Gardening tips: Grow your own spices and herbs to ward off illnesses

Kitchen garden herbs: Coriander, also known as cilantro, is another herb with impressive health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to treat issues like indigestion and diarrhoea (Image: Canva)

Every time you have a cold, scratchy throat, or stuffy nose, does your grandmother or mother head straight to the kitchen garden instead of reaching for over-the-counter medication? There, nestled among the pots on your balcony, are the very herbs and spices that can help you fend off that cold naturally. For centuries, herbs and spices have been used not only to enhance the flavour of our food but also to provide various health benefits. From boosting immunity to soothing an upset stomach, these natural remedies are powerful tools in maintaining health and wellness.

Growing your own herbs and spices ensures you have fresh, potent ingredients on hand whenever you need them. Many common ailments, such as colds, indigestion, headaches, and minor infections, can be effectively treated using herbs and spices. Research supports the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of these natural ingredients.

Here are 5 herbs and spices you can easily grow in your kitchen garden to help keep common illnesses at bay:

Tulsi: Tulsi or Holy Basil has powerful healing properties. It's especially effective in treating respiratory issues like colds and coughs. The leaves of Tulsi contain compounds like eugenol, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking Tulsi tea regularly can boost your immune system, helping to ward off infections. Tulsi can be grown in small pots and requires minimal care, making it an ideal herb for your kitchen garden.

Thyme: Thyme has strong antiseptic properties. It is useful in treating sore throats and respiratory infections. The active compound thymol in thyme acts as a natural disinfectant, making thyme tea a soothing remedy for throat irritation. Thyme grows well in containers and can thrive with just a bit of sunlight and regular watering.

Mint: The menthol in mint has been shown to relax the muscles of the digestive tract, making it an effective remedy for indigestion, gas, and bloating. You can easily grow mint in your kitchen garden, but be sure to keep it in a pot as it tends to spread quickly. Mint leaves can be added to water, tea, or salads for health benefits.

Coriander: Coriander, also known as cilantro, is another herb with impressive health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to treat issues like indigestion and diarrhoea. Coriander also has antimicrobial properties, making it effective in combating foodborne illnesses. It’s easy to grow in a small space, and its leaves and seeds can be used in a variety of dishes for both flavour and health benefits.

Turmeric: Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, primarily due to the active compound curcumin. The spice has been used in traditional medicine to treat everything from arthritis to digestive issues. Growing turmeric at home requires a bit more space, as it’s a root spice, but it can thrive in large pots. You can use fresh turmeric in cooking or make a soothing turmeric tea to help reduce inflammation.