Suzy Cohen: How lavender, rosemary and peppermint heal

Since the dawn of time, give or take a few thousand years, civilizations across all continents have been learning how to heal their people. We figured out that we could reduce, heal, alleviate — dare I use the word “cure” — ailments with certain plants.

With time, the awareness of what specifically could be used to heal has evolved, as science allowed us to find active components within the leaf, stems, root or flowers. Perhaps some of this occurred by accident, or through trial and error.

Nowadays, when you're not feeling well, you call your doctor in order to receive a prescription for relief. But I think you would agree there are plenty of mild health concerns that can easily be remedied at home. Let’s take a look at three popular plants you can grow at home. These will give you plenty of health benefits!

Lavender: An antimicrobial best recognized by its beautiful violet-colored florets. This common herb makes for a fragrant and colorful addition to any home or garden. It’s great at reducing stress and insomnia, healing skin wounds and reducing pain/itching from bug bites.

Growing tip: Lavender likes sunlight and a quick-draining soil. I have it growing in my back yard as a perennial. I suggest a pot with drainage holes at the base so any excess water can be flushed away. When those pretty flowers start showing, handle them with care and shape your plant to keep it happy.

Rosemary: Not just a pretty name, this little plant is hardy and bushy; plus, it’s a perennial.

If you can’t grow it, buy some fresh herb in the produce section to include in recipes. Rosemary is a wonderful anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer compound; plus, it’s a strong antioxidant. Studies show it improves circulation and immunity.

Growing tip: I have this in my garden, and it is frost-tolerant. Do not overwater it. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you get it right, this plant will bring you joy (and healing) for up to 30 years!

Peppermint: Commonly used as an ingredient with food and drink, in tea and in sweets, peppermint might surprise you with how many healing qualities it offers beyond your seasonal peppermint mocha latte! Peppermint can be used dried, fresh, as an oil or as an essential oil. It can lift depression, soothe anxiety and in some cases help with GI issues such as nausea, diarrhea and flatulence.

Growing tip: Very easy to grow and easy to propagate! This will overtake your garden really fast, so be careful with it. Partial shade will be the ideal location.

Not only does tending to a garden (or a single pot if that's all you desire) keep us more active, but it’s kind of like therapy. What comes around, grows around! This peaceful hobby provides glorious health benefits, as you can see from the three herbs I covered already! When you're kind to your plants, they are terribly generous in return!

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Suzy Cohen: How lavender, rosemary and peppermint heal