By André Karwath aka Aka (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
Diana will be back next month with five more healthy plants
Healthy
Plants
4. Lemon
A most useful and important health giving natural medicine. It has long been used to help cold and sore throat patients recover from their ailments. It's high vitamin C content makes it a valuable ingredient in drinks and teas. But it's medicinal qualities go deeper than that.
It cleanses the digestive tract, including the liver and fights infections in that area.
Lemons help strengthen capillary walls, the pith contains rutin which keeps your circulatory system healthy and helps prevent gum disorders.
The juice stimulates detoxification of the liver and helps improve poor appetites.
The juice can be used as a gargle, when mixed with equal quantities of cool boiled water, to help with sore throats.
To kick start recovery from a heavy cold, make a tea using 25ml lemon juice, 50ml warm boiled water, pinch cinnamon and a crushed clove garlic. Drink this at least twice a day for the first couple of days.
5. Parsley
I have always loved parsley, even as a child, my Mum would always finish off a dish with a sprig and I would ask if I may eat it.
It is an incredibly vitamin rich herb. Grown widely through Europe, it very easy to grow in Britain. It can be grown on a kitchen windowsill or in a pot in the garden during summer and sheltered in a greenhouse or conservatory over winter.
The fresh leaves are packed with vitamins A C and E with high levels of iron and flavonoids.
Like raspberry leaf, parsley helps promote menstruation and alleviates some of the annoying symptoms.
Parsley is a brilliant breath freshener, especially after garlic. Chewing on a few leaves clears the palate of garlic breath.
So chopping a handful into your food each day is a wonderful way to get natural vitamins into your family.