Plants with Amazing Health Benefits

Plants with Amazing Health Benefits

You’ve probably heard of using Aloe Vera for sunburn or Ginger for an upset stomach, but I’m about to give you the inside scoop on some amazing plants to add to your herbalist portfolio!

Dandelions or (Taraxacum officinale) are a horrible weed right? Turns out they can actually have some insane health benefits. These little yellow flowers are full of great things for your body. Although these flowers are common, I wouldn’t go around picking them from any yard or park. Many common areas are highly treated with pesticides, insecticides and fertilizer. A good area to gather dandelions are in places that dont have high traffic. This could be in a field, a nature park, or trails. If some happen to grow in your own yard, and you know harsh chemicals aren’t used to treat your lawn, then those dandelions may be food grade as well.

Benefits

  • Packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Detox for liver
  • Skin infection treatment
  • Bone Health
  • Pottant antioxidants

Not only does this plant help with indoor allergies, it also absorbs and removes harmful airborne chemicals. This snake plant also known as (Dracaena trifasciata) is a low maintenance air purifier, — I mean houseplant. They need direct sunlight, and occasional watering when the soil is dry. These plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and soak up ample amounts of CO2 at night!

Benefits

  • Allergy control
  • High Oxygen emission
  • Air purifier
  • Co2 absorption

One of my favorite herbs that has been used for hundreds of years. (Salvia Rosmarinus) has actually been studied in great lengths. A certain component in it called 1,8-cineole is believed to be the cause of its affect of increased brain function in terms of memory. Northumbria University conducted a study with this shrub like plant, and it showed significant benefits . 150 volunteers over the age of 65 took part in a recollection test, half were placed in a room filled with rosemary essential oil, and those who were in the room scored on average 15% than those without the herb present.

Benefits

  • Memory boost
  • Higher cognitive function
  • Better concentration

Many studies have been conducted on this flower, to learn more about its beneficial properties. One study in particular done in 2016 by 8 separate scientists in the pharmaceutical biology field, tested the flower in many different ways and showed results for many runs. This flower is said to have immune system support and a variety of other helpful aspects that make this a great plant to add to your collection!

benefits

  • Immune system boost
  • Helps with viruses such as the common cold
  • Alleviates raspatory issues

Not only do marigolds look and smell great, they hold a plethora of health benefits as well! Due to the high antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds this lovely plant will make a beautiful addition to any home. From soar throats to infection, this flower has been shown to help.

Benefits

  • Decreases swelling
  • improves circulation
  • helps cramping and muscle aches
  • Antifungal
  • Treats many infections
  • Promotes healthy skin

Going natural is not a new concept, and many people live by this way of treating or alleviating symptoms of ailments. Nature provides many things for us. The next time you feel a cold coming, brew up some Echinacea and put it to the test!

Moss Lawn : A Fad or the Future?

Moss Lawn : A Fad or the Future?

Moss is something usually avoided in landscaping, but apparently its making a comeback!

During the many times I’m scrolling on social media, I have seen a fair share of moss coming across my page. Usually I see it as a base for bonsai trees, or some cute succulent gardens, but recently a picture caught my eye of a moss backyard and it looked amazing!

Since it looks so soft and magical, I decided to do some research and surprisingly, moss could be a game changer when it comes to lawn care!

Moss is easy, aesthetic, and comes in many varieties.

If someone were to moss their entire backyard, it wouldn’t need any more attention. The springy stuff needs no cutting, watering, or fertilizer to grow.

Moss is a hearty organism which can thrive in even the lowest quality of soils. Because its so low maintenance, its actually a great grass substitute! For any age home owners who want to save money on the water bill and have a little extra time on Sundays to watch the game instead of cutting the lawn, this is a great alternative. Depending on where you live and what climate you have, you should choose the moss accordingly. There’s hundreds of types to choose from to create the aesthetic your going for.

Eco Friendly

Moss, like most organisms have a relationship with its environment and great news for us, moss helps! If you live somewhere cold, you probably deal with snow. To keep everyone safe, roads are salted and unfortunately when that salt drains through the soil it has affects on soil and water. Moss can help counteract this. Because of its absorbent nature, it grabs that water and uses it, since moss isn’t affected this is a great thing to implement in cold climates.

Moss actually helps control the runoff of pesticides, fertilizer, salt and many other pollutants. A new movement is happening in Europe called the Green Roof Movement which has now spread across the globe with Toronto being one of the leading forces. If you can replace or update your roof, balconies, or exterior walls to house plants, it can lower temperature, counteract polluted storm water, and even reduce home energy use when done properly. Its amazing to think what can be done simply by making room for greenery!

Moss Gardening

If a whole lawn or roof is too daunting, but your interested like me, try a moss garden! I was so excited to get my hands on this stuff and you should be too! Since moss grows over terrain easily, I decided a few rocks and things in the corner of the yard mixed with a small fairy garden would be magical! I wasn’t disappointed. Although mine is just kicking off and should be established in the next few weeks, this type of gardening is already something much simpler I can enjoy!