Health-Giving Herbs

Boost your health and immune system with these wonder plants.

If you prefer natural ways of keeping healthy, then include some of these plants in your garden. Easy to grow, you can use them in a number of ways to keep yourself in good shape.

Echinacea

Native Americans have used echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds, and as a general cure-all. It contains polysaccharides that boost the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and have antiviral, hormonal and antioxidant properties.

Growing tips: Echinacea likes full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seed directly and keep moist until established. Propagate by division in late winter and plant out in spring.

Use it: It helps ward off allergies, hay fever, colds and flu, and infections in general. Use the flowers, leaves and roots in a decoction as a gargle or mouthwash for sore throats, gum diseases and mouth infections. Use externally as a wash for minor wounds, acne, eczema and burns.

Stinging nettle

A good tonic and nutritional herb, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s a blood-cleansing herb and a gentle diuretic, helping rid the body of toxins. High iron levels plus vitamin C make it an effective treatment for anaemia, as the vitamin C ensures the iron is absorbed. As it also has high levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, it helps keep bones strong. It contains plenty of silica, which is good for teeth, nails and hair.