Backyard Medicine Harvest And Make Your Own Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and promote overall health and wellness. With the rise of modern medicine, many people have turned away from traditional herbal remedies. However, with the increasing concern over the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, more and more people are turning back to nature for their health needs.
One of the best ways to incorporate herbal remedies into your life is by growing your own herbs in your backyard. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to have complete control over the quality and purity of the herbs you use. In this article, we'll discuss how to harvest and make your own herbal remedies from your backyard garden.
Choosing the Right Herbs
The first step in making your own herbal remedies is choosing the right herbs to grow. There are countless herbs that have medicinal properties, so it's important to choose the ones that will be most beneficial for your specific needs.
Some popular medicinal herbs include:
- Chamomile - known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties
- Lavender - known for its soothing and relaxing properties
- Peppermint - known for its digestive and pain-relieving properties
- Echinacea - known for its immune-boosting properties
- Calendula - known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties
Once you've chosen the herbs you want to grow, it's important to research their specific growing requirements to ensure they thrive in your backyard.
Harvesting Herbs
When it comes to harvesting herbs for medicinal purposes, timing is key. The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning, after the dew has dried, but before the sun is at its strongest. This is when the oils that give herbs their medicinal properties are at their highest concentration.
When harvesting herbs, it's important to use sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Cut the stems just above a leaf node, which will encourage new growth.
It's important to harvest only the amount of herbs you need at the time, as excess herbs can quickly wilt and lose their potency. If you have more herbs than you can use at once, consider drying or freezing them for later use.
Making Herbal Remedies
Once you've harvested your herbs, it's time to make your own herbal remedies. There are countless ways to use herbs for medicinal purposes, including teas, tinctures, salves, and more.
One of the easiest ways to use herbs is by brewing them into a tea. Simply steep your fresh or dried herbs in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. You can also mix different herbs together to create a blend that addresses multiple health concerns.
Tinctures are another popular way to use herbs for medicinal purposes. To make a tincture, fill a jar with your chosen herbs and cover with alcohol, such as vodka or brandy. Let the mixture sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally, before straining out the herbs and using the liquid as a remedy.
Salves are a great way to use herbs topically for wound healing, pain relief, and skin conditions. To make a salve, infuse your chosen herbs in a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, and then mix with beeswax to create a solid consistency.
Conclusion
Harvesting and making your own herbal remedies is a rewarding and cost-effective way to take control of your health and wellness. By growing your own herbs and using them to create teas, tinctures, and salves, you can ensure that you are using high-quality, natural remedies to address your specific health concerns.