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Many plants that people can grow at home have a long history in alternative medicine. Peppermint, thyme, lavender, and more are simple to grow and may help ease certain health symptoms.
Herbal remedies are alternative medicines derived from plant matter. For centuries, people have used the leaves, seeds, stems, and oil extracts of various plants in medicine.
However, herbal remedies are not regulated in the same way that traditional medications are, and as a result, their efficacy and safety are unproven.
This article discusses nine plants people can grow at home that have a history of use as herbal remedies.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has a number of reported medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.
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The petals of these daisy-like flowers are sometimes used in natural cosmetics, eczema creams, and diaper creams for their reported soothing benefits.
Cilantro is a common culinary herb that one can grow at home, but few may think of this plant for its medicinal properties.
Historically, people have used cilantro and its extracts as a traditional treatment for gastrointestinal discomforts, including bloating. A 2021 review also found growing evidence that plant compounds found in cilantro may also have cardioprotective effects. However, further study is necessary to assess these effects fully.
Learn more about the potential health benefits of cilantro here.
Many believe that the oils, tannins, and bitters in the fragrant leaves and flowers of lemon balm may help alleviate certain types of gastrointestinal discomfort. Other animal and test tube studies have highlighted the rich antioxidant profile of lemon balm and its extracts, as highlighted in a
It may help fight off viruses such as herpes simplex when used topically, according to an old 2008 study.
Spearmint and peppermint are familiar flavors in toothpaste and chewing gum. Both pack a powerfully refreshing zing, but the
When brewed as tea, peppermint may relieve digestive discomforts such as indigestion and vomiting.
People have long used rosemary for a wide range of therapeutic purposes, from treating gastrointestinal discomfort to promoting good mental health, according to a 2020 review.
However, many of these claims are either anecdotal or have only been reported in limited or low quality medical studies. For example, a
Similarly, an older 2004 study reported memory-boosting properties of rosemary essential oils, but only in rats.
Mullein is a flowering plant commonly used in traditional Mediterranean medicines for the treatment of respiratory symptoms. A
Proponents of herbal remedies have long supported the use of thyme oils for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties.
Read more about the health benefits of thyme.
Long recognized for its herbaceous floral scent, alternative therapy supporters often recommend lavender as a
However, while some people may report the benefits of oral or topical use of lavender extract, there is not enough high quality research to fully assess its efficacy.
People primarily grow delicate, apple-scented chamomile for its small, yellow-bellied flowers. It is often prepared with other herbs and
You may also find that remedies containing chamomile, such as tea, are suggested for sleeplessness, stress, and anxiety.
People have grown plants for use in medicine for centuries. Many of these traditional herbal remedies, such as lavender, peppermint, and thyme, can be grown at home easily.
However, just because something is natural, it does not mean it is effective or safe to consume. There’s a lack of high quality studies relating to herbal remedies, and commercial preparations are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as traditional Western medications.
It’s always best to speak with a medical professional before taking any herbal supplement, to ensure that it is safe to do so.
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