Essential healing plants and herbs for your survival garden

1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, which can be grown in the ground or in pots, is an ideal way to remedy a range of skin conditions. Simply apply the clear pulp that's inside the leaves to burns, eczema or minor cuts to treat such problems. The pulp can also be eaten to remedy constipation and other digestive disorders. A poultice of mature leaves can be applied to minor cuts and burns and to dry, inflamed or damaged skin due to eczema or other skin conditions.

2. Peppermint
A natural breath freshener, peppermint also helps relive gas, improves stomach discomfort and prevent symptoms associated with motion sickness.

3. Thyme
Thyme has over 50 percent thymol content, an antiseptic phenolic compound with powerful healing properties. A thyme infusion can help heal mouth sores and improve bad breath while also providing laryngitis and tonsillitis relief.

4. Rosemary
This herb has been said to improve cognitive function, reduce brain damage and brain aging, and has been shown to act cancer fighter.

5. Chamomile
Feeling restless, anxious or experiencing difficulty falling asleep? Simply pour hot water over chamomile's fresh flower heads, let steep for about 15 minutes, drain and sip. Chamomile is known for its ability to help people relax.

6. Pot marigolds
Crush the yellow and orange leaves of marigolds to remedy a host of skin problems. From bruises and sunburns to skin nicks and acne blemishes, the leaves offer relief.

7. Sage
Say goodbye to embarrassing flatulence; sage has the ability to keep gas at bay! Additionally, it improves appetite, reduces excessive sweating and can even help those with respiratory issues breathe easier. For women, it's a good choice for fighting PMS symptoms.

8. Lavender
Lavender's fragrance has been used to combat depression and offer headache relief. It also contains antiseptic properties that help speed up the rate at which wounds heal.

9. Echinacea
A purple coneflower, echinacea is a great option if you want to give your immune system a boost. Echinacea helps fight both viral and bacterial infections.

10. Comfrey
Topical use – the application for which comfrey is recommended – helps soothe and repair skin, much like we've seen with the other plants and herbs in this article. Gargling with a comfrey infusion has also been found to ease gum disease and improve a sore throat.

11. Broadleaf plantain
Although considered a weed, it has several healing properties worth exploring. Pain relief from skin sores, wounds and insect bites can be soothed by crushing its fresh leaves and applying to the skin as a poultice. Additionally, a tea brewed with its leaves controls diarrhea, and it's been found that people who eat the leaves may also experience relief from Gout.