pressure, decreasing heart rate, reducing stress, and improving mood. Most of us are dealing with stress in our everyday lives and could all benefit from our own healing garden. April is National Garden Month, and a good time to create a healing and inspirational garden that indulges your senses. When you create a blueprint for your garden, include a place to sit and observe the beauty of nature. This can be a simple bench, a comfy chair, or a hammock. Add a focal point for meditation and reflection such as a sculpture, interesting rocks, art, or wind chimes. The sound of water evokes a feeling of relaxation and contemplation and can include a water fountain, a pond, or a waterfall. If you plan to spend time in your sanctuary in the evening, use LED lighting to set off plants to their best advantage. Drape a string of lights over an arbor or tree. Encourage butterflies, birds, insects, and other wildlife to the garden with bird feeders, birdhouses, and plants that supply nectar and food. When deciding which plants to add to your healing garden, remember to grow what you like. Some colorful flowers that grow easily in most environments include: - Sunflowers - Coneflowers - Zinnias - Marigolds - Morning Glories - Impatiens - Pansies - Snapdragons
- Geraniums - Dahlias - Petunias - Cosmos Include some healing herbs that will be easy to dry out and make into medicinal teas: - D andelion supports a healthy liver, kidney function, blood pressure, and encourages the healing of skin ailments like acne. - E chinacea is used as an immune stimulant and the tea is often gargled for a sore throat.
- L emon balm supports headache relief, encourages stress relief, and restful sleep. - T hyme is used medicinally to support healthy lungs and corrects fungal imbalances. You can make your healing garden adaptable to any living situation, whether in your backyard or with potted plants on your balcony, or in a sunny corner of your living room. It’s a great opportunity to let your creativity flourish and nurture well-being.
- F ennel stimulates appetite and supports healthy digestion. - G arlic aids in immune function, supports healthy blood pressure, and is traditionally used in remedies to eliminate common intestinal parasites. - L avender is typically grown for its beautiful flowers and lovely scent. It is traditionally used to support mental wellness. It can be used for tea or in bath sachets.
Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. For more information, visit acuwellhealth.com
April 2021 | thesofiamagazine.com
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