by Diane Gray

Created on: August 24, 2007

Your Garden Grown Medicine Cabinet!

Did you know that many herbs and plants can be grown in your own garden and then harvested for your personal medicinal purposes? Plants such as Peppermint, Garlic, Lemon Balm, Cornflower, Cress and Hyssop can be grown outside your kitchen door! Their helpful qualities will amaze you!

Peppermint can be brewed in a tea and used to sooth stomach pains and help to reduce gas. Also, its oil can be used to treat arthritic pain in the joints. The Ancient Greeks used this mint to help cure hiccups! Grow this plant in sunny widow boxes. It's easy to buy the young plants at your garden center. Use the dried leaves for a relaxing, mint tea.

Garlic has been used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to help fight off colds and the flu for hundreds of years. Also, Garlic has antibiotic qualities. Garlic cloves, both raw and cooked, have been used by chefs to flavor their exotic dishes. And of course garlic was considered a force to protect one against witches and other evil spirits.

Lemon Balm, (as its name suggests), is a lemon fragrant herb. It is said to have a soothing effect on the body, and can help with sleeplessness. It's native to the Mediterranean area and was brought to America by the colonists. You can plant this herb in moist, high humus soil in a sunny area with good drainage. Harvest the leaves before the plant blossoms. You can use the leaves in dishes such as salads, fish and meat dishes to add a citrus flavor. Use the dried leaves to prepare a soothing medicinal tea.

Cornflower is a beautiful blue flower related to the Daisy. It is native to the Near East. This perennial herb is said to help treat eyesight problems, and to heal minor wounds. It's most commonly taken as a hot tea. To grow this pretty plant, fill a garden container with potting soil and sow the seeds according to the package directions.

Cress, also known as pepper grass originated in the eastern Mediterranean area. This grass like plant is a good source of vitamins C, E and A. It can be added fresh to salads, sandwiches, egg dishes and tomatoes. It can also be used as a garnish in place of parsley. Sow the seeds according to package directions in the early spring. When the sprouts grow to 2 inches high, it is time to harvest. Most likely they will grow back again for another harvesting!

Hyssop is an interesting herb that was used to eliminate cooking smells in the kitchen! Also, its flowers have been made into teas and used to treat respiratory problems. This evergreen shrub like herb can also be used to sooth a sore throat and help with stomach problems and bloating. Pregnant women should avoid this plant! Use its flowers in salads and to flavor your sauces. You can also add it to sandwiches and pasta dishes. Grow this plant from seed in a garden container with potting soil. Harvest the flowering stem and hang upside down to dry in a well-ventilated, dark spot. The fresh flowers and leaves need to be refrigerated.

So grow and start to use some of these amazing plants now! They will add a healthy, natural addition to your health regimen! You might just be surprised!

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