TheNaturePlanet

Today, I'm going to introduce six kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs that are suitable for growing on the balcony. They are not only easy to cultivate but also have the functions of nourishing the body and treating diseases.

Honeysuckle

The flowers of honeysuckle are white when they first bloom and turn golden yellow after 2 to 3 days, hence the name "honeysuckle". The flower tubes are slender and look like trumpets, with a faint fragrance.
Efficacy: It can clear heat and remove toxicity, disperse wind and clear heat. Brewing honeysuckle tea can relieve sore throats and internal heat.
Maintenance: It likes light and can also tolerate shade. If you set up a small trellis, it can climb all over the wall. Water it once a week. It's a great choice even for beginners!

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors, such as white, yellow, pink, etc. The petals are slender or curly, and they have a very high ornamental value.
Efficacy: It can disperse wind and clear heat, soothe the liver and improve eyesight. Brewing varieties like Hangzhou chrysanthemum and Gongju chrysanthemum can relieve autumn dryness and eye fatigue.
Maintenance: Let it get plenty of sunlight. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before the flowering period to double the flower quantity!

Perilla

The whole perilla plant has a fragrance. The front side of the leaves is green, and the back side is often purplish red.
Efficacy: It can dispel cold and relieve exterior symptoms, regulate qi and harmonize the stomach, and can relieve wind-cold colds and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Maintenance: It's a versatile ingredient in cooking! It works wonders in enhancing the flavor of stir-fried river snails and steamed fish. Its seeds can also be used for oil extraction.

Mint

The leaves of mint are oval-shaped with serrated edges. When rubbed, it gives off a cool fragrance.
Efficacy: It can disperse wind and clear heat, clear the head and eyes. Brewing it as tea can refresh the mind and relieve heat.
Maintenance: It has extremely strong vitality! It is recommended to plant it separately to avoid encroaching on the space of other plants.

Mugwort

Mugwort is a perennial herb with a strong fragrance of the whole plant.
Efficacy: It can warm the meridians and stop bleeding, dispel cold and relieve pain. Boiling it in water can be used for foot soaking to dispel cold, and drying it can be made into moxa sticks for moxibustion.
Maintenance: It can be managed in a rough way, and it can also repel mosquitoes!

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus is an evergreen herb with thick roots, and the flowers are white or pale purple.
Efficacy: It can nourish yin and promote fluid production, moisten the lungs and soothe the heart. It is often used to relieve dry throat, cough, restlessness and insomnia.
Maintenance: It can tolerate shade and humidity, and is suitable for indoor planting, having both ornamental and medicinal values!

Planting tips:
1. Use loose and breathable nutrient soil, and match it with perlite or vermiculite to increase drainage.
2. When fertilizing, follow the principle of "applying thin fertilizers frequently", and both organic fertilizers and compound fertilizers are acceptable.
3. After harvesting, wash and dry it, and store it according to the characteristics of the medicinal materials to avoid mildew!