I studied agricultural science. Am a real village child. I have a small vegetable garden at home, which I take care of, and I prefer to spend my time outdoors. When I'm not outdoors, I'm passionate about writing. My love is not only for plants and writing, but also for the animal world.
Favorite fruit: currants and raspberries. Favorite vegetables: salsify, savoy cabbage and potatoes.
Medicine from your own garden? These ten plants are just as comfortable in the front yard as they are in the pharmacy.
Herbs and medicinal plants are probably the oldest medicine in the world [Photo: Catalina M/ Shutterstock.com]
Herbs and medicinal plants are probably the oldest medicine in the world. With their active ingredients they naturally help against many ailments and support the body. But who thinks that medicinal plants are not only totally outdated, but also difficult to grow, is wrong. Often, the little helpers already thrive in home gardens without anyone suspecting their healing power. These ten plants not only fit into every bed, but also enrich every medicine chest.
Notice: Even if the plants have positive effects on health, they do not replace medication. In case of serious illness or uncertainty about dosage. Use please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Basil
Basil is not only a hit as a tasty addition to tomato and mozzarella cheese. The little kitchen herb also makes a good impression as a medicinal plant. Here's how the plant has an anti-inflammatory effect. Can relieve swelling. In addition, basil with its essential oils helps against many stomach and intestinal complaints. Whether it's an upset stomach or nausea, basil helps if you've ever grabbed the wrong food.
Basil has an anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve swelling [Photo: ulrich22/ Shutterstock.com]
Lavender
This purple plant can already be found in many gardens and rightly so. After all, lavender not only looks beautiful, but also has a beguiling smell. Lavender oil, extracted from the fragrant flowers, has a positive effect on the psyche. Who sleeps badly or wakes up at night, is accompanied by a few drops of the oil on the pillow or a lavender bath safely through the night. Besides its calming effect, lavender also proves to be a real insect repellent. Aphids avoid plants near lavender. Moths also keep away from closets with a lavender sachet.
In addition to its calming effects, lavender also proves to be a real insect repellent [Photo: Cora Mueller/ Shutterstock.com]
Chamomile
Who did not have to drink chamomile tea when he was sick in bed as a child?? Chamomile is a real classic among the medicinal plants and not without reason. It relaxes the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and thus helps against abdominal pain, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. It also dispels bloating and flatulence and is the ideal plant for any kind of abdominal pain. Simply brewed as a tea, it helps the digestion to get going again and looks with its yellow-white flowers also still good in any garden. Allergy sufferers to basket flowers should be careful when using chamomile, however, in rare cases allergic reactions may occur.
Chamomile remains the classic among medicinal plants [Photo: pilialoha/ Shutterstock.com]
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a true all-rounder in the garden. Not only does the plant smell particularly good (which is why it's often referred to as lemon balm), but it's also a delight as a spice. Melissa is also known as a medicinal plant. It has (similar to lavender) anxiety-relieving and calming effect. It also relieves flatulence and bloating and helps the stomach relax. However, lemon balm essential oil should never be used undiluted, as it can sensitively irritate skin and mucous membranes. Instead, a dish with lemon balm is not only delicious, but also protects against abdominal pain.
Lemon balm, like lavender, has an anxiety-relieving and calming effect [Photo: Vaclav Mach/Shutterstock.com]
Motherwort
Is the chamomile? Almost, because motherwort not only looks similar to the famous chamomile, but is also related to it. It is therefore not surprising that motherwort can also have a healing effect on the body. Already in ancient times, the herb was used against birth pains, which most likely gave it its name. In English, however, the plant is called "Feverfew" (loosely translated: less fever), which points to its antipyretic effect. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Motherwort can be taken well as a tea, even though it tastes extremely bitter. Caution is advised during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not take the herb, as it can induce labor. People with allergies to daisies should also refrain from using the plant.
Pregnant women should not take motherwort, as it can induce labor [Photo: RukiMedia/ Shutterstock.com]
Rosemary
Hearty meals and Mediterranean ambience characterize the image of rosemary. But this popular spice can do much more. Not only its aroma makes it the perfect complement for greasy dishes. Rosemary also prevents gas and bloating that might set in after such a feast. But the spice stimulates not only digestion. A bath with rosemary oil also stimulates blood circulation in the skin and gets the circulation going. When massaged, rosemary relieves cramped muscles and can help against sore muscles and back pain.
Rosemary also has a positive effect on the body [Photo: Maren Winter/ Shutterstock.com]
Marigolds
A yellow to orange-red flower dream – marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are grown in many gardens as a decorative element. Yet the beautiful flower can do much more. If you process the flowers in ointments or creams, it helps the skin to heal. Wounds are more likely to close and inflammation is less likely to occur, which is why calendula is found in a variety of wound-healing ointments. Inflammations in the mouth or throat also benefit from the plant's healing power. On the other hand, calendula can cause mild irritation to sensitive skin. On the other hand, people with a daisy allergy should avoid using marigolds altogether, as allergic reactions can occur.
Marigolds are very popular, especially in ointments [Photo: Przemyslaw Muszynski/ Shutterstock.com]
Thyme
Besides rosemary and oregano, thyme is also part of the Mediterranean cuisine and no good herb garden can be imagined without it. The aromatic smelling shrub does not only taste good: The kitchen spice also does a good job with summer flu. This is how the essential oils of thyme loosen stuck mucus from the lungs. Bring relief from persistent coughs. It also relaxes the bronchial muscles. Has an analgesic effect. This can relieve the symptoms of acute bronchitis. However, you should never take thyme oil undiluted, as it irritates the mucous membrane too much. Especially small children and asthmatics should not take thyme essential oils at all, as this can lead to respiratory distress in them.
Thyme oil is beneficial for a summer flu [Photo: EQRoy/ Shutterstock.com]
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet used to be a common medicinal herb, but it's hardly known today. But the plant with the sweet smell unjustly disappeared into oblivion. Meadowsweet is a true beauty with its filigree flowers on large inflorescences. It also contains the precursors of salicylic acid. This active ingredient is best known for its sister, acetylsalicylic acid, which is probably a component of the most common drug in Germany: Aspirin. Meadowsweet also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects and relieves headaches and aches in the limbs, although not as much as the well-known headache remedy. Meadowsweet continues to improve cold and flu symptoms and is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. You can also grow other herbs for colds in your own garden.
Caution: People who are allergic to salicylates (for example, aspirin) should also not take meadowsweet.
Meadowsweet also has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect and relieves headaches and aching limbs [Photo: Starover Sibiriak/ Shutterstock.com]
Arnica
Nearly extinct – so popular was arnica as a medicinal herb that collecting it over centuries led to the destruction of numerous stocks. But in the meantime the stocks have recovered. With the right care, the bright yellow flower can also thrive in home gardens. As an ointment and tincture, the plant helps against swellings, sprains or bruises and relieves pain, but should never be applied to open wounds. The plant is also popular in homeopathy for a variety of injuries. However, except in the strong homeopathic dilution, arnica should not be ingested. In larger quantities, the plant is toxic and causes vomiting, dizziness, headache, stomach pain and palpitations. People allergic to daisies and pregnant women should also refrain from external use, as allergic reactions may occur.
As an ointment and tincture, arnica helps relieve swelling, sprains or bruises, and eases pain [Photo: Kwanbenz/ Shutterstock.com]
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