It’s no secret. Here at Plant Therapy, we love essential oils. They’re an incredible and natural way to support a healthy, full life. And while we’re enjoying the many benefits and aromas of these essential oils, you can also reap the benefits of many of the plants they come from! By growing and cultivating a healing garden, you can add new ways to naturally support your health. It can be anything from a dedicated corner in your landscape to a few well-chosen plants in your kitchen window. Discover of few of these incredible plants and the many ways you can put them to use.
Infusions
One of the easiest ways to enjoy some of your herbs, and some unexpected plants you might find in your yard, is with an infusion. All you need is your herb of choice and your favorite carrier oil! It can be a gentle, yet effective, way to use some of these plants. Plus you can even combine them with essential oils for entirely new creations. You can use Lavender for its natural aroma and skin-soothing properties. Calendula is a great choice to help with irritated skin. Chamomile has incredible calming properties. Or you can use the wonderfully beneficial Oregano as it helps with skin concerns, breathing issues and even menstrual pain. The possibilities are endless! You can enjoy it for its aroma, use it as a moisturizer or massage oil, or use it in localized areas to help with specific issues.
Any discussion of infusions would remiss if it didn’t talk about Dandelions. These so-called weeds are incredibly beneficial! They are gentle, calming, and have pain-relieving qualities that can be beneficial for muscle rubs and over-exertion balms. Dandelion infused carrier oil is also perfect for beauty products or for topical applications due to its healing properties. Plus it can also help reduce feelings of worry and is skin moisturizing, not to mention help with digestion and stomach issues.
For detailed instructions on how to do an infusion, check out our article on the Quick Heat Method or the Cold Infusion Method.
Tea
Making your own herbal tea isn’t as hard as you might think! After all, tea is nothing more than dried herbs steeped in hot water. This is the perfect opportunity to create blends of your favorite herbs, much like you would for a diffuser. Here are just a few herbs you can have on hand next time you crave a soothing cup of tea.
- Peppermint is well known for its ability to help soothe tummy troubles! It’s a perfect choice next time your stomach feels unsettled.
- Chamomile is mild, soothing and a great for helping you wind down after a long day.
- Echinacea is a popular choice when you’re looking for an immune-boosting concoction.
- Lemongrass has a nice lemony flavor with plenty of amazing benefits. In addition to being full of antioxidants, it can help with inflammation and digestion issues.
- Lemon Balm (or Melissa) has a light lemon aroma and is great for helping uplift your mood and ease digestion.
Food & Cooking
There are many benefits that come from eating herbs you grow yourself. For starters, you know exactly where it came from! No wondering what kind of pesticides were used, whether it’s organic or stuff like that. You get to control the entire growing process! And of course, there are plenty of herbs that many of us know and love to use in our cooking (Basil, anyone?). But there are a few edible herbs that might surprise you.
- Dandelions! They actually have more beta-carotene than carrots and would be a great addition to your salad.
- If you’re looking for a fun pop color, try adding a few petals from the Calendula flower.
- And for the flower that seems to be the jack of all trades, Lavender buds are also edible. But their flavor is quite intense, so a little goes a long way.
Cleaning
And lastly, your favorite herbs can be used to help clean. Just as you would infuse them in oil, you can infuse them in vinegar for your very own cleaning spray. Sage, Oregano, Rosemary, and Lavender are all great choices. Plus you can mix or match to create your own cleaning creations.
For some great tips on how to use essential oils to maintain your garden naturally, check out this great post!
Don’t forget to join our Safe Essential Oil Recipes (SEOR) Facebook Group for a fantastic community of essential oil lovers.
