A benefit of having a home office is the ability to connect with the garden easily during the day. For me this means getting the day started with gathering leaves, branches and flowers to infuse with water, letting the sun heat it up. Still early in the season so our sun isn’t hot enough in the mornings to heat the infusion into a tea yet what you do taste is an incredibly flavored water. If let under the afternoon sun it becomes a tea. The water is softer and wetter and one can imagine all the goodness while drinking it. A simple and enjoyable way of connecting more intimately and valuing nature.
Get out and try it and enjoy nature as nurturer is a more direct way! Replace your flavored bottle water with the real deal! I guarantee you will become a grazer and discover new ideas for your table!
A few garden edible plants:
Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis)
Fresh leaves are very rich source of vitamin-C and Folic acid. Bay Leaves are a good sources of vitamin A and minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Great for aches, pain, soar throats, fever, coughs, cold, chest inflammation & infections and digestion.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage contains high levels of potassium, iron and calcium, along with Zinc, B and C vitamins, and beta carotene . It restores balance to overworked adrenal glands and is a natural sedative for nervous conditions. It is also a high source of gamma linolenic acid which is essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids must be ingested from diet and a deficiency can affect mood and cause internal inflammation and various cellular functions. Essential fatty acids also improve hair and nail growth and appearance.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Once known as “poor man’s saffron”, the petals of the flowers are used in soups, salads and dishes to add color. A tea of the flowers comforts the heart. Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals. Calendula can be used for inflammation, viruses, and bacteria.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to teas and as a digestive aid that supports the liver, kidneys & urinary tract.
Fennel ( Foeniculum Vulgare)
Rich in potassium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, phosphorus, and folate. A good source of calcium, pantothenic acid, magnesium, iron, and niacin. flavonoids, Vitamin-C and amino acids. An expectorant in nature with disinfectant and antibacterial properties. Fennel improves digestion, relieve flatulence, treat hypertension, increase milk production in breast-feeding mothers, and treat respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
Ginkgo (Biloba)
Antioxidants, improves memory, concentration, mental faculties and long-distance vision, relieves headaches, sinusitis, and vertigo, and slows aging of cells.
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
Improves appetite & general digestion, eases flatulence, reduces bloating, alleviates menstrual cramping, reduces nausea and vomiting, calms nerves, relaxing sleep aid, antiseptic and antibacterial. It is used for nervous agitation and recently tests are showing it improves mental clarity and increases concentration.
Mint (Mentha spicata)
Rich in antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A , beta-carotene, vitamin C, folates , vitamin B-6 , riboflavin and thiamin. Also contains the minerals potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium. Used for headaches, nervous strain, fatigue and stress, respiratory problems, relieving asthma, bronchitis and catarrh, digestive aid for nausea, flatulence and hiccups.
Nastersuim (Tropaeolum majus)
A natural remedy for helping the body overcome and prevent the common cold and influenza. The main substances found in nasturtium are glucosinolates, mustard oil, flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C. Remedy for urinary tract and respiratory tract infections. It is also indicated for external and internal bacterial infections and to treat minor scrapes and cuts.
Plantain (Plantago major)
High in vitamins A, C and K. Also a rich source of calcium and magnesium. Teas made from the plant are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, bleeding mucous membranes, sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis and mouth sores.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rich in Vitamins , C and B-complex vitamins, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and riboflavin. It contains high levels of folates. It will boost memory, improve mood, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, protect the immune system, stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, protect the body from bacterial infections, prevent premature aging, and heal skin conditions.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Called the “thinker’s tea” and even helps ease depression. Good source of Vitamin A, C and B-complex vitamins; folic acid, thiamin, pyridoxine and riboflavin and rich in sources of minerals like potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.
Stevia
Leaves contain iron potassium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B3. many sterols and antioxidant compounds like triterpenes, flavonoids, and tannins. Some of flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidant phytochemicals present in stevia are kaempferol, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, and isosteviolA natural sweetener help control blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure.
Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
Center for Inside Awareness 