HERBS FOR HEALTH
Many herbs grown for their taste and flavour can also be used medicinally.
Herbs were often the only medicine available when sickness or accidents occurred. Knowledge of herbs and their healthy properties have been studied for thousands of years. Before GPS and hospitals, people depended on plants growing in the garden to use for first aid treatment. Any herb that has ‘officinalis’ in its botanical name indicates it was a plant officially recognised for its medicinal uses and grown commercially by an apothecarist.
Herbs have evolved the capacity to absorb minerals and form vitamins that are easily ingested or absorbed. Gardeners who grow and use herbs in daily food preparation are supplementing their diet. Get the best nutrients by planting them in good soil and full sun and mulching with a top dressing of compost.
Here are some easy to find and grow herbs that can be the starting point to learning about and using herbs for simple first aid. (However, do ensure that you’ve correctly identified the plant if you plan to use it medicinally.)
garlic
If you rub a clove on the bottom of your foot, time how long it takes to have that familiar garlic taste on the breath. Here, the properties of garlic are absorbed through the skin then expelled via the lungs. Medicinally, garlic (Allium sativum) has high concentrations of sulphur. Each clove contains vitamins A, B1, C and E and lots of other trace elements, such as calcium, copper, potassium and zinc. As it is believed to help boost the immune system, garlic is a helpful food additive to add to hearty winter meals.
Parsley
Our bodies respond in other ways when using herbs. Medicinally, parsley and celery are diuretic. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and other members of the celery family are high in vitamins, including A, B1, B2 and C. Parsley has a higher vitamin C content than citrus, as well as good iron content and high chlorophyll and protein levels.
thyme
It is thought that some herbs, recognising a threat in their environment, trigger and action a defensive response, and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one with antibiotic and antiseptic properties. Oil of thyme (thymol) is often an ingredient in cough medicines. Just as good is a tea made by infusing thyme and sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves to soothe a sore throat. Add the same herbs to a shallow bowl of hot water and inhale the fumes to help clear the head and soothe a cough. Pouring boiling water over thyme leaves and allowing it to cool makes an antiseptic wash you can use to clean cuts and scrapes.
herbs to apply
Some herbs can be used as ‘nature’s bandages’. Plantain (Plantago major) is a common weed in the lawn and garden. The leaf can be used to wrap a wound or cut, as can the soft woolly leaf of lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina).
Grabbing stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) unknowingly can cause an absolute shot of pain to the arm or, if brushed against, can immobilise a limb. An instant cure is to look closer at the landscape and locate the dock plant. Pluck a leaf and rub this gently on the sting and it will quickly dissipate.
Yarrow leaves (Achillea millefolium) applied to a bleeding cut or wound contain properties that encourage coagulation to stop the flow of blood.
herbs to drink
Many common herbs beyond thyme and sage can be made into teas. Harvest and dry chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita) to make a calming and soothing drink to sip either hot or cold. Lemon balm makes a pleasant calming tea, reducing tension and relaxing the body, which supports the nervous system. Rosemary tea (Rosmarinus officinalis) made from fresh or dried leaves soothes anxiety and stress. Mint (Mentha sp.) tea does the opposite and makes a refreshing and revitalising drink.
herbs to inhale
Other herbs just need to be inhaled. Smells or perfumes from plants are actually tiny droplets of oil the herb releases when it is brushed or touched. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rose (Rosa sp.) perfumes are both soothing and relaxing. Just the act of taking a deep breath and inhaling the perfume involves a chemical process that the body absorbs.