Herbs are easy to grow even in terrace, a balcony and a window projections; but make sure that their requirements of sun and shade is available for them. So, we can go for growing healing herbs or health-giving herbs listed below in your own small way.

ALOE VEERA: We require a large potting mix of sandy and loose soil to grow aloe veera as it needs lot of space to grow. Plant the aloe’s cutting in the large pot and places it in an area where there’ll be sunlight throughout the day. We’ve to pour the water only when the top soil looks dry and the leaves wrinkle as excess watering will cause the plant to rot. These plants store water in their stems and leaves; so called as succulents. Aloe veera, called as magic herb, is beneficial in skin related problems, indigestion and diabetes.

BRAHMI: Brahmi can be grown easily in pots or in garden; either in sun or shade. Brahmi is fast-prone and so move it to a warm and sheltered area in winter if we grows Brahmi in a pot. Since the roots are reasonably shallow, watering is important for growing Brahmi in the garden. Brahmi is a great ant-oxidant, effective in promoting alertness and enhancing memory. So, better chew four to five leaves every Morning or even add to the sandwich filling by growing this herb at home.

LEMON GRASS: Plant the lemon grass saplings in moist and rich garden soil in a place that has sufficient sunlight. You can also grow lemon grass in a container – use one-third compost, one-third topsoil and one-sixth vermiculite. Move to larger pots as the clump grows. Make sure watering is done frequently and can be grown either indoor or outdoor; but make sure the herb gets sufficient sunlight. The benefit is lemon grass infused in an herbal tea relieves stress, anxiety and nervousness.

STEVIA: Stevia is a sub-tropical, semi-humid plant and thrives in sandy loam as well as in well drained soil. Stevia needs to be propagated vegetative as its seed germination rate is poor and also it’ll NOT grow in saline soil. We’ll need to water thrice a week as consistent moisture is vital for its growth. Dieters and Diabetes can grow this plant at home as it’s extremely popular as a natural substitute for sugar. Pluck off a few leaves, squeeze thickly and pop them into coffee, tea or dessert.

TULSI: To grow Tulsi, scatter seeds on a flat tray filled with any standard soil and covering seeds entirely with the soil. Place it in a sunny area after watering – gently and thoroughly. Germination will occur within a week and transplant these plants in a flower bed or in a regular pot after it reaches a height of three to four inches. The best part is that Tulsi plants self sow and we can see new plants in the next season. Tulsi is effective in curing coughs, cold and mouth ulcers. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-hypersensitive properties and a staple in Indian homes.