Plants that heal

Your garden can be an invaluable medicine cabinet, says expert Alys Fowler

- Alys Fowler

Many of our ornamental plants, culinary herbs and weeds are powerful healers of common ailments. Here are a few easy ones well worth establishing in your own garden.

Plantain Plantago major

TO… DRAW OUT SPLINTERS AND TREAT INSECT STINGS

The mashed-up leaves make an excellent antibacterial, drawing poultice to treat insect bites, poison ivy and other rashes, minor sores, boils, acne and eczema.

TO USE

For insect stings and bites work the leaves between your hands until the leaves are moist and broken down. Rub onto the affected parts as needed.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

TO… TREAT GRAZES

Yarrow is a wildflower that’s a brilliant herb for cuts and grazes, as it helps stem bleeding and its antiseptic properties treat infections. Don’t use during pregnancy.

TO USE

Bruise or mash the leaves with the fresh flowers or whole aerial parts to make a poultice.

Oat straw Avena sativa

TO… RELIEVE IRRITATION, INFLAMMATION