Grow Your Own Apothecary for Natural Home Remedies

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The trend in home gardening has risen in the last few months. This was brought about by the surge of grocery shortages and widespread concern about the recent pandemic. Not to mention the growing consumer consideration of where their food comes from and their preferences for ecologically friendly food sources. Gardening is one of the productive ways to spend time at home. It can improve your health physically and mentally. One of the most rewarding gardening projects is growing your own apothecary garden. Herbs are simple and easy to grow, you don’t have to be an expert to be able to grow them. And you can do it whether you live in the countryside, in a vast land, or in a tiny studio apartment.    

For centuries, people have depended on apothecary gardens to create cures and remedies. They were the primary sources for medicines when treating the sick in the olden times. Still to this day, apothecary gardens continue to provide time-tested natural remedies for certain ailments. Modern society has continued to seek natural treatments trying to avoid artificial ingredients and added chemicals that can be harmful to the body and the environment. 

How-Tos

There are so many benefits to growing your own garden. Whether you choose to grow plants in pots or containers, grow a vegetable garden, or cultivate a herb garden. Home-grown herbs for your kitchen supply and medicinal purposes magnifies the benefits. Medicinal herbs can be used for basic first aid, digestive health, cold, cough, and allergy treatments or support for various minor health conditions. For a beginner, it may seem daunting and overwhelming at first. This is especially true if you are just getting started with herbs and learning how they may help with various health issues. But the amount of work and skill necessary is entirely dependent on what you want to achieve and how much you want to grow. You can choose to start small so as not to get overwhelmed, and add more herbs when you get the feel of it. Growing herbs whether for your kitchen or medicine cabinet initially takes some time and effort. But eventually, as you get used to it, life can be easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding.

Some of the benefits of growing your own medicinal herbs are stated below:

Save Money

Growing your own herbs helps you save money over time. You can considerably reduce the cost of herbal preparations as compared to those purchased from your local herb store. Initial investments would only require growing tools, seeds and soil. These can supply you with years worth of herbs. Not to mention you will be guaranteed fresher, tastier, and healthier produce as you personally know how they were grown. 

Fresh And Pure Sources

There are herbs and herbal formulations from reputable supplement companies that use third-party testing to ensure purity. Herbs have a shelf file and the usual dried ones will only last a year. Longer if they are preserved in oil and tincture. Growing your own herbs is another way to make sure you are getting fresher and healthier herbs. It allows you to harvest at the correct time and in appropriate quantities that you just need. Some commercial drying processes such as sun drying, hot air drying, or ambient air drying have been shown to reduce potency and compromise health benefits of certain herbs. Growing and drying your own herbs can result in more potent and pure herbal remedies.

Herbs

  • Delve into the world of herbs with our tag, offering guidance on cultivating these versatile plants that add flavor and fragrance to your culinary endeavors.

Medically Stronger

Herbs growing locally to you are exposed to the same environmental factors and stressors that you are exposed to. If they are thriving despite the bacterial, fungal, and environmental adversities in your surroundings, then they have the right chemistry to help you do the same. 

Can Be Used In Cooking

Some of the most well-known medicinal herbs can be used in cooking. They can also be added to your soups, drinks, or made as teas. Sage, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, and oregano to name a few. Growing your own herbs at home gives you the option to add them to your diet to provide more nutritious meals for your family.

Can Beautify Your Surroundings

Most of the herbs can be grown easily. Most of them are grown not just for reasons of consumption but to be used as ornamentals or decorations. Herbs can easily enhance your surroundings. A pot or two can improve any part of your home or garden’s appearance in many ways. Some studies even show that plants in your surroundings can enhance air quality which gives you health benefits as well.

Easy to Grow Herbs

Ways to Use Herbs

There are different ways to use herbs from our garden. Here below are some options:

Capsule Form

One of the simplest ways to consume medical herbs is through capsules. This is usually done by simply grinding the dried roots, leaves, or petals and filling the capsules with the powdered or grounded form.

Grinding can be done using mortar and pestle, electric blender, food processor or coffee mill. 

Poultices

A poultice is a soft, moist paste that is made up of herbs, plants, and other substances that contain medicinal properties. The herbs are crushed and bruised to be made into a paste. The paste is applied externally or spread directly on the skin. Poultices are used to relieve inflammation, improve circulation and promote healing of cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and other wounds. It can be made with moistened fresh or dry leaves.

Tinctures

Most tinctures are made to be taken internally. They are often diluted with water or juice then swallowed. Though there are times they may not taste good, it is most ideal for quick absorption. There are also some tinctures that are directly applied to the skin.

A tincture is made by soaking the herbs in alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. It can be either fresh or grounded to extract the healing components of the plant. Tinctures have a long shelf life, mostly a year or more. 

Infused Oils

Infused oils can be used by directly massaging them on the skin or as ingredients in other products like salves, creams, and balms. Herbs that are infused in oils are those with active constituents that will dissolve in vegetable, seed or nut oils. Infused oils can be used for treating bruises, swellings, sprains, or scars. It can be used in both hot and cold treatment techniques. 

Salves and Balms

Salves and balms are thickened infused oils combined with beeswax and herbs. They are more convenient and less messy to apply externally.

Salves and balms can be used on insect bites, cuts, bruises, aching muscles and joints, skin inflammations, rashes, burns, or wounds. 

Teas

Herbal tea is maybe one of the most common ways to consume herbal medicine. It is made by steeping medicinal herbs either fresh or dried in water to extract its flavor and healing properties. 

Garden Plants

Which Herbs to Grow?

From the multitude of choices of which herbs to grow, one would probably be overwhelmed in choosing which plant to start with. Here below are the top suggestions and recommendations of various gardeners to arm your home to use for natural remedies:

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the members of the mint family. It is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that is originally grown in Europe and Asia. Peppermint is a perennial plant that is easy to grow and can tolerate both low-light indoor and outdoor conditions. It is heavily scented and can repel garden pests. It can spread vigorously and is best contained in its own pot or container. Peppermint is commonly used as a flavoring or fragrance in food, beverages, soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, and cosmetics. It is a popular traditional remedy for various conditions and also believed to have calming effects. 

Usage forms: Dried or fresh leaves, capsules, oil, salves, and ointments

Best for: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestive problems, nausea, cold, cough, flu, sinus infections, headache, skin conditions, muscle and joint pains, itching, flatulence, menstrual pains, diarrhea, depression-related anxiety

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a perennial plant that comes from the mint family. It is a lemon-scented herb that is originally grown in Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Lemon balm is considered as a “calming or happy herb”. It contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative and calming effect.  It has traditionally been used to increase cognitive performance, improve mood, relieve anxiety, and calm nerves. It is grown not only for herb gardens but also as crops for medicine, cosmetics, and furniture polish manufacturing. It can also be used for meat marination or to add flavor to baked goods and jams. Like peppermint, it can grow large and requires little care. It is also known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties. It smells like lemon, tastes like mint, and is gentle enough for children too.

Edible Plants

Usage forms: Dried or fresh leaves, tea, capsules, extracts, tinctures, balms, oils, lotion

Best for: insomnia, depression, stress, indigestion, cold sores, nausea, headaches, toothaches, nervous system conditions

Thyme

This fragrant evergreen plant has a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses. It's a common ingredient in the kitchen, and it's great in savory recipes and seasonings like roasted vegetables, spaghetti, and stew. It's a low-growing perennial that belongs to the mint family and has an impressive range of uses. It has been used in embalming practices, as incense, in mouthwashes, perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, or as flavoring agents. Aside from being a culinary staple, it is gaining attention for its medicinal qualities, ability to fight off bacteria and fungus, help treat acne, and high blood pressure. It also includes vitamins and minerals that improve immunological function, cell health, and bone growth. This plant is easy to cultivate and enjoys being in the sun. It requires little water and is drought resistant.

Usage forms: Dried or fresh, dietary supplement in liquid or capsule, salves and ointments, syrups, oil infusion, mouthwash, nasal sprays, liniments

Best for: Cough, colds, flu, sore throat, chest congestion, diarrhea, stomachache, arthritis, bronchitis, colic, upset stomach, flatulence, parasitic worm infections, skin disorders, laryngitis, bad breath, tonsillitis, mouth infections, yeast and fungal infections, alopecia, high blood pressure

Lavender

Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy as one of the most popular scents because of its divine smell. A flowering plant that is recognized to promote good health and well-being. It is a soothing herb that belongs to the mint family known to stimulate deep sleep, relaxation, reduce anxiety, and release stress. Lavender is popular in the perfume, cosmetic, and aromatherapy industry. Its calming floral scent is found in bath salts, potpourri, candles, soaps, shampoos, mists, lotions, sprays, potions, oils, air fresheners, and cleaning products. Though not that popular in the kitchen, lavender can also be used as a flavor component in tea, lemonade, and even ice cream. Lavender is a small perennial shrub that needs full sun and well-drained, sandy, alkaline soil to grow best. It is also drought-tolerant.

Usage forms: Dried flowers in tea, salves & ointments, tinctures, oil infusion, essential oils, natural skin care 

Best for: insomnia, anxiety, depression, dementia, menstrual cramps, pain after surgery, fungal infections, hair loss, wounds, minor burns, bug bites, headaches, toothaches

Rosemary

Rosemary is a small evergreen shrub known for its floral aroma and cooking value. Another kitchen staple that goes well with roasted foods such as roasted meats and root vegetables. Its lofty fragrance and delicious flavoring is widely used in focaccia, breadsticks, and crackers. Rosemary is used by herbalists to enhance brain functions such as memory and concentration. It is high in antioxidants, improves digestion, has pain relief properties and is helpful with circulation and low blood pressure. Rosemary is a perennial plant and another member of the mint family that grows best in hot and dry climates. It requires full sun and neutral or slightly alkaline soil with excellent drainage.

Usage forms: Dried or fresh, powdered extracts, teas, essential oils, liquid extracts, tinctures

Best for: Muscle & joint pain, hair loss, brain aging, indigestion, bloating, constipation, bacterial infections, dandruff & dry scalp, stress, anxiety, asthma, colds, allergies

Sage

Sage is another herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a strong herbal aroma and unique earthy flavor that works well when combined with other herbs. It is used in a variety of savory dishes from meat to seafood to lemon and butter. Aside from culinary use, it has been utilized in various medicinal applications and as an ornamental plant. Traditionally, it has been used to boost female fertility, assist in digestion and soothe sore throats, treat wounds, and ulcers. Sage contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties making it a common ingredient in tooth powders for soothing irritated gums and helping clean teeth. It is also used in lozenges, as a natural cleaning agent, as a pesticide, or as a fragrance component in soaps and cosmetics. Women also use sage to help reduce hot flashes, ease painful menstrual periods, or to correct excessive milk flow during nursing. Sage is a short-lived perennial that grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.

Edible Garden Plants

Usage forms: Dried or fresh, powdered, essential oils, cream, tinctures, capsules, tea

Best for: Alzheimer disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, symptoms of menopause, cold sores, bad breath, sore throat, memory loss, digestive problems, loss of appetite, flatulence, stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, colds, flu, asthma, dandruff, scalp infections

Oregano

Oregano is a fragrant herb from the mint family that has been widely known as an ingredient in Italian dishes. People have used it for years as a culinary herb being added to sauces, soups, and stews or as a preservative. Oregano is high in antioxidants and has antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various medical conditions. It can help in digestion, soothe sore throat, can combat germs, fight off colds and headaches, and reduce cough and spasms. Oregano can also be used in homemade cleaning products. It is excellent as tea and great for skin care. Oregano is a perennial that is usually potted as it tends to spread vigorously. They grow best in warm, dry climates and light well-drained soil. 

Usage forms: Dried or fresh, powdered, essential oils, tinctures, capsules, tea

Best for: high cholesterol, intestinal parasites, skin sores, aching muscles, asthma, cramps, diarrhea, indigestion, colds, diabetes 

Calendula

Calendula also called Pot Marigold is a brightly colored flower that is a favorite among herbalists. It is a powerhouse herb that can go anywhere in your home from your garden, to your kitchen, and medicine cabinet. Its yellow and orange bloom would make a beautiful and cheery addition to your garden. Its fragrant scent can repel common garden pests. Its petals can be tossed into some salad or casseroles and can be used as tea. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. For years, it has been used to reduce any kind of inflammation and heal minor cuts, bruises and soothe burns and bug bites. Calendula can also be used as a spice, as an ingredient in homemade lip balms, lotions, creams, ointments, soaps and shampoo. It is used in a variety of hair care, baby care and cosmetics products. Calendula is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow annual plant. It is drought-resistant, frost tolerant, flexible in full sun or partial shade.

Planting

Usage forms: Dried or fresh flowers in tea or gargle for mouth sores, fresh petals can be sprinkled over salads & greens, salves and ointments, powdered or ground, poultices, oils, creams, extracts, sprays

Best for: nausea, indigestion, wounds, acne, eczema, diaper rash, psoriasis, skin ulcer, inflammations, mouth sores, oral diseases, GERD, burns, bug bites

Chamomile

Chamomile is a flowering plant that is widely used as herbal tea all around the world for years. Coming from the daisy family, it has a mild floral flavor and smells slightly like an apple. It is gentle enough to be given to babies and children. It is known to ease stomach upset, reduce fever, soothe teething babies, calm nerves and reduce infection. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for pain relief such as those with rheumatism and arthritis. It is a popular relaxant and a mild sedative that aids sleeping. It has antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiseptic properties and contains a lot of antioxidants. Chamomile is also used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It needs regular watering and well-drained soil.

Usage forms: Dried flowers in tea, salves, ointments, oils, capsules, extracts

Health benefits for: Insomnia, digestive issues, wounds, stress, anxiety, menstrual pain, diabetes, osteoporosis, colds, mild skin conditions, cardiovascular conditions, colic, diarrhea, eczema, gastrointestinal disorders, sore throat, fever, teething, ulcers, muscle spasms, rheumatic pain, arthritis

Growing Your Own Herbal Garden Empowers you to Take Charge of Your Health

These are just some of the various herbal plants that you can grow. Most herbs can be used in your kitchen making them flexible for whatever purpose you have at the moment. Including them in your dishes will help protect your family from colds, flu, and other common ailments. Growing your own herbal garden empowers you to take charge of your own and your family’s health. Not only will they add appeal to your home or garden, and enhance nutritional benefits in your dishes, but also stock your medicine cabinet with natural remedies for personal health and beauty. You don’t even need a green thumb or a vast land to do it. It is easy and simple to start and maintain. Growing your own apothecary is like growing a health-giving garden. It is a journey to wellness, better health and cleaner living. It is time well spent. 

Landscaping Plants

Don’t forget to check out our all in one guide for homesteading, farming and ranching in Texas.

 
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