Create and maintain medicinal herbs in the garden
Create and maintain medicinal herbs in the garden
Imagine you step into your garden and are enveloped by a wonderful fragrance. Not only flowers bloom here, but a real treasury of nature - medicinal herbs! More and more people are discovering the advantages of growing and maintaining their own herbs. At a time when natural alternatives are very popular, the home garden is the perfect place to start growing medicinal herbs.
In this article we show you how to select the ideal plants that are not only easy to care for, but also have healing forces. We give you tips for sustainable cultivation practices that help you to make a first -class herb garden, without much effort. And best of all: you will learn how these herbs can be used in phytotherapy to promote your well -being. Let's discover the fascinating world of medicinal herbs together!
The selection of suitable medicinal herbs for the home garden
The decision as to which medicinal herbs are to be planted in the home garden depends on various factors, such as the growth environment, specific health needs and the desired use. The most frequently cultivated medicinal herbs include:
- peppermint : particularly known for your digestive properties and the refreshment in drinks.
- chamomile : frequently used for calming and sleep disorders, their flowers are important for teas.
- Lavender : famous for its calming effect, often used in aromatherapy and to relieve stress.
- sage : supports oral and throat health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- thyme : acts antimikrobial and is useful for respiratory diseases.
The selection of suitable medicinal herbs should go beyond personal preferences. Development criteria such as location conditions, soil and climate are crucial. Some herbs such as basil and oregano thrive well in warmer climate zones, while others, such as parsley, prefer cooler weather. The fertility of the soil also plays a major role; nutrient -rich, well -permeable soil is often required to ensure optimal growth.
The cultivation of seeds, often from biodynamic sources, should be carefully planned. There are special trustworthy providers who specialize in medicinal herbs. Pay attention to the quality and certification of the seeds. For the planting, inserting in pots or beds that are rich in organic material is recommended. High beds can promote the correct height and accessibility for the cultivation of herbs.
In addition, it is important to take into account the harvest times of the different plants. Some herbs, such as chives, can be harvested several times a season, while others like Echinacea offer a unique harvest. The right time for the harvest affects the potency of the ingredients, which is why it is often recommended to harvest the plants in the morning when the moisture content is lowest and the essential oils are most concentrated.
cultivation practices and care strategies for sustainable medicinal herbal cultivation
The cultivation practices and care strategies for medicinal herbs are crucial to maximize the quality of the plants and to promote sustainable agriculture. When choosing the location, several factors must be taken into account, such as lighting conditions, soil quality and water availability. As a rule, medicinal herbs need a sunny location and well -permeable, nutrient -rich soil. Before planting, the soil should be enriched by compost or organic fertilizer to ensure nutrient supply.
Regular measures are necessary for the care of medicinal herbs. These include:
- medicinal herbs need even irrigation to avoid drying out. Drip irrigation systems are ideal because they deliver water efficiently and directly to the roots.
- fertilization: Organic fertilizers promote healthy growth and improve the yield. It should be ensured that over -fertilization is avoided so as not to damage the plants.
- weed control: weeds can compete for nutrients. Mulch and manual removal are effective methods to keep weeds in chess.
- pest control: natural methods such as the use of beneficials or insecticides can be helpful to combat pests without disturbing the ecological balance of the environment.
- harvest: The right harvest time is crucial for the quality of the medicinal herbs. Many herbs should be harvested before flowering to contain the highest essential oils and active ingredients.
A sustainable approach in the cultivation of medicinal herbs also includes the crop rotation and rotation. These methods prevent soil fatigue and promote the health of the ecosystem. By changing the plant species, the nutrient content of the soil can be preserved and pests make it difficult to settle. In addition, local or adapted varieties should be used when selecting seeds to ensure the resilience and adaptability of the plants.
The use of biological cultivation methods is not only ecologically advantageous, but can also increase the marketability of the medicinal herbs. More and more consumers value products that are produced ecologically sustainably. The marketing and added value from such herbs can be promoted by additional training and networks in the field of biological agriculture (e.g. via Biocreis ).
Overall, well -thought -out cultivation practices and care strategies offer a solid basis for the successful and sustainable cultivation of medicinal herbs. They not only help to maintain biodiversity, but also contribute to a healthy lifestyle and a better understanding of nature.
The effect and use of medicinal herbs in phytotherapy
medicinal herbs have a long tradition in phytotherapy that extends to antiquity. Due to their bioactive ingredients, these plants are known for a variety of therapeutic applications. They are often used to support the treatment of diseases, to relieve symptoms and to promote general well -being. They act in different body systems and can often treat the symptoms without the side effects that many synthetic drugs bring.
The most commonly used medicinal herbs are:
- chamomile : has anti -inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Is used to relieve stomach complaints and to promote sleep.
- St. John's wort : known for its mood -lifting properties. Is often used in light to moderate depression.
- ginger : has a digestive and anti -inflammatory effect. Often used against nausea and pain.
- febrile herbs : These such as the pasture bark are used to reduce fever and can have an effect.
The effective use of medicinal herbs requires a deep understanding of their properties and areas of application. The preparation methods play a crucial role.
| tea | to promote digestion and relaxation | caraway, peppermint |
| tincture | concentrated extraction for specific complaints | angelwurz, yarrow |
| ointments | for local applications, often against skin problems | marigold, thyme |
medicinal herbs generally have an effect by interacting their ingredients with the body's own processes. Many of these plants contain flavonoids, alkaloids and essential oils, which are not only responsible for the healing effect, but also for certain side effects. Therefore, caution is advised, especially when using in combination with other medication.
In addition, research on phytotherapy is continuously changing. Studies such as those of Cochrane Collaboration show that many vegetable remedies offer evidence -based support for their application, while others still need additional research ( Cochrane library ). Consultations with qualified phytotherapists are therefore advisable to achieve the best results and minimize possible risks.
In summary, it can be stated that the cultivation and maintenance of medicinal herbs in your own garden not only offer a variety of medical options, but can also make a sustainable contribution to the biological diversity. The careful selection of suitable types, as described in the first sections, laid the foundation for successful cultivation. By using proven cultivation practices and care strategies, the health of the plants can be optimized and its active ingredient content can be maximized. The conclusively treated role of medicinal herbs in phytotherapy underlines their scientifically well -founded relevance and possible uses in modern health care. Overall, it can be seen that the establishment of a medicinal herb garden is not only a worthwhile enrichment of your own garden, but can also make a valuable contribution to holistic health promotion.sources and further literature
references
- Häberle, A. (2014). medicinal herbs and their effect. Verlag Hippocrates, Stuttgart.
- Koch, H., & Klein, E. (2018). The healing power of the herbs in their own garden. Verlag Paul Parey, Berlin.
- Römer, A. (2015). medicinal plants for modern phytotherapy. Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart.
Studies
- Häberle, A. (2017). "Effect and application of medicinal herbs: An analysis of the pharamacological effects." Deutsches Ärzteblatt International , 114 (32), 528-535.
- Schmidt, A. et al. (2020). "Sustainable cultivation practices in medicinal herbs: an empirical study." agriculture and environment , 22 (4), 214-223.
further literature
- Uhl, M. (2019). medicinal herbs in your own garden: cultivation and use. BLV Buchverlag, Munich.
- Wagner, H., & Tschiersch, J. (2021). The great book of medicinal herbs: plant science and recipes. naumann & Göbel, pour.