Solve that pesky health problem the natural way with medicinal plants.
Naturopath Mim Beim (beamingwithhealth.com.au) and nutritionist Tessa FinneyBrown (tessafinneybrown.com.au) give us the heads up on the medicinal plants you need in your home or garden right now.
metabolism
try: Chilli
why: It can help with weight loss. Beim, author of Grow Your Own Medicine (ABC Books, $27.99), says, “Chillies increase our metabolic rate and have a satiating effect, which means you feel fuller quicker.”
grow it: In pots with well fertilised soil. Allow 70 to 80 days for it to grow from seeds.
use it: In curries, pasta dishes or stir-fries. You can even get adventurous and make your own homemade chilli sauce.
cold sores
try: Lemon balm why: According to Beim, lemon balm helps heal sores and reduces the frequency of attacks of the herpes virus.
grow it: In sandy, well drained soil. It loves the sun, but can also tolerate shade.
use it: In tea. “Just infuse a handful of fresh leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes and add a smidgen of honey for taste,” says Finney-Brown.
acne
try: Tea tree
why: The iconic Australian plant has proven antibacterial and antifungal effects.
grow it: In pots, but they really thrive in the garden. Reserve a spot in full sun, making sure to prune and water regularly.
use it: In a face mask. “Combine two tablespoons of French green clay, one tablespoon of Manuka honey, one tablespoon of lemon juice and a few drops of tea tree oil. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes,” says Finney-Brown.
indigestion
try: Peppermint why: It relaxes the tight ring of muscles between the stomach and oesophagus, easing heartburn and reflux.
grow it: In moist, shady environments, such as under stairs or around a fish pond.
use it: In a drink. Blend mint leaves with watermelon, banana, raspberries or blackberries. Push through the strainer and pour over ice.
rashes/burns
try: Calendula why: The humble pot plant acts as an anti-inflammatory, inside and out. “It’s useful for improving lymphatic action; this, combined with its antibacterial powers, helps it combat infections,” says Beim.
grow it: In pots or garden, but it must be placed in a sunny, well-drained spot.
use it: In frozen soothing blocks. In a blender, combine aloe vera gel and calendula petals, then freeze in ice cube trays. Rub onto sunburn.
stress
try: Lavender why: It contains an active compound called linalool, which is an instant mood lifter.
grow it: In hedges or pots, in a dry, sunny area.
use it: In oil form. Fill a jar with two cups of lavender buds and two cups of olive oil. Leave for a week and shake daily. Mix four drops of this with six tablespoons of sweet almond oil, then persuade your guy to give you a massage to calm you down.
