It is important to dedicate a tiny space in your dwelling to growing medicinal herbs, as they may come handy during emergencies, especially in a home with small children. Even people who live in apartments can grow some herbs on their window sills, but they have to choose only those plants that have great medicinal value due to lack of space.
So, what are the medicinal plants you can grow in your garden that will give you best value for space in terms of health and medicinal benefits? Given below are top ten herbs that have been gaining popularity as garden medicinal plants.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is the herb that has great medicinal properties, which can also be used as balm, to treat burns, wounds, and inflammation. Though the plant requires sunlight, it can be kept in a pot and grown indoors if one can ensure that it gets enough sunlight.
2. Mint
Mint is one of the herbs that grow easily; in fact, it is known to overtake the growth of other plants in the garden. The herb will not only be useful as a spice, but can be used to treat sudden stomach problems, like nausea, indigestion, vomiting and flatulence.
3. Sage
Easy to grow, this medicinal and cooking herb works great in healing insect bites, infections of skin, in addition to being an excellent home remedy for indigestion, depression, gastritis, and menopause related problems in women.
4. Chamomile
Besides being a medicinal plant which can be used to cure anxiety, insomnia, eye problems, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, migraine and many other illnesses, this beautiful flowering plant will also add to the beauty of the garden.
5. Lavender
The herb with beautiful flowers can calm and relax a depressed or stressed out person. Furthermore, it is a good antiseptic for wounds and bruises, used in treatment of fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. The exotic fragrance of lavender is known to have a soothing and sedative effect on those who inhale it.
6. Ginger
Ginger is a spice and medicinal herb that can be of great use if grown in the backyard. The herb is excellent for nausea, vomiting, cold and coughs. On the day you have had a heavy meal and feel uneasy, this herb works wonder, giving instant relief from the discomfort.
7. Garlic
The wonder herb, which doubles as a spice, is quite easy to grow if some of its basic requirements are met, like good soil, watering and harvesting at the right time. The herb with amazing healing powers has been extensively used to treat various ailments all over the world for more than 5,000 years. Garlic can be used as expectorant, antibacterial and antifungal for wounds and cuts, for relief from fevers, coughs, cold and many other diseases.
8. Holy Basil
Holy basil, known as Tulsi in India, is still grown and worshipped in many Indian homes. The plant is considered as “Queen of Herbs” by medical practitioners for its exceptional medicinal properties in curing various ailments of human body.
9. Rosemary
The beautiful herb rosemary is recognized for its phyto-nutrients, antioxidants, essential acids and other medicinal properties. Rosemary is good in treating headaches, liver ailments, respiratory problems, epilepsy, stress and other diseases. The herb can be easily grown in a pot.
10. Tea Tree
Tea tree is a very useful medicinal herb to grow in the garden. The oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of tea tree plant has great healing properties which are used to treat acne, warts, cold sores, burns and other skin problems.
