4 Fresh First Aid Remedies Straight From Your Garden
Everyone has a medicine cabinet filled with all sorts of ointments and creams to relieve various bumps, bruises, and pains. But did you know that you if you have a garden, you may also have a second medicine cabinet that’s filled with equally awesome bummer-relieving treatments? It’s true. Even the smallest of gardens (we’re talking kitchen windowsill herb gardens) can contain a few plants that can serve double duty as natural first aid remedies.
1. Basil
Basil tastes awesome in a fresh summer salad, but did you also know it’s great at revealing muscle tension? I, for one, had no idea. To get the plant’s benefits, rub its leaves on the area of your body that aches. You also can use the leaves to alleviate foot pain by placing them in a foot bath. Just add hot water and soak away.
2. Thyme
If you just nicked yourself while working in the garden, grab some thyme. Each leaf of this herb has a lot of antibacterial and antiviral properties. To prevent germs from getting into the cut, rub a handful of the leaves on the wounded area.
3. Lemon Balm
This remedy thrills me because I am always without insect repellent because 1) conventional bug sprays freak me out, and 2) I always forget to pick up organic varieties when I’m out shopping. So! If you find yourself becoming the meal of many insects while you’re working in your yard, just grab some lemon balm. Smash the leaves up and slather it onto areas that typically attract those biting bothers.
4. Peppermint
It tastes good, it smells good, and it can help relieve itchy bites. Rub the leaves on bites to glean the benefits of the herb‘s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Thanks to Modern Farmer for originally listing all these awesome natural first aid kit fillers.
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Image of fresh herbs from Shutterstock
