11 medicinal plants to grow at home

Lots of herbs, flowering plants and non-flowering plants boast health benefits. From burns to headaches, it is possible to heal or calm a wide range of aches and pains. Here is a round-up of just some of the things medicinal plants can provide:

• headache relief;

• faster healing burns;

• pain relief;

• improved digestion;

• stress relief;

• improved sleep quality;

• hair loss prevention;

• improved skin elasticity;

• faster wound healing, and so on.

While you're probably well accustomed to using it around the kitchen, it might interest you to know that basil is also great for health. It can help to:

• relieve headaches;

• improve digestion and reduce insomnia;

• reduce hair loss;

• relieve earache.

Basically, it's nothing short of a miracle worker!

Aloe vera provides a wide range of medicinal properties. It can be used to:

• speed up burn healing;

• improve skin elasticity;

• regulate blood glucose levels amongst diabetics;

• help to relieve constipation.

This plant provides a natural calming effect. It can therefore be used to alleviate stress, insomnia, anxiety and so on.

Lemon balm is often wrongly referred to as citronella, but both plants have a similar citrusy scent.

Calendula is a godsend when it comes to minor injuries. This flower boasts the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;

• anti-bacterial;

• faster wound healing.

In addition to its instantly recognisable scent, lavender is an effective all-round remedy as it is a natural antiseptic. This plant has anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties and can even be used as a treatment against hair loss. It can also be used to relieve skin irritation and headaches.

Add a few lavender sprigs to the bath to help you unwind!

Who hasn't reached for a hot chamomile tea on a cold day? This flower is ideal for:

• calming stomach issues;

• relieving liver pain;

• treating water retention or high cholesterol.

Mint isn't just used for making mojitos! It's also an excellent antiseptic and laxative and boasts a number of benefits. It can help to:

• relieve respiratory issues;

• treat digestive issues;

• reduce headaches and nausea;

• prevent cataracts;

• improve blood circulation, and so on.

Chewing on a few mint leaves is sure to freshen your breath.

Got a bit of parsley leftover from a dish? Rest assured you can put this herb to good use! Parsley is a diuretic and can be based to alleviate menstrual issues. It is also great for the skin.

Rosemary can be used to tackle digestive issues and improve blood circulation. It is a powerful antioxidant and can be used to improve hair quality and combat anaemia. For a bit of a health boost, you can't go wrong with rosemary.

Mosquitos hate rosemary! Add a few plants to planters and pots, and set them up around the patio or close to windows.

Oregano has digestive properties which works out nicely since it is an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes! It can be used to relieve a cough and is sometimes recommended for ear infections. It is an antiseptic and can help to relieve muscle and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Not only is thyme delicious, it also acts as a digestive aid. It can help to combat iron deficiencies and is a natural antibiotic. It can also be used as a relaxing supplement or sleep aid. It also is a great one to keep in mind to help memory.

Did you know that thyme is also cold-tolerant?

Now you know more about these 11 medicinal plants you can go ahead and check out our other gardening guides!

• How to grow an organic garden

• Hedge plant buying guide

• How to attract pollinators to your garden

• How to overwinter plants in the greenhouse

• Mediterranean plants for your balcony or terrace

• What plants to put in a rock garden

• How to grow climbing plants on a balcony or patio

• What to plant and sow in January

• What to plant and sow in February

• What to plant and sow in March

• What to plant in the vegetable garden in March

• Flowers to plant and sow in March

• What to plant and sow in April

• Flowers to plant and sow in April

• What to plant and sow in May

• What to plant and sow in June

• What to plant and sow in August

• What to plant and sow in September

• What to plant and sow in October

• What to plant and sow in November

• What to do in the garden in December

• Flower seeds: 10 flowers to plant