Grow Your Own Medicine! Garden!

Hello again!

Whew! I didn't know if many of us Michiganders were going to make it through the long winter! But we did! *pat yourself on your back* :)

So what does that mean and what new jibberish do I have for you to read? I'd like to first brainwash you in to growing your own garden. As we discussed in my last blog posting about alternative medicine, there were so many benefits to growing your own natural food. Unfortunately in this day and age, our food is not providing us with the nutrients, minerals and vitamins we need! Even those daily supplements you stuff in your mouth are barely absorbed in your body; the body identities many of them as foreign substances and does not absorb them because it is synthetic, therefore you have to increase your intake - something many people are not aware of. Best method is to have your body absorb the real deal - it is recognized as a nutrient rather than an 'intruder'.

Many of our crops are not supplemented with added minerals, are not properly rotated between a variety of crops, and therefore the soil becomes depleted. I think it is very plausible to assume a correlation between our processed/depleted foods and the increase of disease and illness in our country. The best kind of medicine is preventative medicine, one that nourishes the mind, body and soul. 

Gardening is believed to be therapeutic to some - easing the mind, soothing the soul by being out in the sun and immersed in nature, and it also feeds the body. I have to admit, there is some sort of thrill one experiences after seeing the fruits of their labor plucked from the garden and consumed. It is something to be proud of! You grew it!...with the help of nature, of course!

Here are a few medicinal herbs and plants off the top of my head that you can grow and use when you're feeling under the weather. Reach for your garden instead of that aspirin or NyQuil! There are natural solutions all around us, but we have lost the knowledge and art of using horticulture! It seems easier to drive to the store, pick up medicine and go home. A one stop shop. But is it really easier? Is it really healthier? Granted we are all creatures of habit, but next time you're feeling sick, try to remember using some of these plants to cure your ailment. Plants are what pharmaceuticals are derived from...

1) Ginger - Michigan has wild ginger but you can also grow your own! You can simply buy a root from the store and stick it in the ground! Used for: stomach soother, headaches, common colds, ear aches (2-3 drops of warm juice in ear), morning sickness and pregnancy nausea, constipation, menstrual problems, stress, heat stroke, and more! It is believed to be a miracle cure for many ailments. Candied ginger tastes amazing too and you can make your own! 

2) Basil - anti-inflammatory (great for arthritis), anti-bacterial (can help clear up pimples and acne!), relieves stress, antioxidant, blood flow (helps blood vessels relax), constipation and digestion, etc. And boy does basil dress up any delicious meal! Comes in a variety of flavors...I just bought some cinnamon basil and it was wonderful! 

3) Echinacea (purple cone flower) - yes you can grow this too! Boosts your immune system, reduces symptoms of cold and flu, prevent sickness, topical disinfectant, speeds up recovery of common illnesses (UTI, bronchitis, ear infections, gingivitis, canker sores, yeast infections, upper respitory infections, etc.). This is one powerful plant!

4) Lemon Balm - Try your hand at making a nice tea with this plant! Anti-inflammatory, calming and uplifting smell for aromatherapy, digestive problems/upset stomach, anxiety, sleep problems, colic, menstrual problems, Altzheimers, ADHD, high blood pressure, tumors, thyroid disease (Grave's disease), cold sores, and more.  

 As always, you should check to make sure these supplements will not interact with any previous drug prescription you are currently taking. You can visit this site to check for any possible interactions: http://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker

Best of luck to you all with your gardens! Save money, be healthier and happier! 

Light & Love to you all, 
Samantha