You may not know it, but the secret to fast and effective cures to a number of diseases can be found right in your garden. Not only are plants appealing ornamentals for your home, but they are also extremely useful. Plants have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal qualities, and are still in use today. Some herbs commonly used in the kitchen also have important medicinal value.
Here are some plants you may have in your garden that you may use as natural cures:
1. Aloe vera – Used for burns and sunburns, wounds, scalds, and scrapes. The gel of the plant may be obtained by peeling off the outer layer, and possess amino acids that the human body is unable to produce. These amino acids are essential in the speedy healing of wounds and burns.
2. Clove – Rich in antioxidants and is used for its antiseptic and anesthetic properties. It is also a helpful digestive aid. Simply dip a cotton bud with clove oil and apply it to a painful tooth to ease a toothache. One teaspoon of powdered clove can be used for a delicious tea that aids the digestive system.
3. Basil – The main ingredient in pesto is not only a delicious herb but is also rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C. Basil oil has been used to treat acne, and has also been successfully proven to strengthen the immune system. To treat acne, apply a cotton ball swabbed with basil tincture. Two teaspoons of dried basil steeped for 15 minutes in a cup makes a delicious yet highly nutritional cup of tea.
4. Echinacea – This plant’s potent medicinal values has been recognized for hundreds of years. It is known to successfully battle colds, flu, and arthritis. Echinacea is also potent in strengthening the immune system. Two teaspoons of the root taken as a tea, three times a day can fight off arthritis, colds, and infections.
5. Papaya – The delicious fruit is rich in enzymes that help the digestive system and aids in ulcer prevention. It is suggested to take the fruit as an appetizer to aid in digestion of a meal. One or two teaspoons of the dried leaves may be used in a tea; however remember to not boil the leaves as this deactivates the essential ingredient, papain.
6. Garlic – The so-called “stinking rose” which is a known kitchen ingredient around the world is also known in eastern medicine as an extremely powerful healing herb. Garlic helps in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood clots, diabetes, and cancer.
7. Rose – This beautiful flower is rich in vitamin c, which helps ward off colds and flu. Two or three teaspoons of its dried fruit, called “hips,” can be as a delicious tea.
Remember to consult your physician before ingesting any of these as these come with precautions. Also, do not prescribe these cures for children especially those below two years old.
Interesting!
Comment by Andrew — July 14, 2008 @ 11:20 am