Natural Medicines You Can Find in Your Kitchen or Garden

Can plants really be used for medicine? Yes. While there certainly is a place for man-made medicines in cases of emergency, consistent use natural medicines can prevent and treat many sicknesses. Read ahead for several very special & effective medicinal plants.

The gel within the leaves of this amazingly medicinal plant can be slathered on wounds. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. You've no doubt seen this plant in the kitchen of a friends home many times. Do not underestimate its many uses as it can even be used as a skin moisturizer, clearing up acne and acne scars. Use it consistently to see results. This can also be rubbed on your scalp to reinvigorate hair follicles that have begun to lose hair. Simply cut the leaf and apply.

Lavender is so aromatic it is nearly intoxicating. Lavender treats depression, insomnia, and stress. If you have fresh or dried lavender from your own garden you have a very good thing. Use in tea, recipes, essential oils, or tinctures.

If you've ever felt nauseous perhaps you have reached for a Ginger Ale. Rightly so, as ginger is very effective at reducing nausea. Of course using it straight from the root is most beneficial. Eat the ground root cooked, fresh, or in pill form. Ginger also can be steeped in a tea. The Indian culture has a delicious tea made with ginger, tea,milk, & sugar. I once worked for an Indian woman who made me a cup of this amazing tea & have been in love ever since. Ginger is also wonderful for easing arthritis as it is highly anti-inflammatory, and is an excellent weight loss aide as it assists digestion.

If you have ever not been able to make it to the doctor and needed to find something with natural antibiotic properties, the coneflower is the one. This natural antibiotic boosts the immune system, and wards off colds. Use it by steeping the flowers into a tea, taking it in the pill form, or infusing the leaves in oil to be used as a salve.

Although rosemary has many healing properties, what is most noteworthy is its ability to improve brain function and memory. Certainly an advantageous herb to take as we age. Rosemary also relieves pain, and reduces stress. Use it fresh or cooked in recipes. Rosemary lasagna happens to be a personal favorite of mine! Rosemary may also be steeped in tea.

Basil is a lovely herb you may find topping a caprese salad at your favorite Italian restaurant. And if the thought of being dined with Italian cuisine relaxes you, perhaps it is due to the fact that basil is a natural stress reliever. It also reduces stomach gas and other tummy issues, is antibacterial, and also anti-fungal. Use the leaves cooked or fresh in recipes, or of course, steeped in a tea.

Thyme is another herb to add to the immunity super star list. Thyme is a powerful antioxidant very high in vitamins C and A, relieving sore throat, and cough. It is also antiseptic, and anti-fungal. Use thyme in recipes, tea, salves, or tinctures.

You can relax with spearmint as it helps calm the body when added to recipes or steeped in tea. Spearmint is high in vitamins A,C, & manganese, & is also an antioxidant.

If you need help falling asleep, chamomile is a sure bet. Not only is it a fantastic sleep aid, but it also reduces stomach pain, hay fever symptoms, and is anti-inflammatory. Use primarily by steeping either the leaves or the actual flower in tea.

May these natural resources be of good use to you and your health. Remember that organic is always the best as it is toxin free. If you grow some of these yourself try to use organic seeds, and soils, although you can often find many of the herbs already planted in organic soils in many grocery stores.