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For generations, people have relied on nature’s bounty to address everyday health concerns. From soothing digestive upsets and headaches to calming burns and coughs, these natural remedies have proven their worth, with modern science often affirming their effectiveness.
Once a staple in households, these treatments were the go-to solutions found in what many affectionately refer to as “grandma’s medicine cabinet.” Today, as we seek alternatives to pharmaceuticals, there’s a growing appreciation for the age-old wisdom of using plants and herbs to promote wellness.
Here are some of the time-honored herbs and flowers that have played a vital role in natural healing traditions that you can easily grow in your backyard.
Tumeric for Inflammation
Turmeric is well-known for its active compound, curcumin, which boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties. For centuries, it has been a trusted remedy for managing ailments like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research supports these traditional uses, demonstrating curcumin’s ability to help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with these chronic conditions.
For best results, consider incorporating a high-quality turmeric supplement into your daily routine. However, since turmeric can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
Chamomile for Sleep and Anxiety
Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Chamomile tea has long been used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, and studies have shown that this fragrant herb can reduce anxiety and improve sleep patterns.
The best way to take chamomile is as a herbal tea an hour or so before bed. While chamomile is generally safe, it can interact with blood thinners and should be avoided by those with allergies to ragweed.
Chamomile enjoys full sun but can tolerate light shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It’s generally easy to grow from seed and can self-seed prolifically.
Eucalyptus Oil for Congestion
Eucalyptus oil is commonly used to relieve congestion and respiratory issues, helping to loosen mucus and make breathing easier. Inhaling eucalyptus steam or using it in a chest rub has been shown to reduce cold symptoms and eucalyptus oil is commonly used in over-the-counter cold remedies.
To use eucalyptus oil safely, add 3-4 drops to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam. Alternatively, add 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil to make a natural chest rub. It’s important to note that eucalyptus oil should not be ingested and must be diluted if applied to the skin to avoid irritation.
Ginger for Nausea
Ginger is an old-school effective remedy to over-the-counter medications is the use of ginger to treat nausea. Clinical studies show that ginger reduces symptoms of nausea and has fewer side effects.
The best way to take ginger for nausea is as a tea, made by steeping slices of fresh ginger in hot water. People taking blood thinners or those prone to heartburn should be cautious when consuming ginger in large amounts, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
Ginger can be grown in a garden, pot, or garden bed in the backyard.
Related: How to Make Ginger Powder
Peppermint Oil for Digestive Issues
Mint is a fast-growing perennial herb that grows equally well indoors or outdoors. Peppermint oil has been shown to relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing discomfort from bloating and indigestion. Many people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) swear by the symptomatic relief provided by this versatile remedy.
The safest way to treat digestive issues is with peppermint tea, as concentrated peppermint oil can cause heartburn and reflux issues.
Mint makes a fantastic addition to an herb garden. It is one of the easiest herbs to grow, especially if you are beginning your herb garden.
Aloe Vera for Burns
Studies have shown that the gel inside aloe vera leaves provides soothing relief and promotes faster healing of burns, reducing the overall recovery time by as much as nine days. This is a great home remedy for minor burns, but deep burns or those covering larger areas of skin require specialist medical attention.
When treating minor burns with aloe vera, it is essential to use pure aloe vera and avoid commercial products that may contain irritants or additives. If you happen to have an aloe vera plant growing at home, simply break off a section of leaf to uncover the magical healing gel inside!
Aloe vera is best suited for Zones 9 to 10. Aloe vera thrives in full sun, prefers to dry out between waterings, and benefits from light fertilization.
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Lavender for Stress Relief
With its striking purple color and soothing aroma, lavender attracts butterflies and is perfect for low-maintenance gardens. It is also known for adding sweet scents to your garden. It thrives in sunlight with minimal water and keeps deer at bay, making it perfect for easy-care gardens.
Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender essential oil can decrease cortisol levels and induce a calming effect.
Like any essential oil, lavender oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before being used as a topical treatment, and it should never be ingested. A good trick is to drip a small amount of lavender oil onto an old napkin or handkerchief which can be kept in your pocket during the day and under your pillow at night.
How to Make Lavender Infused Oil
Lemon Balm
With its lemony fragrance, lemon balm makes the perfect addition to a medicinal garden. It can be used to relieve stress, ease pain, and comfort.
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Sage
Sage is a great herb to keep on hand to add flavor to homemade dishes. You can also make a beautiful tea with it, which helps to ease sore thoughts and aid in colds.
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Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just a favorite in the kitchen; it’s also a natural mosquito repellent, thanks to its potent fragrance that helps keep these pests out of your garden. You can easily grow rosemary by propagating fresh sprigs purchased from the grocery store, making it a convenient addition to your outdoor space. Thriving in growing zones 7 to 10, rosemary flourishes best in full sun with plenty of daylight exposure.
Beyond its culinary and insect-repelling uses, rosemary offers various health benefits. Massaging rosemary-infused oil into bruised areas can aid in faster recovery, while rosemary water works wonders as a hair treatment, especially for dandruff. It also helps reduce inflammation caused by eczema and other skin irritations.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is a stunning plant with nectar-rich blooms that naturally attract bees. Known for its resilience, this sun-loving perennial thrives with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. It blooms from summer until the first frost and is well-suited to growing zones 4 to 9.
Echinacea is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, which effectively ease pain and inflammation. Growing echinacea provides a natural source of wellness right at your fingertips.
Clove
Cloves have long been a go-to home remedy for easing pains such as toothaches. Beyond their pain-relieving properties, cloves are believed to offer a range of health benefits. They have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making them a versatile addition to natural health practices.
Feverfew
Feverfew, also known as featherfew, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for ailments like migraines, arthritis, and fevers. Often resembling chamomile flowers, feverfew also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow is a hardy plant that showcases clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of yellow, white, pink, and red. This drought-resistant herb flourishes in full sun and is well-known for its medicinal properties. Yarrow has been traditionally used to help relieve anxiety, soothe menstrual discomfort, treat colds and flu, and reduce fevers.
Thyme
Thyme, a low-growing perennial herb, is a must-have in every vegetable garden. The tiny, delicate flowers of thyme are irresistible to insects that boost pollination and keep pests under control.
Thyme is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, making it a go-to remedy for coughs and sore throats. Enjoy it in a tea or make a salve.
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18 Survival Skills Our Great-Grandparents Knew That Most Of Us Today Don’t
Many activities were once essential survival skills, but today, they’ve been forgotten by many. While technology has certainly made life easier, previous generations didn’t have these systems, making them far more self-sufficient. Here are 18 basic skills they mastered that many people today have no idea how to do.
18 Survival Skills Our Great-Grandparents Knew That Most Of Us Today Don’t
