Let’s be honest; convenience often drives our choices. We seek the easy route in all we do, and because of this, it’s easy to forget the healing power of nature.
Over-the-counter medicines have become a go-to solution for minor ailments, but did you know that many of these remedies have natural plant counterparts that you can easily grow in your own backyard? This could prove valuable should SHTF!
You do not need to be an expert green thumb to grow medicinal plants in your garden. A little knowledge, some determination, and a lot of patience go a long way.
Aloe Vera: Nature’s Skin Soother
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Burn and wound creams.
Aloe vera is a well-known succulent prized for its skin-healing properties. Its gel-like substance contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that aid in soothing sunburns, cuts, and minor skin irritations. Plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny spot and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Instructions:
- Choose a mature aloe vera leaf from your plant.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the leaf lengthwise to expose the gel inside.
- Scoop out the gel using a spoon and transfer it to a clean container.
- Apply the aloe vera gel directly to sunburns, cuts, or irritated skin as needed for soothing relief.
Peppermint: A Digestive Dynamo
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Digestive aids.
Peppermint is a fragrant herb renowned for alleviating digestive discomforts like indigestion and bloating.
Its natural oils contain menthol, which helps to ease and relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Plant peppermint in a partially shaded area with well-draining soil.
Related: Make Your Own Peppermint Oil – The Best Insect Repellent
Instructions:
- Boil water and let it cool slightly.
- Place a handful of fresh peppermint leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in a cup.
- Pour the hot water over the leaves.
- Cover the cup and let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the leaves and enjoy your soothing peppermint tea. You can sweeten it with honey if desired.
Chamomile: The Calming Elixir
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Sleep aids and relaxants.
Chamomile is a gentle flowering herb known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties. Its delicate flowers are rich in antioxidants and essential oils that promote relaxation. Grow chamomile in well-draining soil under full sun to partial shade conditions. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooms.
Instructions:
- Place a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers or a few fresh ones in a cup.
- Pour hot water over the flowers.
- Cover the cup and let the flowers steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and sip it before bedtime for a calming and relaxing sleep aid.
Lavender: Soothe Your Senses
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Anxiety and stress relief aids.
Lavender is celebrated for its aromatic beauty and ability to reduce anxiety and stress. Its essential oils possess calming effects that can be harnessed through infusions and aromatherapy.
Plant lavender in well-drained soil with good air circulation. This sun-loving herb requires minimal water once established.
Instructions:
- Fill small cloth or sachet bags with dried lavender flowers.
- Tie the bags securely with a string or ribbon.
- Place the lavender sachets in your drawers, closets, or under your pillow to enjoy the calming aroma.
Echinacea: Immune-Boosting Powerhouse
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Immune system support.
Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a flowering plant cherished for its immune-boosting properties. Its roots, leaves, and flowers contain compounds that stimulate the immune system. Cultivate it in well-drained soil under full sun. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged flowering.
⇒ Get Your Own Non-GMO Echinacea Seeds. Last 30 Packs Left!
Instructions:
- Chop fresh echinacea flowers and leaves finely.
- Fill a glass jar about halfway with the chopped plant material.
- Pour vodka or apple cider vinegar over the plant material, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily.
- Strain the tincture and transfer it to a dark glass bottle. Take a small amount daily to support your immune system.
Lemon Balm: The Mood Lifter
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Stress and anxiety relief.
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb known for its mood-lifting effects and potential to reduce stress. Its leaves contain compounds that promote relaxation.
Plant lemon balm in rich, well-draining soil with partial shade. Regular pruning prevents the plant from becoming invasive.
Instructions:
- Place a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup.
- Pour hot water over the leaves.
- Cover the cup and let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy its soothing and uplifting effects.
Garlic: Nature’s Antibiotic
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Antibacterial and antiviral agents.
Garlic is a culinary staple with impressive medicinal qualities. Its active compound, allicin, exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil with good sunlight exposure. Harvest when the leaves turn yellow, and the bulbs have formed cloves.
Instructions:
- Peel and finely chop fresh garlic cloves.
- Place the chopped garlic in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour olive oil over the garlic until it’s fully covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 1-2 weeks.
- Strain the oil into a clean container using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Use the garlic-infused oil for cooking or as a topical remedy.
Calendula: Healing for the Skin
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Topical creams and ointments.
Calendula, or marigold, is a vibrant flower renowned for its skin-healing properties. Its petals contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compounds that aid in wound healing.
Plant calendula in well-drained soil with good sunlight. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Related: How To Make a Powerful Calendula Extract to Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet (with pictures)
Instructions:
- Infuse the carrier oil with dried calendula petals using the same method as the arnica oil recipe (see below).
- Strain the infused oil into a clean container.
- In a double boiler, melt a small amount of beeswax.
- Mix the melted beeswax with the infused calendula oil to create a salve consistency.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify.
- Apply the calendula salve to dry or irritated skin as needed for nourishing relief.
Arnica: Nature’s Pain Reliever
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Pain relief creams and ointments.
Arnica is a flowering plant used for centuries to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Its active compounds, such as helenalin, possess analgesic properties, making it a popular choice for treating bruises, muscle aches, and joint pain. To grow it, choose a well-drained location with partial to full sunlight.
⇒ Similar to Morphine: The Best Natural Painkiller That Grows in Your Backyard
Instructions:
- Gently rinse the fresh arnica flowers to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the flowers dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Fill a clean, dry glass jar about halfway with the arnica flowers.
- Pour the carrier oil over the flowers until fully covered, ensuring at least an inch of oil above them.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day.
- After the infusion, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Store the arnica oil in a cool, dark place. Apply it topically to areas of pain and discomfort as needed.
Turmeric: Golden Elixir for Joint Pain
Over-the-Counter Counterpart/Uses: Anti-inflammatory supplements.
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its active compound, curcumin. This plant can be grown in warmer climates or pots indoors. Plant turmeric in well-draining soil and provide ample sunlight. Harvest the rhizomes when they are mature and vibrant in color.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- A pinch of black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption)
- Honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over low-medium heat.
- Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper to the milk.
- Whisk the mixture continuously until it’s well combined and heated through. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- If desired, sweeten the golden milk with honey or your preferred sweetener.
- Pour the golden milk into a mug and enjoy its soothing effects on inflammation and joint pain.
Incorporating these plants into your garden and daily routines allows you to embrace a more nature-centric approach to managing pain and side-stepping potential problems such as adverse side effects or addiction.
Nature’s pharmacy is vast, offering alternatives to conventional over-the-counter medicines with a touch of greenery and the satisfaction of nurturing life.
By cultivating these healing plants in your garden, you gain access to natural remedies and create a sanctuary of health and wellness right outside your door. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the soil, and embrace the holistic benefits of your very own medicinal garden.
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The elites have planted the seeds of America’s destruction years ago.
We are now seeing what they have planted on our American soil.
If we can’t be Frank about things here, maybe we can be Tom, Dick or Harry to post our ideas here.
Why are we the Americans financing the Ukrainian War? This war is a cover to Biden’s money laundering scam. The Russian and Ukraine war are more European conflict then an American interest. A very big mistake to add Ukraine into NATO. That would cement Russia and China relations into a superpower and the beginnings of WW III. Europe has had two world wars, isn’t that enough?
Ukraine gets billions while Maui residents get one time $700.00USD of relief, yeah right DC Swamp!
Who says we don’t have choice for both gas and electric vehicles and gas appliances?
We are Americans an don’t like our country turned in a turd world nation. Build the Southern Border Wall and drill for oil again in America.
Right now America has leadership in both parties that resemble the old Soviet leadership of old broken politicians. Time to upgrade, less Microsoft bloatware government. Term limits desperately need, Asap!
The machine today has front man in public offices. It’s really the unelected bureaucrats who run the political machine federally and local governments today. Most are subversive Marxist feeding the feeble political leaders in power today.
Time to get broke down insurance for our political system as seen on TV commercial for home warranty insurance.
Ukraine has been given $40 to 60 billion USD taxpayer’s money. I as a taxpayer think that money could finish the Southern Wall, drill for oil. Feed the starving poor and rebuild Maui.
How many ammo reserves can America restock it’s weapon supply to help fight Taiwan. As the Ukraine war depletes our weapon supplies. Where are the Nato countries weapon ammo supplies at?
Biden and other deep state politicians are Fourth-Dimensional Being puppets to say the CCP in China. Why else would our American farmlands being sold out to China. That is a form of paying off the China debt politicians made. We the people did not get to vote on borrowing money from foreign countries or did we? Think not, those politicians sold us out
Because “dummycrat’s” voted for Biden economics and Obama healthcare that got us into the economic crisis. You can’t fix stupid, we can fix dummy’s to be somewhat normal.
Liberalism is a mental issue.
Yes I agree we have forgotten about what seeds were planted in our garden. The plants are rising up, they are weeds. Weeds instead of healthy vegetable we need to eat. Time Americans tend their national garden. Plant seeds of freedom too.
You should have waited to later to post. Give the plants priority first for this article. Otherwise yeah I agree we need to do some soon or we are going to loose our America.
After all the disappointing news lately, I blew off some steam that others have been bitching about.
I too have a home garden planted seeds and some plants from the local nursery in town.
I too have mice and rats eating my plants. Anyone have homemade stuff that works? Thank you, sorry for the early morning rant.
Desired goal, no more meat for you!
The Covid Plandemic has been exposed in the elite’s plans of globalism.
Ukraine War is the warmup to something big. WORLD WAR 3 is coming!
These Demoncrat’s will try to keep their power base in Washington DC.
What will be their favorite tactic for takeover, old or new, it’s going to happen.
Biden, Putin, Xi are pushing the world into another elitist run WWIII for the last gasp of total control chess.
More than likely China will pit Russia against America, China will take on the survivor. China will take on or eliminate their minion countries. Who thought of cozying up to the “Red Menace” would be the Horror, the Horror of the end times.
Just like during WWII Americans were urged to plant a “victory garden”. We can and should do the same. In the meantime, we can’t change what has happened in the past but we must remember that we are the cure. A 16-year plan was put in place when Obama came into office. He began his plan to “fundamentally transform” America and sent out big fat red danger signs to all who were listening. He installed progressive judges at all levels, installed operatives in government at all levels, set up an immigration lottery and was generally a fraudulent president. Never was there a president that had such a stunningly secretive background. Then Hilary was to finish the balance of those 16 years. Besides what was going on socially in America, she was to bring us to war. That would reduce our treasury even more, reduce our fighting force by the number of casualties, demoralize our population and maybe the winner would assume power and dispense with the Constitution. Cat in a hat theory? Maybe or maybe not. They never thought she would lose!! Trump opened our eyes and he turned some things around. Curses! The DS couldn’t have that so they hired mules (mostly those without a conscience or a sense of right or wrong), seduced them with $$$, CHEATED, put in a puppet regime and their 16-year plan was back on track only this time on steroids. The changes that took place right in front of our eyes couldn’t have been more telling. Some of us knew; some were oblivious to the truth. So, how do you reveal the truth to roughly 325 million people? You can’t simply tell them; you must show them. There is a great awakening now. Trump must return to office.
I have been using the Golden Elixir recently except this warm Summer weather.
The herbal recipe is similar tasting to Chai tea. I also use honey to taste, it take the edge of, if I make the elixir too strong. Good stuff for that evening nightcap.
I like peppermint tea to relax during the day after working outside.
Tried using that plant to repel the rats an mice to no avail. The rodents here seem more attracted to peppermint. Trying to find some other fragrant herb to use. The rats and mice are eating my dill plants in the garden this year.
I use to think weeds were to be dug out and thrown away. Some of the past articles have made me rethink what I thought were just weeds in the garden.
Some of these plants are much better than the big pharma drugs that can cause worst issues, complications.
What about Comfrey?
Thanks for the plants information. It’s very helpful and important. I have several of these plants but didn’t know how to process them.
Don’t forget Dandelions, the medicinal and health benefits from this ‘weed’ are fantastic (and nettle).
I allow my dandelions to grow for the Bees before harvesting and I’ve got a nettle patch at the bottom of my garden in the shade of an old oak tree which is surrounded by Wild Garlic in the spring then a couple of of Comfrey plants grow late spring onwards.
Powerful poultice. Wrap its huge leaves around the horse’s foot, and it pulls the infection out so fast it will take good tissue with it unless you only change it every other day. One of the herbs that may be harmful if taken internally. May.
Be careful that your plants have not been sprayed with harmful chemicals.
There’s just one problem with fresh aloe vera. Once you harvest the gel it is effective as a healing agent for only 30 minutes because of an enzyme in the plant that consumes the manose monosacaride that is the active ingredient.
Elderberries and flowers are another great herb to use for cold and flu. It can be foraged around as well. Just be sure to use only black elderberries and from non-sprayed areas.
Elderberry syrup is a great, easy remedy to make and use from fall into winter for colds and flu…Add in the flowers as well for extra potency.
Elderberries MUST be cooked to remove the cyanide.
Also: White /willow bark is another great pain reliever, it is what aspirin was first made from.
You can make a tincture or salve using both arnica and white willow bark or make two separate ones to use.
AND for the Turmeric milk (golden milk, elixir): You need to add in a fat like butter or ghee (the best ones to add) to help with the bioavailability for the body. Both black pepper and a fat are needed so the benefits of the turmeric are able to be used by the body.
Thank you Katherine.Important information very well presented.
While WE are bitching and blaming THEM for our destruction, keep in mind that THEY are doing it but WE have allowed it to happen…. WE continue to allow it.