavender -

• lavender has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. And these promote skin healing vender

• Lavender is a versatile herb that is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of ways. To harvest lavender, wait until the flowers have opened and the buds are about to burst. Cut the stems in the early morning when the plant is at its most fragrant. Tie the stems in small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation.

• How to use - Once the lavender is dried, you can use the flowers in a variety of ways. Lavender oil can be infused in a carrier oil and used in aromatherapy, massage, or added to bath water. Lavender flowers can also be used to make sachets, or added to baked goods for a unique flavor. With its calming and soothing properties, lavender is a must-have herb in any home.