Best Immune-Boosting Herbs to Grow at Home
We frequently go to the doctor or purchase medication from the pharmacy when we are contagious or ill. However, some illnesses can be treated naturally, without having to think about drug resistance, using the healing power of herbs. Some plants are also suitable for growing at home. These herbs are simple to cultivate in your tower garden.
5 Healthful and Easy-to-Grow Herbs
- Yarrow
Medicinal parts: Leaves and flowers
Uses: Stops bleeding, induces sweating and reduces fever, lowers blood pressure, and treats varicose veins
Since ancient times, people have applied fresh or dried yarrow on wounds to help stop bleeding, promote healing, and treat ulcers. Modern research has also found that yarrow extracts have evident anti-inflammatory properties for the skin.
Additionally, yarrow has vasodilating effects, which are anti-hypertensive and can be used to treat varicose veins.
Yarrow is a commonly found herb in the wild, growing in coastal areas as well as high-altitude regions. It is very resilient and easy to grow.
The yarrow variety with white flowers is the one that is most frequently encountered in the US. Yellow-flowered species from Europe have also been imported in recent years. There are yarrow plants with orange and scarlet flowers in addition to white and yellow flowers. The pH level of the soil may have an impact on the color of yarrow blossoms.
- Echinacea
Medicinal parts: Roots, leaves, and flowers; the whole plant has medicinal uses.
Uses: Boosts immunity, fights viral and bacterial infections, and helps reduce fever
Many people plant echinacea in their gardens for ornamental purposes, without realizing that every part of the plant has medicinal value.
Echinacea contains various phytochemical compounds, such as phenolic acids, and polysaccharides.
In terms of immunomodulation, echinacea can modulate immune responses. Regular consumption of echinacea may slightly reduce the chances of catching a cold. Drinking echinacea tea at the early onset of cold or flu symptoms may alleviate these symptoms in a shorter period. A clinical trial found that drinking hot echinacea tea during the early stages of influenza was found to be just as effective as the antiviral drug oseltamivir, and had a reduced risk of complications and adverse events.
Taking echinacea tablets while a child has a cold can reduce how long the illness lasts; according to one research, 90% of colds are over after 10 days.
Both the leaves and the roots of echinacea are helpful, but the roots are the most effective, particularly those that have been planted for at least two years.
Echinacea roots can be used to make tinctures, which offer the additional benefits of easy storage and year-round availability. Alcohol is a better extractant due to the poor water solubility of alkamides.
When taking echinacea to reduce fever, it is best to add some cooling peppermint, especially when the throat is inflamed, as it can improve its effectiveness.
- Peppermint, spearmint
Medicinal parts: Leaves
Uses: Relieves stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting
Peppermint is commonly used to improve gastrointestinal conditions. For example, if you experience bloating after eating gas-producing foods, drinking peppermint tea can usually induce burping and flatulence within half an hour.
According to one research, peppermint can help with functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also improve attention and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
There are over 20 different varieties of peppermint available on the market today, including pineapple peppermint, chocolate peppermint, and licorice peppermint. These newly developed varieties may not have the same efficacy as traditional peppermint.
- Rosemary
Medicinal parts: Leaves and twigs
Uses: Promotes fat metabolism, stimulates blood circulation, and boosts brain function
Rosemary is added to some meat dishes, which not only enhances the aroma and removes gaminess, but also helps promote fat metabolism in the body.
Research has shown that rosemary can inhibit lipid absorption and regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, leading to a reduction in cholesterol and blood glucose levels. This can help lower the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
People who often experience indigestion or have upset stomachs after eating meat can try adding rosemary when cooking beef, pork, chicken, or other meats, or drink a cup of rosemary tea after meals.
Individuals with gallstones can marinate meat dishes with rosemary to promote fat metabolism in the body. It is recommended to pair it with tea made from dandelion leaves or roots, which can help improve gallbladder function, as dandelion can also aid in fat metabolism and support the functions of the gallbladder and pancreas.
Rosemary contains different classes of polyphenols, which possess antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it can also help treat inflammation, relieve pain, boost memory, reduce anxiety, and tranquilize (calm) the mind.
- Oregano
Medicinal parts: Leaves
Uses: Boosts immunity, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and prevents parasitic infections
Oregano, is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is a prolific herb that possesses the characteristics of a wild plant, readily flowering and producing seeds.
Carvacrol, a compound found in oregano, is a potent antioxidant that can effectively combat pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. An experiment found that the essential oil of Oregano can inhibit strains of resistant bacteria, even at lower concentrations.
The concentration of carvacrol in oregano actually increases after it is dried.
1 Tip for Successfully Growing Herbs – Water
Simply using one to two leaves of these herbs is not enough to fully utilize their therapeutic benefits; a certain amount is needed.
Effective ratio: For a 250 ml cup of tea, use 3 tablespoons of fresh leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried leaves.
If echinacea roots are used, the amount can be reduced to 1 to 2 teaspoons.
The key is to use high-quality, organic, or locally grown herbs. It is recommended to understand whether the extraction methods of essential oils meet the standards, as well as the planting conditions of the plants. Growing your own herbs can ensure safe use.
Many people struggle to grow these plants because of issues related to water. For instance, herbs such as rosemary and oregano naturally thrive in limestone soil with excellent drainage. Therefore, when growing these plants in the United States, it is crucial to pay close attention to proper drainage and consider the local rainfall conditions. Your tower garden will be very helpful because the excess water simply drains down through the tower.