Freedom Greens + Gardens

Chamomile

The flower of the Chamomile plant is commonly used in teas and is best known for its calming and soothing properties.

Why We Love It:

Chamomile is excellent for helping to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting sleep or rest - for both adults and children. It's also got amazing antimicrobial properties that make it a good choice for treating sore throats and oral health issues such as gingivitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been found to reduce severity of menstrual cramps, while also great at soothing the skin. It is gentle enough to be applied directly to treat irritation, burns, stings, eczema and rashes.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in vitamins B1 and C.

Common Uses:

In teas, as a mouthwash, as a beauty/skin care treatment

Dandelion

Dandelion is commonly known as a pesky weed but its leaves and roots have a range of powerful health benefits.

Why We Love It:

Dandelion has been given a bad rap! This nutrient rich plant is powerful in helping the body rid itself of excess water and waste. Its roots and leaves have been used to support kidney, liver and bladder health, and it's also been reported to reduce blood pressure. Dandelion root can also help with conditions such as constipation, skin problems and arthritis. Best of all, it’s commonly found, easy to identify and super easy to grow.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in potassium, iron, and zinc and vitamins A, B, C, and D.

Common Uses:

Leaves in fresh juices and smoothies, in foods, Roots in tea

Dark Leafy Greens

Dark Leafy Greens (DLG) including Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens, Swiss Chard, and Spinach among others are considered nutritional powerhouses thanks to their high vitamin and mineral content.

Why We Love It:

The makeup of chlorophyll, the compound giving DLG’s their rich green color, is virtually identical to that of red blood cells. This means that the nutrients found in these foods are easily absorbed into our bloodstream.

Robust in anti-inflammatory properties, DLG’s support heart health, improve blood flow, improve mental clarity and overall health.

DLG’s are also a great source of fiber which supports regular bowel movements. It is encouraged to have at least three servings of green leafy vegetables per week to receive the maximum health benefits.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in iron, calcium and vitamins A, C and K.

Common Uses:

In foods, in fresh juices and smoothies

Garlic

Often referred to as “the wonder drug," garlic is a root herb that has been used for thousands of years as medicine and in the culinary world.

Why We Love It:

Garlic is an excellent antimicrobial, especially when used raw. It is a powerful immune booster as it helps to fight viruses and bacteria, particularly respiratory infections. Regular consumption of garlic has been associated with lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, lower cholesterol, preventing heart disease, and reducing inflammation with arthritis.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in selenium, vitamin C and B6

Common Uses:

In teas, in foods, as a cough syrup, as an infused oil

Ginger

Ginger is a root herb, and a medicinal and culinary powerhouse. It is commonly known for its digestive benefits, but also has other amazing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Why We Love It:

Ginger gives everything a powerful zing. Whether used fresh or in powder form, ginger is an aromatic must-have kitchen staple. It is very effective in treating common digestive ailments such as nausea, bloating, indigestion, and gas.

Due to its antimicrobial properties, ginger is often used to treat colds, flu, chills, fevers, and coughs. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful to stimulate circulation, reduce pain and fight inflammation.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich with vitamins B6 and B5, potassium, manganese, copper and magnesium.

Common Uses:

In teas, in fresh juices and smoothies, in foods

Mint

The leaves of the Mint plant are highly valued for their soothing and cooling properties.

Why We Love It:

What’s not to love? Almost everyone loves mint. It’s aromatically pleasing and uplifting, simple to use and easy to grow. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties work to soothe inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive tract where it is known to relax gut muscles and increase the flow of digestive juices. It’s therefore very helpful in reducing nausea, cramps, gas and bloating. Mint’s antimicrobial properties can also be helpful on the skin for pain relief.

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in iron, manganese and vitamins A and C.

Common Uses:

In teas, in foods, in skin care products, as an essential oil

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen herb and along with oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender - is a member of the mint family. It’s commonly used in foods but is also powerful at fighting inflammation and improving circulation.

Why We Love It:

Rosemary is always a welcome addition to any garden, kitchen counter or pantry. Its warming fragrance is commonly used to uplift moods and enhance meals; it is easy to grow and simple to find in the market. It makes a great seasoning and pairs nicely with Thyme.

It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory herb. It helps improve circulation by stimulating blood flow throughout the body which can be helpful for memory and concentration.

Rosemary helps soothe migraines, sore throats and achy muscles. Rosemary can also help aid in recovery from long-term stress and chronic illness.

Nutrient Highlight:

Vitamins A, C, and folate. A good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, and manganese.

Common Uses:

In teas, in foods, in healing syrups, in perfumes and skin-care products, and as an essential oil

Thyme

Thyme is a powerful immunity-boosting herb commonly referred to as the 'infection fighter’ or 'strengthener of the lungs'.

Why We Love It:

Thyme is an aromatic kitchen staple and easy to grow and find in the market. It adds a wonderful flavor to dishes and can be used to replace/decrease salt intake. Thyme is especially useful for fighting infections in the upper and lower respiratory system, so it’s great for coughs and sore throats. It’s also good for topical use on skin infections or used as a mouthwash.

Nutrient Highlight:

Vitamins A, C and iron.

Common Uses:

In teas, in foods, in healing syrups, as a mouthwash and as an essential oil

Tumeric

Turmeric is a root herb with extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties. The compound curcumin provides its healing powers which have been celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Why We Love It:

Turmeric can be used to relieve general pain and inflammation throughout the body including the digestive and reproductive systems and arthritis-related ailments. It can support healthy liver function and some studies show it has been effective in protecting against cancer. Turmeric can be used topically to speed wound healing and treat some skin conditions.

Nutrient Highlight:

High in vitamins C and E

Common Uses:

In teas, in fresh juices and smoothies, in foods, as a poultice

Note: Add a pinch of black pepper when using in foods, smoothies or teas to activate turmeric’s healing powers.

Plantain Leaf

Why We Love It:

Plantain leaf is extremely accessible, found in almost every park, backyard or garden. It is full of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for first aid use by simply crushing or chewing the leaf and applying it directly to the skinn quickly soothing stings, bites, cuts and minor burns. Since the lining of the digestive system is similar to the skin, plantain leaf also effectively soothes gastrointestinal inflammation issues like IBS, leaky gut and ulcers

Nutrient Highlight:

Rich in iron, calcium and manganese.

Common Uses:

As a poultice, in salves, in teas, and in foods

Note: Only harvest plantain leaf from areas that you are confident are pesticide and lead free.