Gardening, as numerous studies have found, is good for us. The shoveling and weed-pulling, the exposure to fresh air and sunshine, the sensory engagement with nature — all of that is believed to lower rates of hypertension and heart disease and improve mental well-being. Digging in the soil with our hands may even have a positive impact on our microbiome.
But gardens can also promote health directly through their bounty, as a source of herbal remedies and medicines. It’s an opportunity many gardeners overlook.
“People are often surprised by how many plants have medicinal and therapeutic value,” said Devon Young, who blogs at NittyGrittyLife.com and whose most recent book is “The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary.”
While harnessing the curative power of plants has become more of a niche activity in the age of lab-derived pharmaceuticals and off-the-shelf supplements, a simple internet search reveals that many common backyard flowers and shrubs, such as roses, hibiscus blooms and Douglas fir needles, have health benefits.
Of course, some plants are toxic to humans and pets, including parts of species that are used for wellness, so care is required. But there are online resources to consult, such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Plants for a Future databases.
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