Sore throats and runny noses afflict most of us from time to time. We often reach for the medicine cabinet for something to relieve the discomfort and pain, but help might be at hand in the garden, too. Some plants are valued not only for their food and flavouring value, but also because they appear to ease the symptoms of common illnesses, such as colds.
The plants listed below are all safe to eat or infuse in a drink; in some cases, there is clinical evidence that they have an effect on particular aspects of illnesses. Always look for well-designed studies regarding a remedy’s efficacy, and bear in mind that most colds will clear up without any treatment at all. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, consult a healthcare professional.
These easy to grow crops are commonly used in home remedies and may provide some relief.
A runny nose and congestion can often be relieved with a hot drink, the steam helps unblock the nose and the warm liquid may soothe sore throats. Lemon and honey with hot water is a popular remedy. Save seeds after squeezing lemon juice and plant fresh seeds in a pot. Lemons can grow 4-5m high and up to 3m wide, and are best grown in full sun.
Many people swear they can knock a cold on the head by eating a hot curry. Dried chillies seem to have the same effect as fresh, so you can harvest excess chillies and store them through winter by drying or freezing. Cut back the plants in winter; they will survive the winter and produce more fruit next year. There are lots of different varieties of chilli, ranging in size from 20cm-1.5m high, and 20-50cm wide, grow well in pots, in full sun.
Turmeric, ginger and galangal are closely related, and their rhizomes have been reported to fight some infections. Grow in the subtropics and tropics; harvest rhizomes in 8–10 months (depending on the variety). Great in a juice or stir-fry. They grow up to 1-1.5m high, 1m wide, and best suited in semi-shaded spots in the garden.
Fenugreek sprouts may give the same benefits as the dried seed, which has been suggested as a way of reducing symptoms of colds and flu. Sprout food-grade seeds in a glass jar as you would bean sprouts, and they should be ready to eat in a week or so. Keep them in the fridge and use quickly. Fenugreek grows up to 60cm in height, 30cm wide, and best situated in full sun.
Discover more about growing your own medicine from naturopath Mim Beim.
Want more? Check out: Plants to boost your immune system.
Easy, hardy and visually stunning
One of the easiest plants to grow from a cutting
Choose the most beautiful blooms for your big day
An adaptable vine that'll burst with fruit and flowers
All you need is a bulb from the supermarket and a patch of dirt