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It's natural to pop a few pills when you feel an illness coming on, but instead of raiding the medicine cabinet to ease your symptoms, why not forage for medicine in your own back garden? You should still consult your GP or another medical pratictioner, but let MSN Him show you what could already be of use in your garden.
Sometimes there is a fine line between food and medicine; many plants contain the same active ingredients as over-the-counter drugs and it is therefore possible to cure a number of everyday ailments by eating the nutrient-rich produce that can be easily grown at home.
Chillies
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Growing your own spicy chillies at home is surprisingly simple
Growing your own spicy chillies at home is surprisingly simple, especially during the warm summer months, and the legion of health benefits means it's definitely worth giving them a go. Though red hot chilli peppers often make us feel like our mouths are on fire, these fiery fruits (yes, they're fruits rather than vegetables) actually contain a nutrient which is brilliant at fighting inflammation. Capsaicin gives chillies their famous spiciness, but it also inhibits the neuropeptides associated with the inflammatory process. The hotter the chilli, the more capsaicin it contains - so remember to man up and don't hold back on the spice!
Sage
Getting a bit forgetful in your old age? Regardless of how many candles you have on your next birthday cake, sage is well-known for its adeptness at improving brain function and preventing memory loss. Plus, it tastes great when liberally sprinkled on pastas and other dishes. As well as its memory-enhancing powers, sage is also packed with flavonoids and phenolic acids, and has been linked with antiseptic and antifungal properties. It's therefore good for warding off sores, ulcers and infections in cuts and other wounds.
Echinacea
What do you do when you feel a cold coming on? Down a honey and lemon drink, swallow paracetamol or inhale menthol? Though these medicines do work, you may be overlooking a possible cure which is already growing in your garden. Numerous studies have shown that taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold or flu can significantly decrease the duration and intensity of symptoms. The root is easy to harvest and dry, but you can also take this wonder-plant via a tincture or tablet, which you can buy from your local health food store or chemist.
Garlic
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Garlic has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties
We think of garlic as a crop that is mostly harvested in countries with a warmer climate than ours, but in fact it's relatively easy to grow right here in the UK. What's more, eating it regularly gives you more than just bad breath. The 'stinking rose', as it is affectionately known, has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties (eat a raw clove when you first notice the symptoms of a cold and you'll be right as rain the following morning) and high intake of garlic has even been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Thyme
This fragrant herb has long been prized for its healing qualities, particularly for the treatment of chest and respiratory problems such as coughs, infections and bronchitis. It's thought that the volatile oils in thyme (delicious in stews and casseroles, by the way) act as a powerful antibacterial. Perhaps more importantly, these oils have also been shown to prevent cell damage, meaning you may be less likely to suffer from premature ageing. Finally, thyme is also an excellent source of dietary fibre, so it will also help keep your digestive system healthy.
Rosemary
Not just a perfect partner for lamb, rosemary is also closely associated with good health. The nutrients in the herb are full to the gunnels with nutrients that stimulate the immune system, boost blood flow, improve concentration levels and protect your digestive system. Rosemary is also a well-known anti-inflammatory, is thought to lessen the severity of asthma attacks and is an analgesic, so can help with pain relief.
Tomatoes
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It's suprisingly easy to grow vegetables and herbs in a small plot, with health benefits
They can take a frustratingly long time to grow and ripen, but once your tomatoes are ready for picking, you'll be able to make the most of a long, long list of health benefits. Perhaps more than any other fruit or vegetable, tomatoes contain a brimful of nutrients, including the antioxidant lycopene, which has been strongly linked with cancer prevention, and beta-carotenes to keep the inside of your colon in silky-smooth condition. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C (which the body is unable to produce on its own) and vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
Mint
Easy to grow in your herb garden, mint is famous for its ability to settle a dodgy stomach, a common side-effect of the dehydration caused by all that exercise we know you're doing. The natural oils in peppermint leaves are thought to act as a muscle relaxant, making it easier for waste to pass through your system and reducing the risk of spasm. The rosmarinic acid in mint, meanwhile, helps to keep the airways open, which is why menthol is used to treat colds and flu. And no, drinking mojitos doesn't count.
21/09/2011 09:40
http://him.uk.msn.com/health-and-fitness/grow-your-own-medicine
