Sometimes Health and protection are in your backyard. Check out 8 Plants that Heal & Protect and are a must in your home!

8 Plants that Heal & Protect and are a must in your home!

Who says you can only find medical wonders at the store. With summer in full gear why not come up with some great plants to help reliever,heal or just plain relax the senses. There are so many different plants that can be used to help if you just know where to find them. Some might even be in  your home garden. Here’s a list of 8 Plants that heal & protect.

Basil

One of my personal favorite herbs can be used for so many different things, not only for delicious cooking but you can actually ward away ticks,, mosquito, flies, ants and other insects with it. Just place basil outside in potted plants and it will work wonders. It’s one of the easiest herbs to grow and will sprout like wildfire giving you a delicious treat and a natural pest replant.

Jewelweed

Jewelwhat? That’s what I said until the dreaded day I got into some poison oak in the forest outside of my home. Although I had some calamine lotion Jewelweed worked miracles. It is the perfect remedy to relieve even the worst cases. The leaves and the juice from the stem of Jewelweed are used by herbalists as a treatment for poison ivy, oak and other plant induced rashes, as well as many other types of dermatitis. Jewelweed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. So this summer if you know there’s Poison Ivy or Oak around make sure you have some Jewelweed as well.

Lavender

 Lavender is well known for it’s calming properties. From seeping it in your tea to baking with it not only does it provide a deliciuos fragrant taste but it can also ward of mild headaches. You can also use it as a natural insect repellent by crushing lavender onto your arms and legs when seated outside for meals however, beware, bees love lavender so it might be a catch 22.

Not just for drinks! 

Mint

Not only do I love mint in my mojiots but mint is the perfect way to feel cooler. By adding a few sprigs in any drink it will help trick your body into feeling cooler. That’s why this is also perfect for those ladies going through the change.

 

Sunflowers

Believe it or not these beauties not only have amazing tasting seeds but Sunflower leaf tea has been used to treat high fevers, and for lung ailments. Just a few tablespoons of sunflower leaf tea will stop diarrhea so use with caution. The leaves have both diuretic and expectorant properties.

 

Rosemary

I always remember as a child no matter what stomach ailment I had my grandfather would pull out the Rosemary and seep it in some hot water for me to drink it. I hated the taste and would hide when I saw him snipping the dreaded plant, but now as an adult I’ve come to learn and appreciate the importance of Rosemary. Not only does it aid with stomach issues such as dyspepsia, appetite stimulant, stomach cramps, bloating and constipation, the oil in it’s flower is he oil in its flowers is antibacterial and anti-fungal.

 

Dandelions 

Can be a diuretic. It  also contain potassium, which experts say is lost through excessive urination. Some apply it topically to treat eczema, while others take it internally for arthritis and even intestinal disorders. Its leaves are thought to regulate blood sugar levels so maybe adding some dandelion to your diet may help improve your blood sugar. My husband’s grandmother use to love making dandelion salad a healthy meal that is also tasty. (Half a pound of torn dandelion, a handful of chopped basil, Tomatoes, Red onion and Salt and pepper to taste)

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the usual go to for sunburns and other  skin ailments but did you know  the  “dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative.” Some people even use it to treat heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.

 

So whatever ailment you have before running to the store, head into your back yard and see if you have the remedy at your fingertips.

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