Growing Your Family’s Immunity
With Your Own Medicinal Garden
Rebuilding immune systems in my family has been an area of focus with some of the colds that have come our way this Winter. A few weeks ago, I thought what better way to rebuild our systems than through fresh food that we grow together this Summer. I had a beautiful vision of us all with our hands in the dirt out in the sunshine tending to little buds of green popping up in the soil.
This vision motivated me to purchases my seeds already, so as you can see, it is practically planted already! Though, my intentions are good, now for the planning and planting. My goal is to create a medicinal garden with flowers and herbs that I can use to make soaps, salves, balms, and use in our every day eating.
If you are interested in growing your own garden, I highly suggest checking out this article by Elizabeth Caile in The Mother Earth News. She talks about mountain living and what works best for gardens in the Rockies. There are some great tips about planting no matter what you decide to grow, and keep in mind, you can also have an indoor herb garden and still grow a lot of the same beneficial foods.
For those that are curious about making medicines, I have very much enjoyed the free mini course from Medicine Lodge Ranch that teaches how to make hand soaps, oils, and other immune builders. It was perfect for me as the novice to this world.
Here is a list of herbs and flowers that are suitable for Colorado gardens and can make great additions to your own immune building practices:
Basil: reduces pain of after birth cramps, antibacterial, can help move fluids
Bee Balm: has antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, good for digestion, upset stomach, and bloating
Calendula: helps prevent infection, aids in healing of tissues, anti-inflammatory properties
Cilantro: aids in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and seizure severity
Chamomile: helps with inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and gastrointestinal disorders
Echinacea: boosts immune function, relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and has hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects
Marigolds: cleansing to tissues, anti-inflammatory as well
Lavender: aids in healthy uterine function, antimicrobial and antiseptic to vaginal tissues, nourishing to the nervous system
Lemon Balm: is calming and nourishing to the nervous system, can help boost cognitive function, can help minimize menstrual cramps
Oregano: can help move toxins out of the body and has both antiviral and antifungal properties
Peppermint: has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aids in digestion
Rose Petals: can move toxins out of the body, boosts the immune system, can promote healthy skin
Rosemary: increases circulation in the pelvic bowl, regenerates new cells, is antiseptic
Thyme: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties which help heal cuts, bruises, and scrapes when applied topically and helps with inflammation when ingested
Cheers to happy, healthy and thriving families!
Danielle Hughes is the Founder of Mothering Life, a Craniosacral Therapist and an INNATE Postpartum Care practitioner. She focuses on supporting moms, so motherhood can be the sacred celebration it is intended to be. She offers 1:1 consultations, classes, group meetups and Craniosacral Therapy Sessions for babies, children, and parents at all stages of parenthood.