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Perennials that are good for you

© Jojo Sigurgeirson

Gardening is good for you, no matter what. The exercise and mental well-being you will glean for your work and creations benefit you and those around you. There are few exceptions to this rule; zealous over-exertion of muscles and bones, sunburns and of course spraying toxic chemicals without the use of protective clothing and masks can in fact be a bad thing. The costs associated with gardening are small in relation to other hobbies. Overall, you'll find gardening is good for you.

You can also of course grow things that are good for you. Many gardeners wish to grow things in their garden that aren't purely for ornament, lending a non-frivolous air to their garden. Here are a few perennials that can enrich your garden with their usefulness in home medicine.

Burdock
Arctium lappa is actually a biennial, but I find it's perennial in my garden. While it is not the most beautiful of perennials, it has it's uses in the garden. It looks great amongst thistles and sea holly, and it's bold leaves and wide-reaching stems make use of waste places at the edge of the garden or in the alleyway out back.

Burdock likes poor soil and lots of sun. The flower heads are like rounded purple thistles, and bloom from mid-summer to fall. The seeds are long stiff scales with hooked tips; these stick to pants, socks and animals, and are also known as beggars buttons.

People with diabetes, kidney troubles and rheumatoid arthritis might find this perennial of particular use. It is a mild diuretic, helping the body to rid itself of toxins. The leaves have mucilaginous healing properties, making it a good poultice for eczema, boils, bites, buises inflamed skin and acne. A tea of fresh leaves helps indigestion. It has also been added to shampoos to stimulate hair growth, after alopecia, chemotherapy and during male hair loss.

For poor skin conditions, make a decoction using 30 to 60 grams of fresh root. Infuse in 1 litre of boiling water. Strain and sweeten to taste, and drink 5 times a day. This decoction can also be applied directly to the skin, or crush the fresh roots and apply as a poultice.

To treat hair loss, make a lotion by macerating 100 grams of the fresh root with 50 grams of fresh stinging nettle root. Place in 1/2 litre of rum for eight days. Then strain, and massage the rum into the scalp daily.

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