Start your own medicinal garden: Here's how to grow tulsi, aloe vera, fennel in your backyard

With the rains continuing to bless us, why not try your hand at starting a medicinal garden this monsoon? Imagine having aloe vera at hand when you get a burn? Or throwing in grated ginger, freshly harvested from your garden, into your morning tea? Fennel has antioxidant properties and is well known to help with digestion. It also grows easily if you give it full sun and don’t let it dry out. Coriander can grow in tiny little trays, while kadi patta promotes hair growth.

Creating a medicinal garden provides you with access to a variety of plants known for their therapeutic properties.

Here’s a list of essential medicinal plants to consider for your garden:

• Tulsi

Uses: Boosts immunity, reduces stress, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Growing tips: Prefers warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential.

• Neem

Uses: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory; beneficial for skin conditions, dental health, and detoxification.

Growing tips: Thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Can grow large, so consider a container if space is limited.

• Aloe Vera

Uses: Skin care, wound healing, digestive aid, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Growing tips: Needs bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

• Ginger

Uses: Aids digestion, reduces nausea, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps with respiratory issues.

Growing tips: Requires a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Plant in rich, well-drained soil and keep it moist.

• Turmeric

Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports digestive health, and boosts the immune system.

Growing tips: Prefers warm, tropical conditions and rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist.

• Ashwagandha

Uses: Reduces stress, enhances stamina, and supports overall vitality.

Growing tips: Requires warm climates and well-drained soil. Can be grown in pots if in cooler regions.

How to grow coriander plant: It grows well in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist consistently (Image: Canva)

• Coriander

Uses: Aids digestion, supports detoxification, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Growing tips: Grows well in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist consistently.

• Fennel

Uses: Aids digestion, reduces bloating, and has antioxidant properties.

Growing tips: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent drying out.

• Lemongrass

Uses: Aids digestion, has antimicrobial properties, and is used in aromatherapy.

Growing tips: Thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and provide ample space for growth.

• Kadi Patta

Uses: Promotes hair growth, aids digestion, and supports heart health.

Growing tips: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, and prune frequently to encourage new growth.

So leave your apprehensions behind, growing medicinal plants into your garden will help you enjoy a natural, health-promoting environment at home while also having therapeutic remedies right at your fingertips.