Garden season is here!!! This year, in addition to my veggies and flowers, I am going to be planting a medicinal herb garden. There are so many herbs that are gentle, safe, and most importantly, have incredible healing actions. Here are a few that you may want to consider:
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
The perennial lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family, it is sometimes referred to as common balm or balm mint.
Traditionally, lemon balm herbal preparations have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Its mild sedative effect is well-known without the side effects of common sedating medications.
Add a few leaves to a cup of hot water, steep for 5-7 min and enjoy the lemony calm it brings.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
German chamomile is an anti-inflammatory nervine that has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, and it’s safe for children and adults who are in a weakened state. Chamomile has antiseptic properties and is used topically in washes for skin, eyes and mouth.
When brewed as tea, the sweet little blossoms bring a sense of well-being and improve digestion and improve sleep.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Common sage is a member of the mint family and thought to have originated in the Mediterranean. This popular culinary herb can be found in many regions and is a favorite addition of kitchen herbalists.
Used in teas this herb can help reduce symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, nighttime sweating and occasional palpitations. These symptoms arise from hormonal imbalances, namely lowered estrogen levels.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Pretty and fragrant, common lavender is one of my favourite herbs. It is a powerful nervine which means it helps reduce anxiety, promotes relaxation, and restores a sense of well-being to the overwhelmed.
Toss a handful of fresh or dried lavender buds in your bathtub and soak away any stress, place a vase of lavender stems next to your bed to help you relax in the evening, or brew some of the flowers in a soothing tea.
Nettles (Urtica dioica)
This plant is a nutritious spring green and can be eaten steamed or in soups and stir-fries. The sting disappears when the leaves are cooked or dried. The greens and tea of nettles are high in minerals, vitamins, and chlorophyll; namely Vitamin A and C and calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. The leaves and seeds are used medicinally in teas and foods for allergies, arthritis, and as a kidney tonic.
Since It is considered a perennial vegetable it does not need to be planted from seed each spring, but comes back from the roots year after year, making it less energy-intensive to cultivate than many annual crops. In fact, I have lots growing wild in the ditches along my driveway.