Plants to grow at home with many healthy benefits

Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or a window nook, some plants are as easy to care for as they are beneficial to your health. Even so, keep in mind that these tips are not provided by a doctor and do not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chamomile has multiple properties. It can be used as an infusion, ointment, lotion, inhalation, or compress. It has anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It treats both digestive disorders, inflammation of the stomach, gastric ulcer or diarrhea, and sore throats... It also calms menstrual pain. Endowed with soothing virtues, it will allow you to fight against anxiety and sleep peacefully.

To treat stomach aches of whatever cause, we drink chamomile tea after each meal. The best - as with all infusions - is to let it infuse with a lid so that the active ingredients do not evaporate. In case of conjunctivitis, immerse a compress in an infusion and apply it to your eye. Do the same for skin inflammation.

This tree, extremely widespread in Europe, has calming and sedative properties. The leaves are used to reduce fever and treat colds, nasal congestion, throat irritation, hypertension, headache, insomnia, hemorrhage, and anxiety. The wood is taken orally to treat diseases of the liver and gall bladder and cellulitis. Applied to the skin, linden wood soothes itching and rheumatism. Finally, charcoal is used to reduce intestinal disorders and infections.

In the kitchen, consume it fresh. Otherwise, you will need to dry the leaves before infusing them to alleviate headaches and colds.

In addition to its aromatic virtues which will enhance all your dishes, thyme is widespread for its antiviral, antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat respiratory disorders such as cough, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. It also relieves urinary tract infections.

As a gargle, thyme fights plaque. As a compress, it relieves skin inflammation. Carvacrol, an aroma present in thyme, would also help against anxiety. Finally, thyme is said to promote hair regrowth, except in cases of complete baldness.

In case of inflammation of the respiratory tract, infuse 1 to 2 grams of dried plant in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Feel free to drink several cups a day. You can also immerse a few branches in a bowl of boiling water. After 3 minutes, tilt your head over the bowl, place your head over it, and cover it with a towel. Breathe in these vapors slowly for a few minutes.

In addition, a thyme bath is ideal before making a mask to purify the pores of the face. In compresses, infuse 5 grams of dried plant in 100 ml of boiling water, for 10 minutes.

Known for its relaxing virtues, lavender will bring you a sweet sleep. Lavender reduces anxiety and restlessness. It also helps to reduce nervous digestive disorders, such as bloating.

It is also used to soothe the symptoms of depression, but also neuralgic and rheumatic pains. It cures skin problems. Finally, lavender would increase our ability to concentrate.

To spend beautiful nights, put a few sprigs of lavender in a sachet and place it under your pillow. To double the effects, infuse 0.8 to 1.5 grams of dried flowers (1 to 2 tablespoons) in 150 ml of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink it up to 3 times a day, or at bedtime. You can also place a few sprigs in your bath for a relaxing effect.

Thanks to its richness in vitamin A, many make-up removers or eye creams contain cornflower. This flower is, in fact, known to relieve eye irritation and itching. Cornflower relieves inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.

To treat eye irritation or inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, boil 20 to 40 grams of dried flowers per liter over low heat for 5 minutes and apply it cold to a compress. Against acne, immerse a level teaspoon of dried cornflower petals in 12 to 20 cl of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then use this water as a tonic lotion.

This decoction is also used for gargles, throat complaints, or hoarseness. With 3 to 4 grams of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water, consumed twice a day after meals, you will fight against stubborn colds, bronchitis, or inflammation.

Who has never been stung by nettles? Despite its bad reputation, this plant has been used since antiquity because it multiplies all that is good in your body. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C and in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus and in proteins, nettle includes the 8 amino acids essential to the proper functioning of our body.

It is reputed to treat osteoarthritis or rheumatism, has diuretic effects - which increase the production of urine and its elimination -, depurative, anti-inflammatory, and tonic. It also helps to reduce acne, excess sebum, hair loss, and brittle nails but also acts on the effects of time.

For prostate problems, infuse 1.5 grams of roots in 150 ml of cold water. Bring to a boil and keep it that way for one minute before removing it from the heat. Leave for 10 minutes, then drink 150 milliliters three to four times a day. Against inflammation of the urinary tract, kidney stones, arthritic or rheumatic pain, or allergic rhinitis, infuse 2 g to 5 g of nettle leaves for 10 to 15 minutes, in 150 ml of boiling water. Drink it three times a day.

Garlic is a powerful antiseptic, which means it helps to fight viral diseases and bad bacteria. It is also a natural vermifuge that cleanses the liver. Certain studies even suggest that garlic is anti-carcinogenic. Cough, flu, or other winter illnesses do not resist it. It also stimulates digestion and stimulates blood circulation. Not to mention that it is essential in the kitchen!

In cooking, it is recommended to consume 1 to 2 cloves - 4 to 8 grams - per day. For respiratory infections, you can go up to 4 cloves. Against digestive, respiratory, and circulatory disorders, bronchitis, colds, flu, or intestinal parasites, infuse a clove of garlic cut into small pieces in 20 cl of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, filter. This concoction has no taste: feel free to add honey.

Aloe vera is one of mankind's oldest remedies. Since ancient Egypt, it has been known to preserve vitality and as a beauty secret. It is therefore used a lot in cosmetics. A leaf is broken in two and the pulp is recovered, which is used internally or externally.

Internally, it treats heartburn, ulcers, and irritable colon. It also strengthens the digestive system and the immune system. Externally, as many people know, aloe relieves skin problems, acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or mucous membranes, but also sunburn.

On the face and skin, directly apply the juice from the leaf (which comes out when you cut a small piece), several times a day if necessary. It is also used in cases of light skin lesions, burns (1st and 2nd degree), frostbite, infections, and skin inflammations.

If you are constipated, eat 50 mg to 200 mg of aloe latex at bedtime. Be careful though, like all laxatives, its use must be punctual. In addition, start with low doses that you will adapt as needed.

Mint helps against insomnia. It also relieves the respiratory tract. Not to mention that we love it in dishes or in tea. When growing mint, keep in mind that it is a strong plant that can overrule many others. It's best to grow it in a pot or closed-off area of your garden.

Mint is mainly consumed in infusions. A tablespoon of fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. If you have sunburn, you can also apply the compresses of this infusion. Against migraines, heat 30 grams of mint leaves for two hours in a bain-marie, in 250 ml of olive oil. Cool the liquid, filter and bottle it, and massage your temples your neck with this oil.

Jasmine flowers, with their intoxicating scent, are edible. They have relaxing and aphrodisiac properties and also increase the production of breast milk. The leaf is recommended to consume as an infusion.

The easiest way is to infuse a few flowers and drink this infusion with its relaxing effects. You'll need one tablespoon of jasmine flowers for 200 milliliters of water. Bring the water to a boil then add the jasmine flowers. Let steep for 10 minutes.

This succulent plant is known as an anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial, but also as a healing plant. The juice of its leaves is used to treat ear infections. In the same way, a decoction of the juice of its leaves can be applied to acne pimples. The plant grows without difficulty.

For headaches, gastritis, and painful menstruation, you'll need 30 grams of leaves per liter of water at the rate of three glasses a day. In compress and poultice, twice a day, the leaf treats wounds, burns, varicose ulcers, cracks, and other skin problems (abscess, furuncle, mycosis, eczema).

In case of otitis or earaches, one can instill the juice of the leaves directly into the auditory canal after boiling them and then cooling them. Against conjunctivitis, 3 to 5 drops of this same juice can be used as eye drops 3 to 6 times a day.

Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Unsplash

We use rosemary to have beautiful hair, especially if it tends to be greasy. Let it infuse in a glass of water, with a few drops of lemon, then rinse your hair with it. Rosemary also relieves rheumatism and improves blood circulation. It has an antiseptic effect and therefore heals wounds. Rosemary relieves headaches, and improves concentration, but also fights inflammation of the respiratory system, stress, and fatigue.

Against fatigue, digestive and hepatic disorders, respiratory infections, or headaches, infuse 1 to 2 grams of dried rosemary in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day. Against rheumatic and blood circulation disorders, soak compresses in this decoction, lukewarm to treat wounds, or hot against rheumatism or for circulation.

Basil is antibacterial and antiseptic. It relieves mosquito bites: you can chop a few leaves and apply them to the bites for a few minutes. The plant is rich in vitamin K, which helps against blood clotting and bone formation and plays a role in the manufacture of new cells, hormones, and neurotransmitters. It is a vitamin that's also produced by the bacteria present in the intestine.

In the kitchen, it is better to tear it by hand and add it only at the last minute to sauces or salads to prevent it from oxidizing. Infused in boiling water and put on a compress, it relieves eye problems due to fatigue. For wounds, immerse a few fresh basil leaves for a few seconds in a little hot water. Place them on the affected area and hold them with a compress.

Sage is ideal against cold snaps. Its antimicrobial properties soothe sore throats: prepare a cold infusion with which you gargle. It controls excessive perspiration and heatstroke.

Against digestive disorders, excessive perspiration, and hot flashes, infuse 1 to 3 grams of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink it 3 times a day. Burning dried flowers purifies the air and helps your memory. According to popular belief, it also chases away evil spirits...

Easy to maintain, parsley flavors all dishes, but it is also very rich in vitamin C, minerals, iron, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, and beta-carotene. Its antioxidants fight against aging and the appearance of kidney stones while also protecting the liver.

Chewing parsley leaves alleviates bad breath. In decoction for the same effect, place a whole bunch of parsley in 500 ml of water, then bring it to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of honey. Be careful not to exceed five days of treatment.

By massaging your scalp once every two weeks with a decoction of parsley, your hair will regain tone and shine. And by adding rosemary to your parsley infusion and applying it to your face, you will find purified skin. Apply once or twice a day for ten days.