Whether they are vegetables, bushes or just ordinary flowering ones, plants usually have more than one purpose.  In addition to being edible or pretty, some plants have medicinal, health or therapeutic properties.  Some plants can even beautify your body.  Let us explore what common plants you may have in your garden that may have additional benefits.

aloe vera plant

The aloe vera is one of the most versatile plants you could ever encounter.  Did you know when you get burned or cut, you can rub the inside of the aloe vera onto the wound in place of antiseptic and make it heal quicker?  It can also help reduce itching, pain and inflammation.  Furthermore, it can eliminate dead tissues and promote the growth of healthy, new ones.  This fact makes it a good treatment for severe acne, by applying the acne with aloe extract.  Aloe also helps relieve symptoms of stomach ulcers and gastritis. There are aloe vera juice concentrates in most health stores.

The aromatic and sweet anise also has other uses apart from enhancing dishes and desserts.  Its seeds help stimulate appetite, promote digestion and can also relieve colic, flatulence, nausea and cramps.  If you have trouble sleeping at night, anise seeds can also help lull you to sleep.

Star Anise Plant

Basil is used commonly in salads and sandwiches, not just because they taste good, but also because it can stimulate your appetite.  This herb is also used to relieve vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation.

Basil plant

Blackberries are really nice-tasting fruits, but can be really bothersome when you stain your clothes while eating them.  However, you may be surprised to know that blackberry roots and leaves are useful too.  You can cure away diarrhea with the roots and heal your bleeding gum when you chew on blackberry leaves.

Having some mint lying around your garden will be very useful if someone in the family has a fever.  You can induce increased perspiration by using a mint infusion to make the fever go down.  Mint can also be applied to insect bites and to areas with rheumatic aches.  Putting several drops of mint essence into a cup of hot water can also help calm somebody down.

Everyone should have roses in their garden.  Not only are they beautiful flowers, but if you process them in certain ways, roses can cure a number of ailments.  Rose honey, for example, can cure sore throats.  A rose infusion can help relieve dizziness or headaches.  If the infusion is taken with honey, then it becomes a tonic for the nerves and heart.  Using it as a mouthwash with wine can relieve toothaches.

The lovely-scented lavender oil can calm a person down and may help relieve stress, migraines and nausea.  It can also help you get a good night’s sleep.