logo
10 Medicinal plants you can grow at home for natural healing

10 Medicinal plants you can grow at home for natural healing

Time of India11 hours ago
Medicinal plants have been an essential part of traditional healing systems across cultures, from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to folk remedies passed down through generations.
In India, herbs have played a key role in home remedies and daily health care since Vedic times. Today, with rising interest in natural, sustainable wellness and the side effects of synthetic medicines, more people are turning to medicinal plants that can be easily grown at home.
Creating a home garden of healing herbs doesn't require a large space or complex tools. Many of these plants are low-maintenance, thrive in pots or small beds, and offer a range of benefits for immunity, digestion, skin care, and stress relief.
This is your go-to list of 10 popular medicinal plants you can grow at home and how they support everyday health.
10 must-have medicinal plants for your home garden
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is often referred to as the 'Queen of Herbs' in Ayurveda. Its leaves are rich in compounds that help fight infections, reduce inflammation, and support respiratory health. Tulsi tea or raw leaves can aid in relieving colds, coughs, headaches, and digestive discomfort. The plant also supports blood sugar balance and heart health.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential
Seeking Alpha
Read More
Undo
Ajwain (Carom Plant)
Source: Wikipedia
The ajwain plant resembles the money plant in appearance and grows well in sunlit conditions. Its leaves and seeds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ajwain is traditionally used to ease indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps. Chewing a few leaves or brewing ajwain tea can help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Coriander (Dhaniya)
Source: Wikipedia
Fresh coriander is not just a kitchen staple; it also has medicinal value.
The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals. Coriander is known to help regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, support liver function, and lower bad cholesterol. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can also benefit those with joint pain or ulcers.
Aloe Vera
Source: Wikipedia
Aloe vera is a versatile plant widely used in both skincare and internal health. The gel inside its thick leaves soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritation.
It is also used in hair care and cosmetic preparations. When consumed in moderation, aloe vera juice supports digestion, detoxification, and immune function.
Lavender
Source: Wikipedia
Though native to the Mediterranean, lavender grows well in India's drier regions with proper sunlight and drainage. Its flowers produce a calming aroma known to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Lavender oil has antiseptic properties and is often used to treat insect bites, burns, and minor wounds.
Lavender tea also helps ease digestive issues.
Mustard
Source: Wikipedia
Mustard plants are a rich source of selenium and magnesium, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory benefits. The seeds are commonly used in cooking, but they also support metabolism and digestion. Regular use of mustard in the diet may help manage symptoms of asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Mint (Pudina)
Mint is one of the easiest medicinal plants to grow. It thrives in warm, moist soil and partial sunlight.
Known for its cooling effect, mint helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestion, and respiratory issues. It also freshens breath and supports mental clarity. Mint leaves are commonly used in chutneys, teas, and garnishes.
Lemongrass
Source: Wikipedia
Lemongrass has strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic remedies for fever and digestive troubles, it's now popular as a detox tea.
It can also help relieve cold symptoms, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy and skincare.
Why
Grow Medicinal Plants at Home
?
Growing your own medicinal plants offers numerous advantages beyond their healing uses. Here are a few reasons why cultivating a small herbal garden can be a smart and health-conscious decision:
Accessible Natural Remedies: Having these plants on hand means quick access to natural treatments for everyday ailments; no need to visit a pharmacy for minor issues.
Safe and Chemical-Free: Home-grown herbs are free from pesticides and additives, making them safer for regular use.
Cost-Effective Wellness: Growing your own herbs reduces reliance on over-the-counter medications and supplements, saving money in the long run.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Cultivating plants at home supports a greener lifestyle and reduces packaging waste from store-bought products.
Holistic Health Support: Many medicinal plants benefit both physical and emotional health, like lavender for relaxation or mint for mental clarity.
With a bit of care and regular maintenance, these ten plants can turn any balcony, terrace, or windowsill into a thriving wellness space. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your collection, these healing herbs offer a simple yet powerful way to stay healthy naturally.
Also Read:
7 easy and effective home remedies to keep spiders out of your house
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

CSIR to launch Rs 100 sickle cell anaemia test kit in 6 months
CSIR to launch Rs 100 sickle cell anaemia test kit in 6 months

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

CSIR to launch Rs 100 sickle cell anaemia test kit in 6 months

Pune: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will launch an affordable screening test kit for sickle cell anaemia in six months. The PCR-based test kit, which would be priced under Rs 100, has been developed by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology — a laboratory under CSIR. CSIR director-general N Kalaiselvi, who inaugurated a conference in the city on Friday, shared this development. Speaking on the sidelines of the National Scientists Round Table Conference 2025 at MIT World Peace University, she said the test, using one drop of blood, can screen patients for the disease in less than 30 minutes. 'Many research institutes, including ICMR and CSIR, have worked on this kit. With just a drop of blood put in a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) kit developed by CSIR; one can understand in 20-30 minutes whether an individual is a patient, a carrier, or at risk of contracting sickle cell anaemia,' Kalaiselvi said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune She said the test will cost between Rs 87 and Rs 93, and will be available on the Union govt's Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. On AI in healthcare Kalaiselvi said the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in many of CSIR's labs in India could be a gamechanger; she said AI will be a very helpful addition to the healthcare sector. The CSIR director-general also touched upon the trend of scientists being encouraged to establish their own startups. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo She said in India, senior scientists or principal investigators often encourage younger colleagues to launch their own startups. 'This is how spin-off startups have begun in India, and scientists are moving in that direction in a big way. Youngsters have that fire in the belly; they want to have their own startups, so they will be the driving force,' she said. 'As India marches toward its 2047 (Viksit Bharat) vision, it's clear that science, technology, and innovation will be the real engines of national growth. What's truly inspiring is the mindset shift among students; they're not just seeking jobs, they're building startups and creating employment. This silent revolution is made possible through science and must be nurtured,' she added. The conference will host 36 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar and INSA awardees, directors of premier national and regional laboratories, eminent academicians, and senior scientists from across diverse research and industrial sectors.

Illegal IVF & surrogacy centre busted in Gurgaon; first FIR in Haryana, says CMO
Illegal IVF & surrogacy centre busted in Gurgaon; first FIR in Haryana, says CMO

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Illegal IVF & surrogacy centre busted in Gurgaon; first FIR in Haryana, says CMO

Gurgaon: A fertility clinic that ran an illegal surrogacy and IVF (test tube baby) business in the city has been busted. A team from the health department found the clinic in Sushant Lok 1 was operating a "full-scale IVF and surrogacy setup without following the rules". The clinic, running without proper registration, charged up to Rs 3 lakh for the procedures and arrangements, health officials said. During the inspection, the team seized several registers that listed frozen embryos, egg donations and semen storage. The records showed the clinic was using a large number of egg donors and surrogates, many of them from poor backgrounds. An FIR was lodged at DLF 1 police station on Thursday. Chief medical officer Alka Singh said, "This is the first FIR in Haryana against an IVF centre. We have formed a six-member team of doctors. The team is investigating all such centres in Gurgaon. In this particular case, we received mail from an anonymous source about illegal activities being conducted at the centre. We informed DG (health) and district authorities and carried out a raid. We found several violations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo First, the centre was not registered. Second, there was evidence of ongoing IVF, IUI and egg donation procedures being carried out without requisite approvals. We also found 84 embryos." You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon According to the FIR, "During the inspection, Manju Sharma, the clinic's owner, admitted in a signed statement over 80 embryos were being stored at the centre and IVF procedures were being conducted since April-May 2025. She named another partner, Dr Nidhi, and confirmed that the clinic took over operations from the previously known Joyce IVF Centre." "The inquiry found evidence of at least 68 semen samples frozen between April and June 2025, with entries including names of foreign nationals such as Carlus Danielle, Andrew Charles and an Australian couple," the FIR stated. Officials said the clinic violated the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.

Day two of nurses' strike cripples services at GMCs
Day two of nurses' strike cripples services at GMCs

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Day two of nurses' strike cripples services at GMCs

Nagpur: Healthcare services in Nagpur's major govt-run hospitals — Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH or Mayo), and the Government Ayurvedic Hospital — were severely disrupted on the second day of the indefinite strike called by the Maharashtra State Nurses' Association. With no resolution in sight, the situation turned alarming, especially in GMCH's general wards where patients were reportedly at risk due to the absence of trained nursing staff. Over 1,100 nurses at GMCH, 150 at Mayo, and 35 at the Ayurvedic Hospital abstained from work since Thursday to protest unresolved salary anomalies under the 7th Pay Commission. As a result, all scheduled surgeries came to a halt, and the number of both minor and critical procedures dropped by more than 50%, hospital sources confirmed. GMCH has 52 general wards, 12 operation theatres, 5 intensive care units (ICUs), and 3 casualty departments — all requiring constant nursing support. However, only 109 nurses reported for duty on Friday, forcing the hospital administration to redistribute manpower urgently. With no nurses in several wards, the burden of basic patient care — including administering medication, shifting patients, and hygiene support — fell on the relatives of patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now "Doctors are instructing family members to perform tasks usually handled by trained nurses. This is putting both the patients and caregivers at risk," said a hospital insider. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, which has five wards and two labour rooms, is facing extreme difficulty. The shortage of nurses led to delays in delivering medicines and treatment to expectant mothers. Resident doctors are stepping in to perform nursing duties, which is stretching them beyond capacity. In a desperate bid to deal with the chaos, both GMCH and Mayo have begun discharging stable patients even before completing full treatment. This move has triggered anxiety among families who fear inadequate care might worsen their loved ones' condition. Nursing students called in To deal with the crisis, the state health department has deployed 40 temporary staff and roped in about 70 second and third year students, including MSc nursing students from GMCH's Nursing College. Despite their efforts, the shortfall remains significant with experts sounding a warning that prolonged disruption may severely compromise patient safety. Healthcare workers and families of patients have appealed to the state govt to urgently intervene and resolve the issue. "The situation is no longer just about pay – it is now about the lives of patients. The govt must act before the damage becomes irreversible," said a senior doctor at GMCH.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store