Healing herbs
Ease your ailments with nature’s selection of restorative plants.
A guide to the variety of healing herbs that you can grow at home
My mum has a real thing about parsley. She would often sneak it into whatever meal she was making (finely chopped to aid the subterfuge) and a sprig or two was always whisked on to the plate as the final flourish. Every time I eat it I think of her. Although I never shared her enthusiasm for parsley, I found that when I got married I started adding it to all sorts of dishes. I began garnishing my husband’s toast and crackers with the herb – to his utter dismay. I couldn’t stop talking about its benefits. I became my mother.
Mums do know what they’re talking about when they insistently promote vegetables and herbs. Since the very earliest times these plants have helped to keep us healthy: the first gardens established were herb gardens; herbs provided food and medicine, as well as dyes and perfumes. Much of the knowledge about the use of herbs was passed down from mother to daughter, as the herb garden was almost always the domain of women.
German chamomile Matricaria recutita
Relaxes the nervous system and gut. Can be used to help colicky babies. Cooled chamomile tea applied to the skin can soothe eczema, or be used as a gargle to relieve mouth ulcers.
Parsley Petroselinum crispum
Acts as a free radical scavenger, heart protector, brain protector, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal. Soothes the digestive system and decreases bloating.
Calendula Calendula officinalis
Can be used to treat almost any kind of skin-related condition. Acts as an antiseptic for cuts and scrapes. A tea made of the flowers can help with varicose veins and ease digestive problems.
To make a herb tea
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried herb leaves or flowers (depending on which herb you’re using). Steep for 10 minutes and then strain.
Broadleaf plantain Plantago major
The young leaves of plantain are rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. Contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The mashed up leaves are a traditional treatment for insect bites and stings. Plantain contains allantoin, which is a cell growth promoter, and aucubin, which acts as a mild antibiotic.
Sage Salvia officinalis
Excellent for sore throats, gum infections, tonsillitis and mouth ulcers. Can help reduce menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Improves memory, concentration and mood. Studies suggest it may have a positive effect on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
High in vitamins B and C, as well as iron. Excellent for treating anaemia, acne, liver and blood disorders as well as aiding digestion. The leaves contain more protein than spinach.
Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Thyme contains potent antimicrobial properties owing to its high essential oil content. Can help to relax muscles. Highly regarded for its ability to treat respiratory conditions. Cooled thyme tea can be used as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis. Also good for digestion and its antimicrobial qualities can be helpful in treating gastrointestinal infections.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum
The peppery leaves contain natural antibiotic properties and vitamin C, making them a great treatment for colds and flu. The flowers are known to support the kidneys and bladder.
Garlic Allium sativum
Potent antimicrobial and antiviral. Helps to regulate blood pressure. Often used to combat colds and sinus congestion. Improves intestinal health and is a cleanser for the whole body. Best eaten raw with food.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
Stimulates circulation, helps to combat general fatigue and depression. Enhances memory and concentration by increasing blood flow to the head.
Garden mint Mentha sachalinensis
Calms stomach upsets and indigestion. Picking fresh leaves and smelling them will help prevent nausea and motion sickness. Has a cooling effect on the skin – a poultice can be made of the leaves and applied to provide relief from skin irritation. Has a mild analgesic action that can help with headaches and muscle cramps.
Lemon balm Melissa officinalis
Has a gentle, calming effect; eases tension, digestive upsets and colic. Topical creams can be used for cold sores.
The medicinal value of herbs has long been recognised and for centuries they have been the go-to for almost every ailment. Texts dating back to 3000 BC include descriptions of medicinal uses of a number of herbs. Ancient Egyptian and Chinese documents record the use of herbs for a variety of ailments, ranging from indigestion and headaches to fatigue and insomnia.
Planting medicinal herbs in their own garden or dotting some throughout your vegetable garden will give you access to the healing benefits they have to offer. You don’t need to be a skilled gardener to grow them successfully, nor is it difficult to prepare them for use. Many can be eaten as they are or simply made into a tea. For more detailed information about using herbs medicinally consult your local medical herbalist.