Medicinal Plants in Urban Homes

March 10, 2016

Herbs are both rewarding and wonderful to grow. Versatile and quick to establish they bring colour and scent to the garden. What makes them all the more magical is their ease of use, affordability and metaphysical properties. Today more and more urban homes are discovering the hidden benefits of these little green doctors and are opting to grow them at home. One of the pleasures of growing herbs at home is that majority of them are easy to grow. They can be grown in pots, window boxes, growbags where there is patio or balcony or simply within existing flower beds.
Enlisted below are five common herbs that are relatively easy to bring on from a seed and are treasure of medicinal properties. Grow them to add that exotic flavour to your culinary or simply as an aid against diseases.

Basil - Commonly known as Tulasi, Basil is a treasure trove of therapeutical values that has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years. Its highly fragrant leaves exude a delectable flavour and is majorly used in cuisines.
Its leaves not only promote longevity and well being but also provide an excellent remedy for:

Cold and cough
Sore throat
Ursolic Acid
Cholesterol
Fatty Acids
Stings and Bites

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera prefers sun light and moist soil. Its leaves exude a moist substance called sap. Sap provides amazing to cure to:

Skin allergies
Burns, wounds, and cuts
ArthritisThe intake of aloe vera juice can heal:
Digestive problems
Chronic constipation
Ulcers

Its application with lemon juice and jeera powder once a day relieves the joint pains.

Lemon Balm - This extremely beneficial plant has mint-like smell. White and yellowish flowers occur on its leaves. These flowers can be rubbed against the skin for:

Mosquito bites
Sores
Herpes

Its nectar when consumed with warm water is beneficial for:

Cold, cough, and fever
Depression
Headache
Upset stomach
Insomnia

Lemon Balm’s fresh leaves are used in salads, vegetables, poultry, stuffing etc. While the dried stems and leaves are used for preparing tea.

Mint - Commonly known as Pudhina it is the oldest and the most powerful herb. Rich with Vitamins like A and C it contains manganese and iron.
Mint leaves can treat:

Upset stomach
Constipation
Fever
Flatulence
Muscle Spasms

Its leaves are also used in sauces, jellies, teas and candies.

Coriander - The bright green plant is commonly known as Dhania. Its minced leaves have a strong sage to citrus and used to add flavour to foods. Its ground seeds are used to flavour cookies, pastries, cheese etc. Apart from these the medicinal values of Coriander leaves are ample. Rich in nutrients and flavonoids it helps in curing the following:
Indigestion