Nature's Medicine Cabinet, Herbs you can grow in pots

 In this blog we will discuss about some common  herbs found  in our kitchen that have versatile role beyond just adding flavor and aroma to our food. These tiny herbs are gifts  from nature as these can cure various disease and in used since ancient times. These herbs include:Coriander,  Rosemary, Mint, tulsi and lemon grass. 

Scientific name:Ocimum tenuiflorum

Common name:Holy Basil (Tulsi) 

Traditional uses of tulsi

Tulsi has been  traditionally used to relief cough, cold due to bronchodilater properties, its antifungal,antibacterial properties help in healing of wound and micro nutrient content is responsible for boosting immunity. In ancient times it was also used during headache and to lower cholesterol level. 

Modern Health uses

Today use to detoxify body support kidney or liver health.  According to various researches it has Anti diabetic and anti cancerous uses due various bioactive compound found in it. 

How to consume? 

Leaves can be chew in fresh form or use to make tea which is commonly use and beneficial, oil is used for aroma therapy for calming purpose. 

Scientific name:Coriandrum sativum

Common name:Coriander 

Traditional uses of coriander

In ancient times it was use to cure digestive issues because  compounds found in it stimulates digestive enzymes. It's reduce gas as it has anti carmative compound. Beyond this lower cholesterol level and act as natural diuretic removed excess sodium from body and lowering  blood pressure. 

Modern Health uses

Researchers shows that tiny herbs have anti inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and can be used in various conditions. 

How to consume? 

Leaves can be chew in fresh form or there seeds are used in various form to add flavor to dishes and to cure health issues. 

Scientific name:Mentha spicata

Common name:Mint 

Traditional uses of mint

Mint was  traditionally used to cure digestive disorder like indigestion and upset stomach. Its natural antibacterial properties promote gum health and combat bad breath.It was also used to relieve respiratory disorder like nasal congestion. 

Modern Everyday uses

Today beyond using it for flavor or curing digestive disorder mint oil is use to improve concentration and reduce stress. It extract is widely used in various products like toothpaste, shampoo and bams etc. 

How to use? 

It's leaves can be use in fresh form or in dried form for making tea.Its extract is use to make various drinks. But to obtain maximum health benefits better to use in natural form. 

Scientific name:Cymbopogcon citratus

Common name:Lemon grass 

Traditional uses of lemon grass

Lemon grass was traditionally used to help with indigestion, it's antimicrobial compounds are effective against certain bacteria and fungi. It's anti inflammatory properties help reduce the pain and swelling. 

Modern Everyday uses

Today it is use as a natural insect repellent,it's oil is popular  in aroma therapy for soothing purpose, and also used for fragrance  in various cosmetic products. 

How to use? 

Lower 4-6 inches stalk is more flavorful, it can be to make herbal tea, soup and various dishes. 

Scientific name:Rosmarinus officinalis

Common name:Rosemary

Traditional uses of Rosemary

Rosemary was traditionally use to relieve arthritis or muscle pain.Its oil was believed to promote hair growth. It's antioxidant properties supported over all health.It was also use to increase concentration due to cognitive boosting compounds found in it. 

Modern everyday uses

Today Rosemary is widely in cosmetic due to skin tighting and hair growth benefits. Its oil is also use for fragrance in perfume and for making natural decors. 

How to use? 

It's leaves can be used in fresh or dried form, oil for nourishing scalp and dried leaves for making herbal tea. 

How to grow these herbs in pots? 

Tulsi

Grow it in clay pot for better air circulation, and place the pot in area where it get 4-6 hour sunlight daily. Keep the soil moist but not soggy for better growth. 

Coriander

Place it's seed in mud pot containing soil, keep the soil moist at suitable light conditions, within few days the tiny herb grow. Harvest fresh leaves for better flavor. 

Mint

It spread fast so keep it in separate pot, keep it under partial shade. Water it often to keep the soil moist. Trim regularly to enjoy fresh leaves every season. 

Lemon grass

Use deep pot as it's roots grow deep down, plant a stalk with root end in moist soil. Place it in sunlight and water regularly. Harvest the stalk for fresh use. 

Rosemary

The tiny herbs love sunlight so place it under sun. Keep the top layer of soil dry enough, trim regularly for keeping it bushy and healthy. 

Conclusion

Nature has given us these tiny herbs not just to flavor our food, but also to help us heal naturally. Growing coriander, rosemary, tulsi, lemongrass, and mint at home is simple and rewarding - they need little space but give big benefits for your health and daily life. 

You can also know more about the medicinal uses of few common  herbs 

https://houseofbotany72.blogspot.com/2024/07/medicinal-uses-of-common-herbs.html

https://houseofbotany72.blogspot.com/2024/08/uncommon-medicinal-herbs.html

You can know about other uncommon medicinal herb by the link given above. Follow House of botany for more interesting topic.