Swingle Seasonal Tips - Spring

Create Stress Relief with a Relaxation Garden

Fresh herbs smell good, are easy to grow, and provide many health benefits. Bring stress relief and more peacefulness to your life with a relaxation garden.

Plants and herbs can be grown indoor and outdoors very easily. If you grow them outdoors you can use pots or plant them in the ground. If you plant them inside you can use pots and place them in an appropriate place that will receive enough sunlight to grow well.

Plants to Use for Relaxation

• Lavender – If you have trouble sleeping you can put a pot of lavender on your bedside table and it will give you comfort while you sleep. The plant produces natural oil that eases the mind. This is part of the classic cooking herb combination Herbs du Provence.
• Chamomile – Settles the nerves and stomach, mild sedative to help you sleep. This tiny flower is a safe source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is useful in treating insomnia. This is one of the safest herbs for children; however, it may cause reactions for some who are allergic to ragweed.
• Lemon Balm – This herb has a mildly relaxing effect. It is often used in combination with other herb and has a pleasant lemon taste. Can be used for cooking as well.
• Rosemary – Rosemary can heal minor illnesses like muscle pains and digestive problems. This can be used in cooking and herbal mixtures.
• Valerian Root – Nourishing and soothing to the nervous system, slows the action of the heart. Helps one relax, ease tension and promote a good nights rest.
• Rose – A very aromatic plant that is effective for relaxation. Can be used on the body, in a bath or as a tea to drink. Used for minor anxiety. Essential rose oil is nice to use in a bath. Rose petals are also edible so use them to cook! Bake with rose petals and stir in about a half a cup of fresh rose petals to white cake mix batter, its surprisingly beautiful and tasty!

Uses for Relaxation Herbs and Plants

• Use in a tea for a relaxing beverage. Have a cup of chamomile about 30 minutes before bed to help get a good night sleep.
• Put some fresh or dried herbs in your bath for a nice calming herbal bath. Make about 6 cups of tea and add to your bath water.
• Use as a foot bath to soak your tired feet.
• Make a tincture to use for drinking a few drops in your water and other beverages.
• Make herbal sugar, salt, jellies, oil, vinegar – simple and easy to make and are great as gifts
• Make an herbal bubble bath and take a relaxing soak.
• Infuse honey with relaxing herbs for a flavorful addition to your tea and fruit.

Growing and using your own fresh herbs is a cost-effective way to reduce stress, sleep better, to get rid of headaches and to curb anxiety. Herbal remedies are also non-toxic like many medications prescribed today. Plants have been known to possess therapeutic properties that bring relaxation and comfort to their owners. The green calming color and refreshing smell of most plants can do wonders for your overall health and wellness. They also balance our local ecology as they give off much needed oxygen for human and animal consumption.

If you or your loved ones could benefit from better sleep or more relaxation in general, consider a relaxation garden!