With herbs, you can grow your own medicine
Published Thursday July 2nd, 2009
Growing your own food can be extremely rewarding and, with the economy and environmental concerns of today, may even become a necessity.
However, if you're like me and your thumb is more brown than green, a vegetable garden can be disappointing and time consuming.
I choose to buy my fresh vegetables from a local garden enthusiast while focusing on adding flavour and boosting the health benefits of the veggies by growing my own herbs.
It is impossible to determine when exactly people started using herbs. Evidence suggests that herbs were known to have medicinal benefits as early as 2700 B.C. and have been used by many different cultures ever since.
Hippocrates, believed to be the first doctor to practise medicine as an art, was able to categorize herbs and used them extensively in his practice. One of his most famous quotes suggests his naturopathic approach: "Let food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." Herbs fit into that idea perfectly.
Herbs are very easy to grow and although they have both a decorative and an aromatic appeal, they also have many health benefits and can be used knowing that the flavour is just one of the many advantages gained by incorporating fresh or dried varieties to your diet.
A few of my favourites include:
* Lavender: This is well known for its delicate smell due to the high amount of essential oils contained in the flowers. Other than being pleasing to the eye and the nose, this plant has a very calming, soothing effect on the body and can be used for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Add fresh or dried plant parts to a bath or the essential oil to an oil diffuser.
* Mint: There are various mints that make a wonderful addition to any herb garden. Peppermint and spearmint are wonderful for digestive ailments, such as gas and bloating if taken in tea form (fresh or dried). Mints are fast growing and will take over other plants so it is suggested to pot them individually. Mint is a great complementary flavour to many dishes. Crushed leaves act as a great air freshener or can be added to a humidifier to combat congestion during the cold season.
* Nettles: These are easy to grow and are full of micro-nutrients. Nettles are a wonderful tonic for the kidneys and act to supplement the many minerals that are deficient in commercially-grown foods. This plant is particularly high in iron and is often recommended for anemic conditions. Try steeping fresh cut or dried nettle leaves in boiled water overnight. Strain the next morning and add ice and fresh lemon juice for a nutritious alternative to packaged iced tea.
* Chamomile: This is a sweetly scented, light tasting herb. It works well as a skin remedy for irritation and wounds, and is found in many creams and lotions for this reason. As a tea, chamomile has a relaxing effect.
To help soothe the pain of teething, make a weak chamomile tea, soak a clean cloth in it, and place the cloth in the freezer. The child can then chew on the cold cloth and at the same time, receive the calming benefits of the chamomile. One note of caution: if an individual has an allergy to ragweed, they may react to chamomile with the same symptoms.
* Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a great addition to any medicine cabinet. Considering the very little care it requires, the aloe is extremely generous to its caretaker, helping to soothe sunburned skin, rashes, bug bites, and minor wounds. The juice from the plant can be added to bath water for a general approach or applied to a specific area such as a hemorrhoid.
When required, remove a lower leaf, split it open, and apply the gel directly on the area. Aloes enjoy the sun and heat, so be sure to keep it indoors most of the year and near a sunny window.
* Dandelion: This is likely one herb that you will not have to plant but will still be able to find. Like most herbs, dandelions are considered 'weeds' while they are one of the most multipurpose herbs there are. The leaves can be added to salads as a tasty green.
The yellow blossom is also great in salads or added to stir-frys for colour and taste. The root, when dried and ground, makes a wonderful alternative to coffee. Due to its bitter taste, dandelion will stimulate bile flow, and is a great liver and gallbladder tonic.
The leaves have a mild diuretic effect and can be used to help lower fluid retention and blood pressure. Next time you are mowing, skip an area and allow the dandelions to grow free!
The benefits of growing your own herbs are endless. Your quality is assured, as you can choose to avoid pesticide and herbicide use and they can't get any fresher than from your backyard or deck. For very little effort, you can enjoy the benefits of herbs all year round by creating your own medicinal garden. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health-care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine such as a naturopathic doctor.
n Dr. Melissa Blake completed her pre-medical studies at Dalhousie University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. From there, she attended CCNM in Toronto and graduated from the four-year program with a diploma in naturopathic medicine. Since 2006, Dr. Blake has furthered her education in IV and chelation therapy and has a special interest in naturopathic oncology. She currently practices at The Pear Tree Naturopathic Clinic in Dieppe and can be contacted at 857-1300 or by email at thepeartreenaturopathicclinic@gmail.com
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