JOIN USPreethi Nagaraj urges homeowners to grow plants are beneficial to your health, while being almost maintenance-free.
Did you know that an adult develops 2-4 episodes and young children about 4-8 episodes of upper respiratory tract infection in a year? The frequency may be much higher considering the growing levels of pollution and dust in the city. Children are often known to catch cough and cold from daycare centres and playschools.
With a hectic work schedule and competitive schooling, taking leave often becomes impossible. The immediate remedy is thus to resort to frequent courses of antibiotics and decongestants to get instant relief, which could have their own set of side effects.
Boosting immunity and general health will go a long way in preventing recurrent infections. One effective way of improving health naturally is through the use of
medicinal plants. Even if you reside in a high-rise apartment, you can easily grow medicinal plants in pots in your small, private terrace garden. You do not need a vast area or excessive supervision to grow your own medicinal plants. Here are 5 plants which work wonders for your health and require little maintenance:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
How to grow: Small pieces of rhizomes (root portion) can be placed 2 inches
below the soil, few inches apart in medium to large-sized pots. They grow well in good sunlight and require daily watering.
Medicinal benefits
* Prevents common cold
* Antiseptic properties — can be used on raw wounds and cuts
* Antioxidant action helps in anti-ageing and fighting cancer
* Anti-inflammatory properties help in managing arthritis
* Known to be an anti-depressant
How to use
* Add a pinch of turmeric powder to warm milk, curries and salads on a daily basis for its preventive uses
* Apply directly on raw wounds and boils
* Apply turmeric on the face for reducing pigmentation and for anti-ageing benefits
Amrutha balli (Tinospora cordifolia)
How to grow: Stem cuttings (mature part near the soil end) of about 6-inch long can be directly planted in soil in medium to large-sized pots. You can grow it on your kitchen windowsill, where the creeper can add to the aesthetic value in addition to improving the quality of the air you breathe.
Medicinal benefits
* Improves general health and boosts immunity
* Excellent liver tonic
* Helps in regulating blood sugar in diabetics
* Anti-inflammatory properties
How to use
* The stem can be boiled in water and taken as a decoction
* Stems can be dried, powdered and added to milk daily to boost immunity
* Juice of fresh leaves can be mixed with water and honey and taken orally
* Leaves can be pound and slightlywarmed before applying on wounds and achy joints
Dronapuspi (Leucas cephalotes)
How to grow: A small sapling can be planted in medium to large-sized pots. The plant grows easily into a thick bush with small, white flowers.
Medicinal benefits
* Decongestant properties — helps in relieving cold, cough and sinusitis
* Deworming properties — is popularly used for deworming children
* Aids digestion and improves appetite
How to use
* Leaves can be crushed, mixed with a teaspoon of honey and taken orally for colds, cough, deworming and to improve digestion.
* Crushed leaves and flowers can also be applied on the throat, neck and forehead for relief from sore throat, swollen lymph glands and headache
* Crushed leaves and flowers can be added to boiling water and the steam inhaled to get relief from sinusitis.
Doddapatre (Plectranthus amboi-nicus)
How to grow: A stem cutting can be planted in soil in medium-sized pots. The plant is hardy and requires little water. The thick, green and fragrant leaves also add beauty to the garden.
Medicinal benefits
* Boosts immunity and helps in warding off common cold and fever
* Powerful expectorant — helps in clearing sinuses and congested nose
* Anti-inflammatory properties — can be used to treat bug bites and eczemas
* Has high content of omega-6 fatty acids, which is considered ‘good fat’
* Rich in antioxidants — Vitamin C and carotenoids — boosts immunity and improves vision
How to use
* Fresh leaves can be eaten directly
* Dried and powdered leaves can be used as flavouring agent in curries, soups and salads
* Leaves can also be brewed into tea or decoction
Insulin plant (Costus igneus Nak)
How to grow: A stem cutting of a mature plant can be planted in medium-sized pots. It grows well in fertile soil, good sunlight and needs to be watered daily.
Medicinal benefits
* Anti-diabetic effect — helps regulate blood sugar levels
* Hypolipidemic effect — reduces cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL
* Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties
How to use
* 1-2 leaves can be taken orally daily
* Leaves can be dried and powdered, and consumed with milk or water.