Nature's Medicine: The Healing Power of Your Garden

When man first began to make efforts of healing, they were by the use of herbs. Nature has a fascinating way of sustaining all inhabitants of the Earth. Modern man is no exception. Today, many medicines are made from herbs or herb extracts. Provided below is a list of the Top 10 Herbs you find in your pantry, flowerbed, or herb garden. (Note) This article is by no means a substitution for the treatment of a doctor. If symptoms are severe, or if minor ailments persist for more than a few days, contact your doctor.

1) Basil

This is my favorite herb to use culinarily, mostly due to its robust flavor. Used in Mediterranean and some Asian food, Basil is very popular. Its success in food preparation lies in its ability to stimulate the appetite.

This herb originated in India, and was revered as a sacred plant. Many burial rites focused around basil offerings.

The healing basil is most associated with resides in the stomach. It can prevent vomiting, settle indigestion, and according to Paul Beyerl, "Soothe the nerves which lead to an out-of-balance stomach".

To use the healing power of basil, warm 6-8 ounces of water, and steep chopped basil leaves for 2-3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of honey if taken for cough.

2) Mint

Mint is one of the most powerful herbs I have encountered. It is used for irritated skin, coughing, congestion, migraine, heartburn, nervousness, and insomnia.

Mint contains a substance called 'menthol' which calms nerve endings, making it very successful at ceasing itch and other skin related annoyances. To cure skin related problems, run a very warm bath. Toss a handful of mint leaves and stems into the bath and stir them around. Soak in the water until all problems melt away in the sweet scented steam.

For the other ailments, brew a tea using 6-8 ounces of hot water. Steep the bruised leaves for 2-3 minutes and add a tablespoon of honey to taste.

In large quantities, mint is rumored to be an aphrodesiac.

3) Rose

Hundreds of years ago, it was not uncommon for a young man to present his woman with a few rose hips. She would brew these into a tea to help ease her 'monthly ailments'. From this tradition, comes the act of presenting roses to a significant other.

Rose has also been taken in ancient medicine as a 'blood purifier'. Today, rose is used for uterine cramps, mouth sores and dizziness. In each case, add a few bruised petals to 6-8 ounces of hot water. Do not add honey, as this may make mouth sores worse.

4) Chamomile

Ancient Egyptians believed that Chamomile would cure any plant growing next to it. Most notably, this is the active ingredient in most sleep inducing teas. Brew a tea with a handful of the flower heads in 6-8 ounces of hot water. Omit any sweetener, as this may counteract the effects.

Apply the warm tea to your hair to bring out blonde highlights or streaks.

5) Dandelion

This may be the easiest herb for anyone to find. In most instances, we are trying to get rid of them, not cultivate them.

The juice of the dandelion can be applied to the skin to treat both acne and eczema. Gather a handful of yellow dandelion heads and rub them into the afflicted area.

Eating a salad made solely from the greens and a light dressing (to help it go down) can help cure urinary tract infections. Be warned, Dandelion is also mildly laxative.

6) Parsley

Another common plant found in culinary gardens, Parsley is most often seen as the decorative element to a plate. However, there are many uses for the herb.

A tea made from the bruised leaves and seeds can be used to kill 'scalp vermin' according to John Lust. It can also be applied to an area that is beginning to bruise.

The tea may also be ingested to help cleanse the kidneys. This means help passing kidney stones. (Note: Do not drink parsley tea if you have inflamed kidneys.)

7) Marigold

When was the last time you thought of Marigold as being edible? Taken internally, they aid the symptoms of smallpox and measles. They will stop the fever, and quicken the course of the spots.

Externally, the petals can be applied to insect bites and rashes.

8) Dill

Another popular culinary herb, dill's healing properties lie in many areas. Try chewing the seeds to eliminate bad breath. Breast feeding mothers have applied the herb to help the flow of milk. The herb has been eaten to help ease the pains of flatulence.

9) Rosemary

This is often thought of as an aid in digestion, and an herb used to promote liver function. I choose to discourage the use of Rosemary in amounts larger than 3 tablespoons. There is a legitimate danger of fatal poisoning, when dealing with Rosemary. Leave Rosemary to the Culinary Department, only.

10) Violet

Violet is most useful when dealing with children. Common lore says that eating a few petals of violet will eliminate bad nightmares, and induce a peaceful sleep.

Why spend fortunes on over the counter remedies that can be reaped from your own back yard? Give your garden a chance to give back to you. (Note: Always wash plants before using them. Pesticides and fertilizers do not belong in your body.)

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
The Herb Book by John Lust