A couple of sprigs of rosemary, a handful of lavender flowers and a steaming cup of sage are all you need to maintain a calm balance in a world that continually bombards the nervous system.

More than 80 guests took their seats at Bohemia Café and Restaurant in Rynfield on February 21 as the Benoni Garden Club, in conjunction with The Leaf Atelier, hosted renowned Cape Town-based homoeopath and herbalist Dr Craig Wright for its monthly meeting.

From sprouting green thumbs to established cultivators, those in attendance hung on the good doctor’s lips as he delved into the world of medicinal plants and their benefits.

“The relationship between humans and plants is one of the first relationships that was formed on our planet,” said Wright.

“Earth’s fauna has been the original doctors and its healing effects documented through every culture and era.”

Diving into the topic of herb growing, Wright said that anyone can grow flavourful and beneficial plants; all that is needed is a sunny nook.

“Herbs are tough and rugged, yet we tend to coddle them, slowly killing them with kindness,” he said.

“Aromatics such as rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme and mint variants become better the harder it needs to work, growing in full sun and thriving with very little attention.”

Sharing his years of expertise, Wright shed light on the uses of these powerful herbs and how they can benefit your health:

• Rosemary is known to aid circulation, especially to the heart and brain; it can boost memory, aid digestion, and assist with ailments related to the gallbladder.Best used as a brewed tea or when cooking.To make an aromatic rosemary tea, put as many sprigs of rosemary into a heat-proof container with a lid.Cover the plant matter with boiled water, cover and let it brew for 10 to 15 minutes.
Sweeten with honey and enjoy.

• If you are struggling with sleeplessness, anxiety or restlessness, lavender should be your herb of choice.
Its aromatic aroma lowers cortisol levels, aids sleep and can help in lowering stress levels.
Rub some of the plant’s buds in your hands, stop and smell the flowers.
Plant matter can also be placed in your pillow or added to a steaming bath.

• Sage is for more than smudging and cleansing spaces.
Ladies, listen up. If you have entered the dreaded perimenopause stage or are in the throes of menopause, hot flushes and night sweats, then sage is Mother Nature’s gift to you.
Brew a steaming cup of sage tea, sip and feel the waves of overheating ebb into the distance.
The potent antiseptic is great in treating sore-throats.
Blend the leaves and mix with honey to relieve an inflamed throat.

• Mint and peppermint are lifesavers when fighting fevers and treating symptoms relating to urinary tract infections.

When brewing the perfect cup of herbal infusion tea, Wright said, in order to enjoy its health benefits and natural aromas, it should be made using one of the following methods.

“If the plant matter that you are using is leafy or consists of flowers, it is best to brew using boiling water, a traditional tea pot, coffee plunger or flask and letting it steep,” he said.

“If the herb is sticky, barky, seeds or is more robust, such as rooibos, the plant matter should be brought to a boil in a pot of water and left to simmer for five to 10 minutes. Through this process, you will be able to enjoy a cut of wholesome goodness.”

The Benoni Garden Club meets every third Saturday of the month at Lavender Post Nursery.
For more information about upcoming events or to become a member, call 083 325 2379, or alternatively email bgclubmail@gmail.com

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