In a time and age when the world is taking note of our ‘desi’ roots in terms of health and wellness, it makes sense to chuck the long-used ‘medicine’ and switch to some natural cure that’s even more effective than those pills you’ve been using.
Of course you are too short on time, but what if we told you about some medicinal plants and herbs that you can easily grow in your balcony, or, more realistically, in your kitchen window? No, you don’t have to be a gardening pro or enthusiast. All you need is a container, original plant, some soil and water, and a window sill or balcony.
3 medicinal plants you can grow in your balcony
Here are 3 medicinal plants that are so easy to grow and so good for your overall health and well-being, you won’t want to miss out on these.
1. Fenugreek (methi) –
Helps control blood sugar levels and is great for preventing as well as controlling diabetes. Aids in weight loss, improves digestion, arrests hair fall and prevents dandruff.
How to grow:
- Sow methi seeds in a container and place it in a spot with ample sunlight. Lightly cover the seeds with soil.
- Water it regularly. The seeds should sprout within two weeks.
- Once the leaves are ready, pluck them out and re-harvest. Check the underside of leaves regularly for any pests.
2. Mint –
Effective to treat cold and cough, nausea, indigestion, bad breath and headache. Mint can also uplift your mood and boost your mental faculties. Excellent to ward off pimples.
How to grow:
- Wet soil in a container and add the mint stems (preferably use thick stems and no leaves). Place them at a distance so that they have space to grow individually.
- Sprinkle water.
- Keep in a place with enough sunlight and light shade in the afternoons. The leaves are likely to come up in a few days.
3. Lemongrass –
Can prevent high blood pressure, treat common cold, prevent exhaustion, provide relief from stomach pain, nausea and common cold.
How to grow:
- Take fresh lemongrass and place the bulbous ends in a container with water. In a few weeks, roots will start to spring out. Change the water every week.
- Cut off the tops and plant the roots and tender stems in a soil-filled container. Water and place in a sunny windowsill.
- Transfer in a bigger pot as they grow.
Readymade compost at home
Did you know that the wet waste you have in your kitchen, such as tea leaves, vegetable peels, egg shells and so on, can make amazing compost for your herbs and make them grow even better.
Image credits: (pintrest, balconygardenweb.com, pixabay, suburbantomato)
