Gardening got trendy during the last year. With more time at home, people dug in — literally. And it turns out that might have been the best thing for us.
Gardening offers a number of health benefits, including reduced stress, a healthier heart, and greater self-esteem. There’s something really satisfying about watching your plants spring up.
Plus, you can grow things — even in a small space — to boost your overall wellness.
If you think you missed the growing season, don’t worry. We’ve got four plants with medicinal properties that grow well in Ventura all year long. Plant these things in your garden as an act of self-care.
Lavender
You might think of lavender as a frail flower. Actually, though, lavender plants are hardy with sturdy wooden stems. Once you get one established, it’s an easy-to-care-for plant that keeps on giving. And, in our experience, lavender grows quickly in our Ventura climate.
Not only does a lavender bush look beautiful — even when it’s not in bloom — and help local bees, but it gives you a useful plant. You can pick lavender and inhale it for an immediate aromatherapeutic effect. Lavender helps to calm anxiety and can improve your sleep quality. On top of that, lavender has a bunch of other health-benefiting properties, too.
Aloe
Succulents are ideal for our Southern California climate, and aloe is no exception. Plus, these plants require next-to-no water and minimal care.
But unlike other succulents, aloe does more than just look good. You can snip leaves off your plant to harvest the gooey goodness inside. Apply it straight to your skin to soothe a sunburn or hives.
On top of that, if you’re feeling creative, you can try other household uses for your aloe, including making your own alternative mouthwash. We haven’t tried that yet, but it sure sounds interesting.
Chamomile
If you’re looking for a way to beautify your garden while growing something useful, chamomile’s just the thing. These pretty, delicate yellow-and-white flowers smell great, too.
To harvest chamomile, you just pluck the bloom right from the top of the stem. Then, you can use your chamomile to brew a calming, sleep-supporting tea or to make aromatherapy sachets (add lavender for extra calming) to put under your pillow or in your linen closet.
Peppermint
While chamomile and lavender can help calm you down, peppermint is great when you need a pick-me-up. Add it to your garden for self-care and you can brew it into a tasty tea to put some pep in your step without caffeine jitters.
Bonus: that tea can help soothe an upset stomach.
On top of that, peppermint has a bunch of other household uses, including freshening your breath and repelling bugs.
Happy gardening! We hope this quick guide gives you a way to enjoy some time outside while growing things that can help your overall health.
If you want to complement this self-care activity with dedicated mental health care, we’re here. Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is currently offering telehealth therapy appointments. Contact us to learn more.
