One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients is to grow a variety of plants. There are many plants you can grow in your home or garden that will benefit your health. These plants have been found to help purify water, provide nutrition, and potentially protect against certain diseases. This article will discuss some of those plants and what health benefits you can receive from them!
Contents
Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb that has many beneficial properties. It is naturally antibacterial and can treat minor wounds such as cuts or scrapes. Lavender is even more beneficial when the oil of lavender is applied over certain skin irritations, such as acne or bug bites, due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed in tea form, it has been found to help ease digestive issues and may help fight insomnia. Some studies have also found that consuming lavender in tea form can reduce anxiety!
Rosemary
Rosemary is known for its use as an antioxidant. It is high in vitamin B6, which has been shown to protect against certain cancers such as colon or cervical cancer! Rosemary may also help the body better absorb iron from food sources, which can help anemic individuals. This plant is also known for its use as a natural analgesic and muscle relaxer, which may benefit those who suffer from joint pain or arthritis. Additionally, has also been used to increase the production of gastric juices, which may help aid in digestion.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its use in herbal medicine. It has been used to help ease pain and reduce inflammation in joints, relieve constipation, soothe sunburns, treat acne, heal small cuts and scrapes, and even act as an anti-aging agent! What’s more, aloe vera has antibacterial properties, which may help protect against certain infections. It can be added to smoothies or taken orally in supplement form or juice for these benefits. If you’re lucky enough to have an aloe plant at home, all you need to do is break off a leaf and squeeze the juice into your drink of choice or use it on your skin!
Basil
Consuming basil helps with nausea, upset stomachs, and may even act as an anti-inflammatory agent! Basil also acts as a diuretic which can help relieve bloating or water retention. Basil is rich in manganese which contributes to healthy skin, strong bones, and metabolism support. It is also high in vitamin A which can contribute to healthy eyesight. Basil leaves make for a great addition to salads or beverages such as tea or smoothies!
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is known for its natural pain-relieving properties. You can apply it topically to aching joints and muscles to help reduce inflammation and ease pain. When consumed orally, stinging nettle can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis or gout such as swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Improving gout symptoms is particularly beneficial because consuming foods high in purine can worsen symptoms!
Mint
Mint is beneficial for many reasons. It can help improve the immune system, ease menstrual cramps and headaches, and reduce inflammation. Mint leaves may also aid digestion by relieving stomach issues such as nausea, heartburn, or bloating. The menthol found in mint leaves acts as a diuretic and painkiller, which can help treat headaches and muscle soreness. Mint tea may also act as an expectorant to soothe coughs associated with chest colds!
Echinacea
Echinacea is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that consuming echinacea orally can help fight off common infections such as colds, flu, or yeast infections. Echinacea has also been a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that supports the body’s ability to fight off disease. Echinacea is also known for its positive effects on pain relief, stress levels, blood sugar levels, and moods. If you’re feeling a little under the weather, give echinacea root or flower a shot by brewing it into a tea!
St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort is one of the most popular herbal supplements used in the US. It can fight depression and anxiety, improve moods, and ease sleep problems such as insomnia. St John’s Wort also has positive effects on pain relief and blood circulation, which can aid in recovery from injury or chronic joint pain. Studies have shown that consuming oral doses of st john’s wort may help fight off certain types of cancer too! You can brew this plant into a tea or take it in supplement form for this wide range of benefits.
Ginseng Root
Ginseng root is commonly used in Asian cultures as an energy booster and immune system enhancer. It is thought that the active components in ginseng act directly on cells within the immune system to stimulate them. Studies show that consuming ginseng may help prevent or treat certain cancers, lower blood sugar levels, and combat the effects of aging. In addition to these benefits, ginseng supplementation can also help improve memory function and enhance physical performance! The best way to reap the benefits from ginseng is by consuming orally as a tea or supplement.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of plants that can positively impact health. An added benefit, almost every plant on this list can be easily grown at your home. It’s important to remember that healthy nutrition and exercise are often more beneficial than alone consuming supplements or herbal remedies. However, if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health, be sure to try one of these beneficial plants listed above!
