Homegrown plants for common cures

It is known knowledge that, herbs grown around the house can turn out to be cures for common ailments. Instead of wasting gas to go to the drug store every now and then, grow some of this around the house in pots and place them in sun windowsill’s herb garden. This can easily be bought from garden stores and planted in the pots.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of these herbs. it can be grown and be used to soothe sunburn. This is achieved by breaking the thick leaves and applying the gel onto the affected area. The active ingredients in this plant are water and amino acids and enzymes which nourishes the damaged skin. To reduce dandruff, massage your scalp with aloe vera.

Planting tips:

Plant in wide containers with a well-draining potting mix, such as for cacti/succulents.
Place in indirect sunlight or artificial light.
Aloe can be kept in a pot in the kitchen near a window for every day use.
Water aloe deeply but then allow the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep between waterings, in order to discourage rot; water even less in winter.
Aloe plants produce offsets or plantlets or “babies” that can be removed to produce an entirely new plant.

Basil

Basil is another of the greens grown in the homes in pots. The white plants should be plucked immediately they sprout to avoid it from growing into a weed. Its leaves are crushed and applied to temples to relieve headaches and when put in boiling water; it can be used as a pain relieving footbath.

Planting tips:

Basil is easy to grow and works well in Italian dishes, but it only grows in the summer, so plan accordingly.
Start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost.
Soil should be moist and well-drained.
Plant the seeds/seedlings about 10 to 12 inches apart.
Remember to pinch out the flower heads as soon as they appear to make sure that the leaves will continue growing.
If you’re planning on cooking with these plants, plant in clean soil (don’t use fertilizers that leave harmful residues) and grow them away from driveways and busy streets.

Lavender

Lavender is good as an antiseptic and as an anti-inflammatory.

Growing tips:

Lavender prefers lots of sun but will tolerate a limited amount of shade.
Well-drained soil is essential, otherwise the foliage will yellow.
The soil pH should be close to neutral, or slightly alkaline.
Add lime if your soil pH is more than slightly acid.
Lavender plants tolerate drought quite well, but water them a bit through really dry periods, preferably not over their foliage.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is used for healing and preventing cold sores and can act as a mosquito repellent if rubbed onto the skin.
Mint is grown in a sunken pot because of its vigorous growth. It is ideal for treating collywobbles in the stomach. It clears stomach cramps, nausea, and flatulent. It is a natural decongestant.

Growing tips:

Lemon balm can thrive indoors as a houseplant, but it needs at least six hours of good light a day.
Offer lemon balm good potting soil and a layer of mulch. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Lemon balm also makes a good commuter plant: a potted patio or deck plant that overwinters indoors.

Parsley

Parsley is an immune system booster and also neutralizes mouth odors. Not only is it the perfect garnish, but also it is healthy; it’s rich in iron and vitamins A and C.

Planting tips:

Plant seeds in individual pots indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost. For better germination, you can soak the seeds overnight.
The plants can handle the cold weather. It can take up to 3 weeks for the plants to sprout.
Plant the seeds in moist, rich soil about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Be sure to water the seeds often while they germinate so that they don’t dry out. Throughout the summer, be sure to water the plants evenly.

Rosemary

Rosemary revitalizes people with seasonal affected disorders and hangovers. Add it to wine mixed with cinnamon and cloves to sooth winter colds.

Planting tips:

Plant the seeds or cuttings indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
Be sure to give your plants enough room to grow. Rosemary grows to about 4 feet tall and spreads about 4 feet as well.
After the plant flowers, remember to trim the plant.
For fresh rosemary in the winter, grow the plant indoors in a pot. Be sure to put it in bright light and cool temperatures.
Prune regularly so that the plant won’t get lanky.
Water the plants evenly throughout the growing season.
Be sure to get cuttings or divide the plant for next season.

Sage

Sage if crashed and mixed with water then one gargles, it heals sore throat.

Planting tips:

Sage can grow from seeds, but the best way to grow high-quality sage is from cuttings from an established plant.
Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil 1 to 2 weeks before the last spring frost.
Plants should grow to be between 12 and 30 inches in height.
Keep sage away from cucumbers.
Be sure to water the young plants regularly until they are fully grown so that they don’t dry out.
Prune the heavier, woody stems every spring.
It’s best to replace the plants every 4 to 5 years to ensure the best quality.

Thyme

Thyme grows in dry light soil and needs a lot of sun. it is a powerful antioxidant and at the same time an antiseptic.

Planting tips:

It’s hard to grow thyme from seeds because of slow, uneven germination. It’s easier to buy the plants or take some cuttings from a friend.
Plant the seeds/cuttings 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost in well-drained soil about 9 inches apart.
Water normally and remember to trim the plants.
Prune the plants back in the spring and summer to contain the growth. You can take some cuttings and plant them indoors in pots, too.
If you have cold winters, remember to lightly mulch around the plants after the ground freezes.

Sources:
• First Aid Kit in Greens Grown in Pots Around the Home from NatureHacks
• Aloe Vera, Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme growing tips from The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• Lavandula from The Garden Helper
• How to grow Lemon Balm from The Herb Gardener