Low Immunity, Tiredness, and Brain Fog — 3 Garden Herbs That May Help Ease Your Symptoms
You already know that fresh herbs can instantly make any dish more delectable. They're fragrant, yummy, and serve as excellent garnishes as well. Herbs are also relatively easy to grow, and they can add a nice pop of green to your garden. But did you know that fresh herbs can also be good for your health? Keep reading to see how you can grow your own healing herb garden — right in your own back yard.
Boost immunity and mood.
“An herb garden has powerful benefits for physical and mental health and can be easily grown in on-hand containers, like a basket,” says Pam Farley, author of The First-Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening (Buy from Amazon, $17.84). Some experts say that herbs like parsley and oregano have extensive health benefits, like strengthened immunity and bone health. For a quaint and cute look, line an old wicker basket with a cut-to-fit garbage bag to catch drips, then drop in the herb seedlings of your choice (still in their plastic pots). Place in full sun and water when soil is dry.
Eliminate nausea and tiredness.
“Mint is primarily used for digestive support, especially as a tummy-soothing tea,” notes Farley. Its compounds have been found to soothe nausea and digestive discomfort. What’s more, its stimulating scent may improve exercise performance by ramping up alertness, suggests research in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. If you want fresh peppermint at the ready, simply nestle the roots of a mint seedling in a small pot filled with well-draining soil and set in a sunny spot; water regularly. To make a mug of mint tea, steep one tablespoon of fresh mint leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes; strain out leaves and serve.
Ward off pain and brain fog.
“Basil thrives in a pot on the windowsill or in your garden and can be used to help reduce pain,” says Farley. In fact, research in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity shows that eugenol, a unique compound in the herb, may reduce the intensity of your body's pain response. You can get the perks by sprinkling fresh basil on pizza and pasta. And an animal study in Nutrients shows that inhaling the scent of basil may reduce stress. Want fresh basil at home? Simply remove a basil plant from its plastic nursery pot and nestle roots into a soil-filled pot that’s equipped with a drainage hole. Give full sun and keep soil moist.
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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.
