Many people turn to gardening to calm their minds or bring beauty into their lives. Besides being relaxing, growing herbal medicines in your backyard or home can improve the quality of your life in several other ways. Multiple studies have confirmed the beneficial effects certain plants can have on your overall health and well-being.

Although many people already embrace the power of herbal medicines, not everyone realizes how easily these herbs can be grown in their own homes. For people who don’t have a garden, growing herbs on terraces and windowsills is catching on in many cities across the world.

You can grow most herbs in pots on a sunny windowsill or use a garden tower, hanging pots, grow boxes, or multi-tiered racks to maximize your growing space. Not only will they perk up your environment and calm your mind, but they’ll also serve as a natural medicine cabinet packed with ready-to-use, chemical-free herbs.

Herbal gardens for medicinal purposes are rapidly becoming a new health trend. Do you want to get your hands dirty but don’t know where to start? Then read on and discover seven of the best medicinal plants you can easily grow in your home.

Saint John’s wort

According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Saint John’s wort extracts may be as effective as standard prescription medications to treat depression, but with fewer side effects. Furthermore, Saint John’s wort has been shown to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and attention deficit disorders (ADD). Though you might have to install a grow light to extend the growing hours of the day, this beautiful plant will grow all year-round.

Thyme

This easy-to-grow culinary herb not only adds magic to your dishes, but can also be used to treat a host of respiratory issues such as coughs, bronchitis and chest congestion. Thanks to its strong antimicrobial properties, thyme can help fight infections caused by many germs, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Shigella sonne included.

Sage

Another favorite culinary herb with healing powers that grows well indoors is sage, also known as Salvia officinalis. Give this healing herb a sunny spot and make sure to use good soil and water regularly, and you’ll have an endless supply of your own natural medicine to lessen symptoms of Alzheimer’s and lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Parsley

Parsley is so much more than just a garnish added to soups and salads. As long as you keep the soil damp, you shouldn’t run into any problems growing your own. Parsley has been shown to reduce bad breath and detoxify ammonia from the brain to fight the feeling of a hangover. Additionally, parsley may also work as a chemoprotective or anticancer agent.

Marigold

This annual plant will lighten up your home with its vibrant gold-copper color and pleasant aroma. While marigolds need a lot of sun, they need little care and will grow in nearly every soil type. Given their potent anti-inflammatory properties, marigolds can be helpful in the treatment of eczema, allergic reactions, burns, rashes and chronic arthritis pain.

Lavender

While this beautiful medicinal herb is a little bit harder to grow indoors, it is worth the effort. In addition to spreading a relaxing aroma throughout your home, lavender will help you sleep better and reduce nervousness, headaches, stomach nerves, restlessness and stress.

Echinacea

Known for its immune-boosting effects, echinacea is an excellent addition to your indoor garden. While it will require a grow light, this medicinal plant with its beautiful pink-purple flowers is easy to grow. Echinacea has been well studied and documented by many scientists who reported promising results in the treatment of infections, athlete’s foot and colon cancer.

Most of these healing herbs can be steeped into a healing tea or added to many of your dishes. Or why not dry and grind them to make your own unique tea blends and herbal capsules?

Stay informed about natural medicine news at NaturalMedicine.news, and read about natural cures at Cures.news.

Sources include:

OffTheGridNews.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Almanac.com