Written By: Anusuya Suresh | Published : February 28, 2015 9:39 AM IST
A simple ailment such as cold, indigestion or flatulence does not always require prescription medication. It is quite possible to get some measure of relief by using certain medicinal herbs. So, here are a few herbs that you must grow in your home garden so that they are readily available when you need them.
Tulsi
Tulsi has various health benefits and it also helps deal with cough and cold because of its antibacterial as well as expectorant properties. Add a few tulsi leaves to boiling water to make a soothing tea; drink as such or add a few drops of honey for flavor. Juice from crushed tulsi leaves may also be applied to areas of skin that have developed an itchy rash or irritation. You may like to read about the benefits of drinking tulsi tea.
Ginger
Ginger is a rhizome that is easy to grow even in pots. Wash the rhizome thoroughly to remove the mud, grate or cut into small pieces and steep in hot water for a few minutes to make a soothing tea. Ginger tea is one of the most effective remedies against indigestion and flatulence. Some people also squeeze a little ginger juice into a tea made from tulsi and honey and use to combat cough and cold. People with motion sickness often find that chewing or sucking on a small piece of ginger helps reduce the nausea or vomiting they encounter when travelling. Read more about the various health benefits of ginger.
Cilantro
Also known as coriander leaves, cilantro is easy to grow from coriander seeds that are used as a spice. Like the seeds, the leaves of this herb also possess several health benefits including digestive and carminative properties and thus, help avoid flatulence and indigestion. Cilantro may be finely chopped and sprinkled on curries, soups and salads or incorporated into green chutney to accompany sandwiches and other breakfast dishes such as idli or dosa. Chewing on a few cilantro leaves can also help mask bad breath.
Malabar spinach/ Basella
Malabar spinach is a creeper that grows easily in a pot provided you give it enough support. The succulent leaves and stems of this creeper are rich in folic acid and iron and this makes it a good herb for those who are anaemic and pregnant women. The leaves are generally roasted in a little ghee and then ground into a chutney using other ingredients such as coconut and green chillies. The roasted leaves may also be included in gravy dishes such as dal or sambar.
Gotu kola
Gotu kola is also a creeper whose leaves can be used for skin problems such as rash, irritation and itching. The leaves must be steeped in hot water for a few minutes and the tea so obtained may be drunk after straining. Some people also crush the leaves and apply the paste directly onto the skin to deal with itching and rash and to heal superficial wounds.
Brahmi
Brahmi grows well in pots provided it receives a small amount of sun. The leaves of this herb have been traditionally used to improve memory and learning, get rid of worms and also as a remedy for skin problems. A few brahmi leaves may be soaked overnight in water and made into a paste the next day with some almonds, milk and sugar candy. The liquid so obtained is considered good for improving memory and also helps eliminate intestinal worms.
Henna
Henna has been used from times immemorial for its cooling properties as well as its cosmetic value. The chemical in henna causes skin and hair to stain a dark brown or red color, making it a natural hair dye. Henna leaves can be ground into a paste, mixed with some curry leaves and sesame oil and applied to grey hair and also has various other haircare benefits. Some women also apply henna paste on the soles of the feet to deal with the hot flashes that are so common during menopause.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is another plant that you can easily grow in a pot although you will need to transplant it into the soil after some time. The flowers must be soaked overnight and next morning, squeezed into a paste and applied to the scalp and hair. This treatment when done frequently helps to promote hair growth. The leaves of the hibiscus plant can also be made into a paste and combined with amla and coconut oil to prevent premature greying of hair. Hibiscus can also be effectively used to treat lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
Curry leaves
Curry leaves are commonly used in Indian cuisine for their flavor but they also have strong digestive properties. They also change the body s absorption of fat and a common remedy for weight loss is to steep curry leaves in hot water for a few minutes, strain and drink the resulting tea when still warm. Apart from its various health benefits, curry leaves are also known to possess various haircare and skin care benefits.
Pudina/Mint
Pudina grows well in pots and you can use the aromatic leaves of this herb to spice up salads, chutneys or your tea. The menthol in pudina activates the action of the digestive enzymes and also relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, providing relief from spasmodic pain caused by indigestion. Pudina is also known to possess other health benefits like fighting acne etc. A few mint leaves can also be added into boiling water and the vapors inhaled to relieve nasal congestion.You may like to read about pudina face packs for a healthy and glowing skin.
All the herbs mentioned here are quite easy to grow and do not require any special knowledge of gardening. All it takes is a little patience and effort to procure the necessary materials and a few minutes every day spent in caring for your plants. Growing these herbs will not just give you access to your own medicines; caring for them will also prove to be a wonderful stress buster!
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