Sore throat? Feeling stressed? Well, get your hands dirty and grow your own healing herbs! Plants make great medicines and have been used for centuries. In fact, aspirin was originally made from the bark and leaves of the willow tree. No space for a willow tree? A windowsill or balcony is sufficient for growing these natural healers.

Stressed and Anxious Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

'Lemon balm is great for easing tension as it has a very calming action,' says Anne Cowper, of the National Herbalists Association of Australia. This is supported by a study by Newcastle University in the UK, with researchers finding lemon balm increases levels of calmness, according to self-assessment.

How to take it:

'This herb makes a nice lemony tea,' Anne says. Roughly chop one or two small sprigs from the tops of the plant and infuse in a mug of boiling water for five to 10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly. Lemon balm is available at nurseries.

Coughs and Colds Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme's essential oil has antiseptic properties, so it's ideal for gargling or sipping to ease a sore throat.

How to take it:

To make a tea, infuse one to two teaspoons of finely chopped thyme leaves in a mug of boiling water for about five minutes. This may help to ease coughs and colds. If you want to use it as a gargle, make it very strong, using two parts boiling water to one part leaves. You can also use it topically for skin grazes.

Aloe vera is a multi-purpose plant that aids skin concerns such as heat rashes and burns.
In addition, Anne says the gel of the leaf can be used as a bowel toner to help people suffering from constipation.

How to take it

Buy a plant from a nursery, peel a leaf and, using only the clear gel, add a tablespoon to a liquid, such as juice, to drink. ‘The frequency of drinking aloe gel needs to be taken according to the person,' Anne says. ‘But you need to be careful because if you use the yellow part that's just under the skin of the leaf, it's quite a strong stimulant for the bowel.

'Or you can pick the leaf off the plant and rub the gel directly onto a skin irritation or insect bite.'

Headaches/Mrigraines Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

'Feverfew is quite a potent plant, but it's very good at preventing headaches and migraines,' Anne says.

Scientific evidence supports this. The University of Exeter in the UK analysed several different studies on feverfew and its impact on headaches and migraines and collectively found the herb to be quite effective in the prevention of a migraine.

How to take it

'It depends on the person,' Anne says. 'You can chew a leaf if you feel a headache coming on or, if you have regular migraines, you might chew one leaf every day, which can stop them from coming.

'But you need to be very careful doing this because eating feverfew too often may cause mouth ulcers. If this starts to happen, it's better to make a tea. Unfortunately, the tea doesn't have a very pleasant taste.'

Insomnia Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

The flowers and leaves of lavender can be used in herbal medicine, either consumed as a tea or used as oil. Lavender is perfect for inducing relaxation.

How to take it

Chop a handful of flowers and steep in a pot of boiling water for 15 minutes before straining and adding to a warm bath. Or simply add a few dried flowers to your pillowcase. For tea, add about two teaspoons of dried flowers to 500ml of boiling water, infuse for two to four minutes, strain and enjoy. These methods will help you relax and sleep well.

Word of Warning

If you're pregnant or on medication, don't use herbs or therapeutic plants without first consulting your GP or a qualified medical herbalist. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare practitioner.

Choose Carefully

When it comes to natural healing, it's important to use the correct plant. Make sure you have the medicinal variety, not one that has been changed to look good. A different plant might not be harmful, but it won't have a medicinal effect.