A Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden!

By Annie Watts

For the month of June, I want to spotlight something both beautiful and healing: the amazing herbs we often have growing right in our own backyards. Whether naturally occurring or intentionally planted, these herbs can offer powerful benefits to support our health and wellness. And who is better to guide us on this journey than our very own local herbal legend, Nancy Hegg. I first met Nancy over a decade ago when I moved to this area. She generously came over to my property, walked through my yard with me, and pointed out the many herbal treasures I had growing right under my nose. She told me what each one was and how I could use them for my health. Her knowledge is incredible, and she’s been an invaluable resource ever since. Recently, I visited her at her home and snapped some photos of different plants we’ll talk about here. If you’d like a resource sheet with detailed benefits of the herbs mentioned, feel free to email me. Nancy lives with her husband Gary in the very house she grew up in, located just over the border in Wells. Their property is a lush, chemical-free haven that’s been lovingly cared for by generations — her grandmother Kate Lee, her mother Alice Goodwin, and now Nancy herself. Walking through her field, I encountered a rich herbal pharmacy: Tansy, Horsetail, Dandelion, St. John’s Wort, Chickweed, Sheep Sorrel root, Linden tree, Burdock root, Wormwood (Artemisia), Elder, Shepherd’s Purse, Red Clover, Sweet Fern, and Nettles. Take Nettles, for instance — they’re an incredible source of magnesium, which most of us are lacking. Dry the leaves, steep them into a tea (I prefer to soak them overnight), and enjoy them iced. It’s refreshing and an easy way to boost your magnesium levels. Nettles have also been traditionally used to relieve hot flashes.Another gem is Sheep Sorrel. It’s known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been historically used to support liver, kidney, and bladder health. Some even used it for excessive menstruation and jaundice. It’s a small plant with a big impact! Nancy uses the leaves for tea, in salads and also makes great soup! Dandelions, often seen as weeds, are actually highly nutritious.  The greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. The root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health. Dandelions are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. Some studies even suggest they may help regulate blood sugar. The website The Prairie Homestead features over 18 creative dandelion recipes — definitely worth checking out! Also, Dandelions are a precious first food for bees so don’t mow till they are done flowering. In addition to what we find naturally, we can intentionally plant herbs with healing properties in our planters or gardens. Consider growing Violets, Oxeye Daisies, Lady’s Mantle, Lemon Balm, Sage, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, Chamomile, Comfrey, and Yarrow. Lemon Balm makes a delightful tea that aids digestion and also acts as a natural bug repellent for your patio. Spearmint and Chamomile are wonderful for promoting restful sleep, while both Spearmint and Peppermint support digestion. One of my favorite summer treats is a watermelon and feta salad with fresh mint — so good and refreshing! Violets aren’t just pretty — they’re edible too! Nancy recently used a poultice made from Ground Ivy and Violet leaves to soothe her eye. If her Plantains had been a bit larger, she would’ve used those — known as “Nature’s Band-Aid,” Plantain leaves are fantastic for instant pain relief. Nancy’s land has been lovingly cared for through the generations. By her Grandmother Kate Lee, her mom, Alice Goodwin and now by her. If you’d like a more detailed Herbal Guide,  email me at anniewattswellness@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram.