GARDEN

Discover the secret to a healthy lifestyle

With insightful inputs from garden enthusiast Harpreet Ahluwalia, Earthly Creations, TIHG brings to you the ‘easy-to-find’ plants for your own therapy session

The idea of a healing garden is both ancient and modern. Persian garden, the Japanese Zen garden and the Monastic Cloister gardens are some of the examples of a healing environment, which appeared throughout history in different parts of the world. Today, all over the world plants are used to treat diseases in most cultures. And many of us aren’t even aware that many herbal remedies can be found in our own garden itself.

According to Harpreet Ahluwalia, “Plants are the most safe and trusty source for healing diseases like fungal infection, anxiety, migraine, insomnia and depression, skin infections, skin irritation, anticancer, anti-viral. Plants have qualities of fighting the germs and bacteria better than chemical lotions and medicines, and with no side effects.”

Here are some of the medicinal plants and herbs that you can easily find in your garden or that can be easily grown there.

Basil Plant – Basil adds a rich flavour to all types of food, hence most people have a Basil plant in their garden or home. It is even called as Holy Basil in India. But did you know that the early Greeks used its leaves to cure scorpion stings? It was also used as disease fighting anti-oxidants by ancient Romans. You can use Basil leaves to treat and heal cuts, scrapes and minor abrasions. It helps to eliminate gas, ease PMS symptoms, improve your appetite and relieve stress. Basil can also be used to treat sore throat pain, reduce fevers, treat respiratory problems and it may even help in preventing kidney stones.

Peppermint – It is one of the most safe and natural antiseptic and anti-microbial. It is also known to soothe headaches, skin irritations, pain, flatulence. According to some studies, Peppermint also has antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Peppermint oil is very much efficient and effective against skin issues, it helps in keeping the skin cool and eliminates dandruff or lice from the scalp, and may even contribute to hair growth.

Aloe Vera – One of the most common plant we can see in most of the houses. As we all know, aloe vera purifies air and also contains gel liquid, which you can apply to relieve sunburn, acne, irritated, and dry skin. It also improves digestive system, strengthens the immune system and heals wounds. If we can protect our skin and keep it nourished by nature, without any fear of side effect, then why opt chemicals upon natural solution?

Rosemary – It also has many qualities and benefits and mostly people are unaware about them. For centuries, Rosemary has been involved in reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle pain, boosting immune system and circulatory system. It also contains antifungal and antiseptic properties, which makes this a safer substitute to the creams we use. Also, Rosemary essential oil is used in aromatherapy to boost memory and improve your mood.

Lavender – It is one of the most effective healing plants, which you must add to your garden if you don’t have it in your collection. Lavender has the ability to relieve stress, improve mood. It’s fragrance gives a restful sleep. It also helps to reduce skin irritation problems, eliminate dandruff and hair fall, and is beneficial for healing stomach related problems.