Medicinals in Your Flower Bed and Herb Garden

Last week I shared a bit of information about Gardening and Foraging here on the blog.  This week, I want to share about flowers and herbs that are easy to grow and good for medicinal purposes as well.  This is not an all inclusive list, it's made up of things I already have growing in my flower beds and gardens.  I don't necessarily have photos of each since it's early in the season here.

Disclaimer: "I am not a medical doctor and I am not giving medical advice in this post."

Feverfew (shown below) looks a great deal like chamomile and can be used to treat headaches, fever, arthritis and other aches and pains.

Lemon balm is used for anxiety, stress, indigestion, dementia and Alzheimer's.

Bee balm is used to treat intestinal problems, colic and gas; common cold and sore throat symptoms and the leaves contain thymol which is a natural antiseptic.

Mint tastes great in tea, but can also be used to freshen breath, help with inflammation and  helps with relaxation.  It also helps break up phlegm and mucus and is an expectorant.  On a side note, I have a wonderful chocolate mint in my garden and it is SO tasty.

Calendula helps induce menstruation if your cycle is abnormal (do not use if pregnant or nursing), breaks fever, heals open sores and helps with jaundice.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antiseptic and helps with slow healing external wounds.

Cone flower (echinachea) is used to treat the common cold and flu, boosts the immune system and treats sore throat.  It is a natural detoxifier and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial uses.

Peony is used to treat gout, osteoarthritis, fever, respiratory tract issues, cough and premenstrual syndrome.

Lambs ear (shown below) can be used to treat pink eye and sties, helps with bee stings and bug bites and has antibacterial properties that can help speed up the healing of cuts.

Sage is delicious in soups, stuffing and poultry dishes, but it's also good for treating depression, memory loss, Alzheimer's; as well as stomach pain, gas, diarrhea and indigestion.

Purple basil (shown below) is known to improve digestive functions, treat acne and insect bites, improve nausea and help treat muscle spasms and cramps.

Aloe vera (shown below) is helpful in healing wounds and burns and is also good for treating digestive issues.

Horseradish is a rhizome vegetable/herb that can be used to help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, help with respiratory issues, and helps prevent cancer.  It can also be used to treat urinary tract infections as it has antibacterial properties.  It can neutralize food poisoning, help prevent cavities and asthma and promotes a heathy cardiovascular system.

Onions can help prevent and treat heat exhaustion, treats joint pain, can be used as an expectorant.  They also cure migraines, treat amoebic diarrhea and can help with ear aches and cataracts.

Garlic has antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  It can be used to treat acne, helps with insulin resistance and helps prevent cancer.  Studies show that garlic is as effective as penicillin in treating infection.

As you can see, our gardens and flower beds can add flavor, nutrition and health benefits while adding beauty to our surroundings.  God put everything we needed for health and longevity into the earth around us.