In (not-so-long-ago) days past, many families kept a little herb garden–even if it was in a windowbox.
The herbs were good for cooking but also for first aid and healing of various physical woes.
You had what you needed growing fresh at your home, ready for the picking. The need is no less now.
You can grow many medicinal plants in your own backyard; here are ten herbs that you may not have considered for your home, garden, patio, or windowbox.
1. Aloe Vera
This succulent is a great house plant, filtering the air and requiring very little care. All you need is a sunny window. The sap in the leaves is used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and psoriasis[1]–reducing inflammation, soothing, and moisturizing.
Taken internally, it can treat and prevent constipation, kidney stones and digestive problems–even ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera has even been found to inhibit skin cancer and lower the risk of heart disease.
Related: 6 Medicinal Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
2. Artichoke
Cynarin is a phytochemical found in artichoke leaves (not the flower buds that we usually eat in salads) that stimulates the kidneys, liver, and gallbladder, making them a good choice for solving digestive troubles. The cynarin is also effective to lower blood cholesterol.[2]