“Never underestimate the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden.”
- Josephine Albert (frequently attributed to)
Such an applicable quote on how our gardens heal us. But what if you planted a healing garden with plants that heal?
As an aromatherapist, I purpose to plant flowers and herbs that are not only beautiful to look at, and attract pollinators and beneficial insects, but that can also be used in natural health and beauty products. Creams, salves, lotions, tinctures, poultices, and carrier oils all benefit from the healing garden.
The peace I experience in the garden is unmatched with any place else. Growing flowers and herbs that have purpose beyond beauty is fulfilling and makes me feel closer to nature, knowing the provision these plants hold to care for my family and clients. Walking among the plants, inhaling their aroma, watching them dance in the breeze while bees are busy visiting them, and harvesting them at their peak, is a joy that never grows old.
In my healing garden, Calendula, Lavender, Hyssop, Yarrow, Feverfew, Chamomile and Mint are a few of my favourites. There are many more plants to grow for a healing garden and often they can be interspersed among your other plants. Herbs such as Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme or Marjoram offer so much more than a culinary delight. Plant them in containers or in your garden as companions to vegetables and flowers. Herbs have a myriad of properties to enhance your health, with some cautions of use. Sunflowers, Mullein, Borage, Valerian and more all have their place in a healing garden, even when they are planted amongst your vegetable or flower beds. Did you know that even the, often despised but underrated, dandelion has properties well worth investigating and cultivating, before they turn to seed?
To highlight one of the many, Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a powerhouse of healing. A member of the Asteraceae family (or Compositae family), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), is a cheerful flower, brightening even the darkest of days. In shades of orange and yellow with slightly differing flower shapes, this easy to grow annual, flourishes in full sun and blooms most profusely when you consistently harvest the flowers. Infused in a quality carrier oil, and added to creams and salves, calendula soothes irritated skin, heals minor wounds and abrasions, hydrates dry skin, can reduce wrinkles and stretch marks, eases symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, and is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is ideal for sensitive skin, including babies especially in lotions for diaper rash. Calendula is a wonderful addition to your fresh cut flower arrangements, and its dried petals can be added to bath bombs, salts and shower steamers too.
Growing a garden, regardless of the size, is a rewarding experience, calming to your spirit, rejuvenating to your inner self, and all with productive results. Escape to your healing garden today!
Join me next time as we dilute, dilute, dilute!
Until then, be well, be beautiful.
Elaine