Growing Medicinal Herbs (aloe vera)

Grown in the southwestern United States and Mexico, aloe vera is a member of the lily family. It originally came from Africa. The thick juice from the leaves has long been used for treatment of several maladies. Aloe vera is a great aid in the treatment of many skin conditions. Most notably, it is used for burns. Ancient cultures used aloe as a treatment for other skin irritations as well as for wounds and hair loss.

The three primary medicinal uses of aloe vera are:

· Wounds or Burns - It possesses compounds that are used in lotions and salves to reduce inflammation and swelling. It can also sooth the burning and reduce redness.
· Infection Fighting - It fights bacteria and fungi, and it helps boost the immune system.
· Skin Disorders - It is a great treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems

The American ginseng is native to the northeastern United States. Known as Quinquefolius, it grows in damp and wooded places. The active ingredient in ginseng is ginsenoside. There are two other varieties of ginseng: the Asian, and the Siberian.

Asian and American ginseng powder is very strong. Elderly or sickly individuals should use with caution. The American variety has had the least research of the three, but it is the most popular in the United States.

All varieties of ginseng are used to treat the same symptoms which include:

· Helping the body cope with stress, as used in sedatives.
· Increasing mental function and awareness.
· Increasing stamina and energy. It has been used to increase sexual performance and aid the body in recuperating from illness.

A native plant of China and India, the ginger root is a centuries old treatment for almost every body problem imaginable. It has also been used for ages in Asian cooking. The known benefits of ginger root include:

· Digestive aid - Ginger breaks down proteins to aid in digestion. It is considered to be the best herb for treatment of indigestion and abdominal cramps.
· Treatment for high blood pressure - It improves circulation by relaxing the muscles around blood vessels. This increases the blood flow throughout the body.
· Treatment for morning sickness and nausea - This includes motion sickness. By relaxing the muscles of the stomach, most nausea is alleviated.
· Lowers cholesterol - It reduces the level of LDL cholesterol, thereby decreasing the risk of the body developing heart disease.

These three herbs are definitely important additions to your herb garden. All have been proven to aid the human body in natural ways. If you are interested in growing medicinal herbs, consider these herb choices as a good place to start.