5 EASY TCM HERBS YOU CAN GROW AT HOME
While deciding what plants you should grow in your garden, other than considering the aesthetic of the plants, take a look at some of these plants with herbal properties! Not only will they upgrade the look of your space making it a lush green landscape, but you can also rely on them to cure some of your common ailments.
Living in Singapore means humid weather all year round. While some plants are not suitable for Singapore’s climate, these plants are definitely the right fit! With some tips, learn how to grow them in Singapore on your balcony or your corridor outside your HDB flat. Here are five healing plants that will help you get rid of that sore throat or constipation!
1. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum are commonly used in TCM stores. They bloom under the sun, so ensure that the area are getting at least 5 hours of direct sunlight everyday! Plant them in well-drained soil and just water them once a week. Though they do not require frequent watering, it is essential to pay attention to mites that tend to feed on the leaves.
How To Use It:
Pluck the flowers and rinse it with water. Let is sit in boiling water and add rock sugar or honey with some red dates. Chrysanthemum are natural coolant, making them ideal for reducing heatiness in the body. They can ease the throbbing pain in your gum, headache as well as fever!
Common ailments
Allergies
Common ailments
Common ailments
Common ailments
Common ailments
Common ailments
2. Ginger
Ginger has been notably used by the Chinese in TCM since ancient times to help the body expel wind. They love the sun so be sure to pick a sunny spot for your ginger plant. Make sure that they are planted in well-draining soil so that it prevents rotting when there is excess water.
How To Use It:
Cut your ginger into thin slices and soak them in hot water. Add some honey to taste and you’ll have a cup of homemade warm ginger tea! You can also add lemon! They are good for easing nausea and can help with indigestion. If you love working out, it is also a good anti-inflammatory for your muscles as it helps to reduce inflammation and soreness.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera thrives under direct sunlight, so choose the sunniest spot you have in your garden! Make sure that its soil is porous, allowing water to drain out of the pot well when it rains. Try to keep your plant dry most of the time as they originate in dry, tropical climates.
How To Use It:
Aloe Vera’s leaves are filled with a clear gel. Remove the gel from the leaves and use it to treat accidental burns on your skin. It has been shown that it can promote healing for first and second-degree burns! Now you can run straight to your aloe vera plant and retrieve the gel when you accidentally burn yourself in the kitchen.
Another way to use aloe vera gel is to squeeze it, retaining only its juice. Add water and honey for taste and it can treat constipation or diarrhea!
4. Mexican Mint aka Indian Borage
If you do not have sunny spots in the house, don’t worry because the Mexican Mint grows well as an indoor plant. Known for its beautiful foliage, they are usually grown in hanging pots, giving the balcony a fresh look. Sandy soil with moderate watering will keep them growing well. Did you know that they’re labeled as one of the easiest plant to grow in Singapore?
How To Use It:
Pluck some of the leaves and rinse it with water. Chew on the leaves and they should ease your sore throat. If you have flu or stuffy nose, crush the leaves and obtain its juice. Drink the juice and it should help you to breathe better! Alternatively, soak the leaves in hot water and drink it as tea!
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
Bones, Joints & Muscles
5. Tumeric
They are easy to plant as long as you have a sunny area! They thrive in warm and humid condition, ideal for Singapore. Make sure they are potted with well-drained soil to avoid rotting. Water as needed to keep the soil moist.
How To Use It:
Simmer them in boiling water for up to an hour. Remove its skin by rubbing with your fingers and then dry them under the sun until they are brittle. When they are fully dried, grind them to turn them into turmeric powder! Add lemon and some honey and you’ll have a cup of turmeric tea than helps to boost your digestion.
