3. Chamomile
Known for its soothing properties, chamomile relieves stress, allowing for restful sleep. It also calms an upset stomach or acid reflux and aids digestion. The crushed herb soothes minor aches and pains, including those caused by neuralgia.
4. Chinese Yam
This is no sweet potato, but a true yam. All parts of this vegetable can relieve a variety of conditions; the root has been used to treat fatigue, diarrhea, asthma, dry coughs, diabetes, high cholesterol,[3] and digestion issues. Topically, it can be used on ulcers, boils, and abscesses. The leaves have treated snakebites and scorpion stings.
5. Gotu Kola
Sounds like a must-have soft drink but it’s not. This Asian plant has been used medicinally for treating varicose veins, skin conditions, epilepsy, and insomnia.[4]
The gotu kola contains phytochemicals called triterpenoids that reduce inflammation and produce a calming effect. It also helps to revitalize the nervous system, sharpening focus and concentration. This plant needs to be close to water to thrive.
6. Great Burdock
The flowers are very cool. Aside from that, the roots of this plant are potent detoxifiers, providing healing relief of various skin conditions, such as burns, rashes, boils, herpes, impetigo, ringworm, insect bites, and acne. Burdock leaves and seeds can be crushed to make into a poultice to treat burns, bruises, and skin sores.
7. Echinacea
All the rage some years ago when the West finally “discovered” this ancient herb, the leaves of echinacea boost the immune system, promoting antibacterial and antiviral activity.
Antibiotic properties help relieve allergies and the symptoms of colds, flu, and respiratory infection.[5] The roots have been used to treat skin sores and burns and animal bites and stings.
8. Marigold
The flower of the marigold (calendula) is edible, used to treat fevers and chronic infection. Made as a tea, it can improve blood circulation. Applied topically, petals take the pain out of insect stings and cuts and can soothe eye injury.
Marigold used in an ointment was found to speed healing of venous leg ulcers.[6] The stems of this hardy plant, when crushed and applied to corns or warts, will over time soften the skin, allowing their removal.
9. Marshmallow
No, not the kind you toast over a campfire. The marshmallow plant has very little in common with the common campfire marshmallow; the roots have medicinal value in treating urinary and respiratory maladies, cystitis, gastritis and peptic ulcers, and as an antacid.
When applied topically, it can speed healing of sprains, bruises, sore muscles, insect bites, and skin inflammation. The juice of the marshmallow can draw out splinters for easy removal. The leaves are edible and tasty and can be used as any other green leafy food.
10. Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
Unrelated to ginseng but called “Siberian ginseng” because it has similar properties, this is an ancient herb indigenous to Russia, China, Korea, and Japan.
It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote health of the spleen and kidneys, support the immune system, reduce inflammation, counter respiratory tract infections and heart disease.[7] Studies have shown promise that eleuthero can improve athletic performance.
Clear a little patch of earth to plant the seeds of health.