Winter plants–Dr. Moondust’s two favourites with wellness benefits
A recent article on immersing ourselves in the benefits of nature’s greenery by tree bathing, sparked a question from the Moondust Cosmetics® community about plants and their health benefits. Dr. Moondust is known to have visited on her past travels, various international gardens for the love of nature. In today’s post she shares some knowledge she has gleaned on the benefits of Aloe and Holy Basil. Let’s travel along then and see how they might benefit us in the spaces we live and work in these longest months of winter.
From Dr. Moondust’s personal notebook:
On Aloe Vera
In ancient Greece, Aloe Vera was highly revered as a medicinal plant. Once cut, its long leaves yield a gel that many find soothing. It’s used for wound healing and curing burns without scarring. As it is a cactus, the plant doesn’t require regular watering just in case you are not a natural gardener!
It’s fairly safe, and is meant for topical use, not any consumption. As with any medicinal and healing substances there are risks so we focus today on the healing benefits of even simply seeing living greens in our work and home space.
Aloe Vera’s ancient use as a topical and beneficial skin treatment for certain conditions have been proven by research studies. These include:
- It’s 1000s of years use for healing and softening the skin
- Aloe Vera may stimulate collagen production and fight skin aging
- Aloe Vera Gel may help to rid a person of acne naturally
We also know that Aloe Vera has been used extensively by the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Its estimated annual value to the market is about $13 billion. Aloe’s healing gel is full of beneficial bioactive compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants – yet, we can enjoy the beauty of this thick, pointed, and fleshy green leafed plant right in our homes where we can watch it grow daily.
Holy Basil
From Dr. Moondust’s personal notebook:
In India, the basil plant is known as “Holy Basil”, and in Hindi it is Tulsi. The plant has violet flowers and blossoms. The green stems sometimes have a purple tinge.
Here are probable effects of having a Holy Basil plant in the house:
- Beats stress. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine has it that the presence of Tulsi in your household is known to beat stress.
- Keeps mosquitoes away (can’t wait to test that in the summer season!)
- Freshens and cleans our air
- Gives a fresh aroma
- Is an antimicrobial so it is seen as a disease fighter
Holy Basil’s influence
Indeed Hindu people worship holy basil for its many benefits to the health of body, mind and spirit. It’s considered the “Mother Medicine of Nature.”
Often planted around Hindu shrines, the name tulsi means “the incomparable one.” In the west’s medicinal use, its value is as an adaptogen – or something that helps your body adapt to stress. As a result Holy Basil has been used to:
- Combat negative effects of stress
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Promote longevity
It is also credited with the balance of stress hormones, such as cortisol and improved function of the brain, immune system, energy systems within the body, and even the slowing of aging – which is acknowledge by science in our modern times as caused by inflammation. So Holy Basil helps due to the bioactive (medicinal) compounds in its leaves, stems, and seeds.
You’ll find Holy Basil is often used in Thai food where it is also known as ‘hot basil’ as it is spicier than other types.
What we all do know is that plants lift our spirits and improve health conditions for us all indoors. Dr. Moondust will always suggest that you get outside – when you can – to enjoy the fresh air, bright lights and to be near the wide world of plants outdoors. Even better be near entire trees.
Read our post on 8 tips on “tree bathing” for a full sensory enjoyment of the environment and to fill your lungs with all the benefits of fresh air influenced by living trees as you bathe in the forest’s healing powers.
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