Water Wise Herb Garden

Growing healing herbs can be planted in both open soil or in containers. Herbs make excellent container plants, where watering can be controlled, and can be used to treat ailments or prevent illness. Here are some listed herbs that can help fight infection, ease fever, muscle pain, nasal stuffiness, sore throats and coughs.

Colds, Flu and Blocked Chests:

• Sage (Salvia officinalis), lemon and Echinacea all make up teas that assist in clearing mucous from the chest.
• A thin sliver of ginger root made into a tea will ease asthmatic spasms.
• Finely chopped sage leaves, lemon juice and honey soothes and eases tight coughs.

Immune System Boosters:

• Garlic is an excellent natural antibiotic and clears infection quickly.
• Purple cone flower (Echinacea purpurea) is excellent at fighting infections and building up infections.

Arthritis and Other Aches:

• Pennywort is widely known as the ‘arthritis herb’. One leaf a day, chewed well and swallowed is a natural revitiliser or pour one cup of boiling water over three leaves, and let it stand for about five minutes, and then strain it. Take this remedy 4 times a week.
• Parsley and celery both detoxify and cool inflamed conditions. Eat two tablespoons of each daily or pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of celery seeds, let it stand for about five minutes, then strain and sip slowly. Take this remedy 3 – 4 times a week.

Cuts and Blisters:

• Excellent options are juice from plants such as Bulbinella (Bulbine frutescens) and Sour fig (Carpobrotus edulis). They both are antiseptics and healers. Just rub it onto the cut or blister for soothing results.

Headaches:

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), camomile or rose scented geranium are excellent options to relive a headache.
• English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can assist with problems such as stomach spasms, and serves the purpose of both calming and relieving pain. Try sleeping with a pillow filled with lavender leaves placed at the base of the neck OR rub some lavender oil on your temples to assist in relieving headaches.