Guest Author - Fran Loudas

Growing your own herbal spa garden can be a lot of fun. They can be planted on balconies, roof gardens, in your garden, in window boxes, patios or indoors.

Herbs are natural and safe when used correctly.

Start with the following four popular herbs that are very easy to grow. They are all safe to use, unless an allergy is involved.

Chamomile
Roman and German Chamomile make a beautiful garden display with white petals and yellow button centers.

Chamomile tea is a remedy for children’s colds, fevers, stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Chamomile tea also soothes the nerves and aids in sleep. A chamomile tea bag steeped in boiled water, cooled to room temperature then placed on the eyes helps reduce redness and puffiness.

Chamomile loves full sun and light moist soil. Use the blossoms for tea. With dry tea use one teaspoon per cup of boiled water and steep for 20 minutes. With fresh herbs, use up to 4 times the amount.

Lavender
Lavender essential oil is safe to use, undiluted, on the skin. When massaged into the temples it induces sleep, relieves stress and headaches, as well as relieving burns, speeds up healing and protects against infection. For gas, bloating and indigestion try lavender blossom tea.

In the kitchen, lavender blossoms are used as flavoring in desserts, ice cream, soups and to flavor sugar.

Lavender is a great companion plant for roses. When in bloom it displays it’s beauty with silver-grey leaves and purple blossoms.

Peppermint
What could be more refreshing than peppermint tea? It is a must have for digestive problems. The menthol content in peppermint eases muscle pain, relieves headaches, soothes itchy skin and reduces fever. Peppermint also relieves nausea and gas build up (bloating). Chew a peppermint leaf for fresh breath. Peppermint leaves can be added to salads, soups, dressings and marinades as well as flavouring for stews.

Mint will take over your garden so keep an eye on it. Grow it in containers and make sure to cut the flowers before they seed.

Rosemary
Stroke the leaves of rosemary, smell the aroma on your hands and you’ll find the scent brings deep relaxation as well as assisting in memory. Rosemary leaves are wonderful for colds, indigestion, nausea, fatigue and headaches. Steep the leaves for about 20 minutes, cool to room temperature, mix with an equal amount of water and use as a hair rinse to strengthen the roots and keep hair from falling out plus get healthier, shinier hair.

Rosemary is a wonderful accompaniment to chicken, turkey, pork and lamb. Sprinkle potatoes generously with rosemary leaves, drizzle with olive oil and oven-roast for a delicious side dish.

Rejuvenating Bath Mix
1/8 ounce Lavender Blossoms (helps acne and reduces puffiness)
1/8 ounce Rosemary Leaves (acts as an astringent for the skin and revitalizes energy)
1/8 ounce Chamomile Blossoms (relaxing and soothing)
1/8 ounce Peppermint Leaves (stimulates circulation and relaxing to the nervous system)
1/8 ounce dried rose petals (hydrating to the skin)

Place herbs in a bowl and toss gently. Place about ¼ cup of the mixture into a gauze cloth, make a bundle and tie the ends. Drop into a running bath, relax and enjoy!

A necessary part of health and healing is living closer to nature. Growing your own spa garden is one very easy way to restore balance in our hectic lives.