Wednesday, May 14, 2014

27 medicinal plants worth your garden space

27 Medicinal Plants Worth 

Your Garden Space

 

Playful as kids are, accidents happen and I am one for home remedies before meds. 

  1. Aloe Vera


  2. The aloe vera grows only under the sun with well drained dry or moist soil. Although the plant tastes like turd, it’s still edible. The sap from aloe vera is extremely useful to speed up the healing and reducing the risk of infections for :
    • wounds
    • cuts
    • burns
    • eczema
    • reducing inflammation
    Apart from its external use on the skin, aloe vera is also taken internally in the treatment of :
    • ulcerative colitis (drinking aloe vera juice)
    • chronic constipation
    • poor appetite
    • digestive problems

  3. Marsh Mallow


  4. The plant of which marshmallows were once made of. The root is taken internally to treat :
    • inflammations and irritations of the urinary and respiratory mucus membranes
    • counter excess stomach acid
    • peptic ulceration
    • gastritis
    Externally, the root is applied to :
    • bruises
    • sprains
    • aching muscles
    • insect bites
    • skin inflammations
    • splinters
    The leaves are very edible, unlike the aloe vera. They can be added to salads, boiled, or fried. It is known to help out in the area of cystitis and frequent urination.

  5. Great Burdock


  6. It requires moist soil and can grow shadeless. The great burdock is the pretty famous in the area of detoxification in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The root is is used to treat ‘toxic overload’ that result in throat infections and skin diseases like :
    • boils
    • rashes
    • burns
    • bruises
    • herpes
    • eczema
    • acne
    • impetigo
    • ringworm
    • bites
    The leaves and seeds can be crushed to poultice it to bruises, burns, ulcers and sores.

  7. Pot Marigold


  8. It grows in almost any type of soil condition. It has no problem with nutritionally poor, very acidic or very alkaline soils, just as long as it’s moist. Well known as a remedy for skin problems, the deep-orange flowered pot marigold variety is applied externally to :
    • bites
    • stings
    • sprains
    • wounds
    • sore eyes
    • varicose veins
    Internally it is used to treat fevers and chronic infections.
    The tea of the petals tones up circulation and, taken regularly, eases varicose veins.
    Applying the crushed stems of the pot marigold to corns and warts will soon have them easily removable.

  9. Gotu Kola


  10. The gotu kola acts on various phases of connective tissue development and stimulates healing of :
    • ulcers
    • skin injuries
    • decreasing capillary fragility
    • stimulation of the lipids and protein necessary for healthy skin
    Leaves are thought to maintain youthfulness. Crushed leaves are poulticed to treat open sores. The gotu kola can also be used to :
    • treat leprosy
    • revitalize the brain and nervous system
    • increase attention span and concentration
    • treat venous insufficiency

  11. Camomile


  12. With a sweet, crisp, fruity and herbaceous fragrance, has long been used medicinally as a remedy for problems regarding the digestive system. It has a soothing and calming effect in the area of aromatherapy, used to end stress and aid in sleep. The entire herb is used to treat common aches like toothache, earache, shoulder pain and neuralgia.

  13. Globe Artichoke


  14. A bitter tasting plant that requires a lot of sun, the cardoon has become important as a medicinal herb in recent years following the discovery of cynarin. The cardoon leaves, best harvested before flowering, helps to :
    • improve liver and gall bladder function
    • stimulate the secretion of digestive juices
    • lower blood cholesterol levels
    • treat chronic liver and gall bladder diseases
    • jaundice
    • hepatitis
    • asteriosclerosis
    • early stages of late-onset diabetes

  15. Chinese Yam


  16. A type of yam that can be eaten raw, the chinese yam can be easily grown, succeeding in fertile, well drained soil in a sunny position. It is sweet and soothing to the stomach, spleen and has a tonic effect on the lungs and kidneys. It is used internally to treat :
    • tiredness
    • weight loss
    • loss of appetite
    • poor digestion
    • chronic diarrhea
    • asthma
    • dry coughs
    • uncontrollable urination
    • diabetes
    • emotional instability
    Externally, it is applied to :
    • ulcers
    • boils
    • abscesses
    The leaf, on the other hand, is used to treat snakebites and scorpion stings.

  17. Echinacea


  18. One of the world’s most important medicinal herbs, the echinacea has the capacity to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. It also has antibiotic properties that helps relieve allergies. Basically, the roots are beneficial in the treatment of sores, wounds and burns. It was once used by the Native Americans as an application for insect bites, stings and snakebites. The echinacea grows on any well drained soil, as long as it gets sunlight.

  19. Siberian Ginseng


  20. The siberian ginseng has a wide range of health benefits, mostly as a powerful tonic herb that maintains good health. Its medicinal properties are used for :
    • menopausal problems
    • geriatric debility
    • physical and mental stress
    • treat bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiation
    • angina
    • hypercholesterolemia and neurasthenia with headache
    • insomnia
    • poor appetite
    • increasing endurance
    • memory improvement
    • anti-inflammatory purposes
    • immunogenic purposes
    • chemoprotective purposes
    • radiological protection

  21. Great Yellow Gentian


  22. The great yellow gentian root is a bitter herb used to treat digestive disorders and states of exhaustion from chronic diseases. It stimulates the liver, gal bladder and digestive system, strengthening the overall human body. Internally, it is taken to treat :
    • liver complaints
    • indigestion
    • gastric infections
    • aneroxia

  23. Sea Buckthorn


  24. The sea-buckthorn has been used throughout the centuries in China to relieve cough, aid digestion, invigorate blood circulation and alleviate pain. The branches and leaves are used in Mongolia to treat gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals.
    The bark and leaves are used for treating diarrhea, gastrointestinal, dermatological disorders and topical compressions for rheumatoid arthritis. Even the flowers are used as skin softeners.
    The berries on the other hand are used together with other medications for pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiac, blood and metabolic disorders. Fresh sea buckthorn berry juice is known to be taken in the event of :
    • colds
    • fever
    • exhaustion
    • stomach ulcers
    • cancer
    • metabolic disorders
    • liver diseases
    • inflammation
    • peptic ulcer
    • gastritis
    • eczema
    • canker sores
    • general ulcerative disorders
    • karatitis
    • trachoma

  25. Tea Tree


  26. Even the aborigines have been using the tea tree leaves for medicinal purposes, like chewing on young leaves to relieve headaches. The paperbark itself is extremely useful to them as it serves to line coolamons when used as cradles, as a bandage, as a sleeping mat, as material for building humpies, as an aluminum foil, as a disposable rain coat and for tamping holes in canoes.
    The leaves and twigs, eventaully made into tea tree oil, is anti fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and deserves a place in every household medicine box. Tea tree oil can be used to treat :
    • cystitis
    • glandular fever
    • chronic fatigue syndrome
    • thrush
    • vaginal infections
    • acne
    • athlete’s foot
    • verrucae
    • warts
    • insect bites
    • cold sores
    • nits
    • minor burns

  27. Lemon Balm


  28. The reason the plant is called lemon balm is because of the lemon minty scent of the leaves. The flowers, which appear during the summer, are full of nectar. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as :
    • mosquito repellent
    • herpes
    • sores
    • gout
    • insect bites
    Infusion of the leaves with water are known to treat :
    • colds
    • fevers
    • indigestion due to nervous tension
    • digestive upsets in children
    • hyperthyroidism
    • depression
    • mild insomnia
    • headaches

  29. Peppermint

  30. Peppermint is sometimes regarded as ‘the world’s oldest medicine’, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Pepeprmint are naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles. Infused peppermint leaves are used to :
    • reduce irritable bower syndrome
    • against upset stomachs
    • inhibit bacterial growth
    • treat fevers
    • flatulence
    • spastic colon

  31. Evening Primrose

  32. The young roots can be eaten like a vegetable, or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. Poulticed roots of the evening primrose is applied to piles and bruises. Tea made from the roots have also been used in the treatment of obesity and bowel pains. However, the more valuable parts are the leaves and bark which are made into evening primrose oil, known to treat :
    • multiple sclerosis
    • premenstrual tension
    • hyperactivity
    • eczema
    • acne
    • brittle nails
    • rheumatoid arthritis
    • alcohol-related liver damage (alcoholics, this is for you)

  33. Ginseng


  34. One of the most highly regarded medicines in the orient, the ginseng is reputable in its ability to promote health, general body vigor and prolong life. The roots are used to :
    • stimulate and relax the nervous system
    • encourage secretion of hormones
    • improve stamina
    • lower blood sugar levels
    • lower cholesterol levels
    • increase resistance to disease
    • treat debility associated with old age
    • treat lack of appetite
    • treat insomnia

  35. Turkey Rhubarb


  36. Known mainly for its positive and balancing effect upon the digestive system as a whole. Even children may use the turkey rhubarb as it is gentle enough. The roots act as an astringent tonic to the digestive system while larger doses are used as laxatives. Other than that, it is also known to treat :
    • chronic constipation
    • diarrhea
    • liver and gall bladder complaints
    • hemorrhoids
    • menstrual problems
    • skin eruptions due to accumulation of toxin

  37. Sage


  38. Salvia, the Latin name for sage, means ‘to heal’. Internally, the sage is used for :
    • indigestion
    • flatulence
    • liver complaints
    • excessive lactation
    • excessive perspiration
    • excessive salivation
    • anxiety
    • depression
    • female sterility
    • menopausal problems
    On the other hand, it is used externally for :
    • insect bites
    • skin infections
    • throat infections
    • mouth infections
    • gum infections
    • skin infections
    • vaginal discharge

  39. Wu Wei Zi


  40. Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it, while regulating the cardiovascular system. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer. Externally, it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions while taken internally to treat :
    • dry coughs
    • asthma
    • night sweats
    • urinary disorders
    • involuntary ejaculation
    • chronic diarrhoea
    • palpitations
    • insomnia
    • poor memory
    • hyperacidity
    • hepatitis
    • diabetes

  41. Milk Thistle


  42. It protects and improves the function of the liver (take note, alcoholics). Taken internally, milk thistle helps to treat :
    • liver and gall bladder diseases
    • jaundice
    • hepatitis (liver inflammation)
    • poisoning
    • high cholesterol levels
    • insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
    • the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers
    • the effects of a hangover

  43. Comfrey


  44. Comfrey contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. It is reputed to have teeth and bone building properties in children. Safer to use externally than internally, comfrey is used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from :
    • bronchial problems
    • broken bones
    • sprains
    • arthritis
    • gastric and varicose ulcers
    • severe burns
    • acne
    • cuts
    • bruises
    • sprains
    • sores
    • eczema
    • varicose veins

  45. Feverfew


  46. A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet. Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises. Chewing 1-4 leaves a day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.

  47. Fenugreek


  48. Fenugreek seeds are nourishing and taken to :
    • encourage weight gain (take note, anorexics)
    • inhibit cancer of the liver
    • lower blood cholesterol levels
    • treat inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines
    • drain off sweat ducts
    • for body building
    • for late onset diabetes
    • poor digestion
    • insufficient lactation
    • painful menstruation
    • labor pains
    • freshen bad breath
    • restore a dull sense of taste

  49. Slippery Elm


  50. The inner bark of the slippery elm can be ground into nutrient-rich porridge-like soup that serves as an excellent remedy for sore throats. Other than that, it can be used to soothe the digestive tract. The bark of the slippery elm was used as an abortion tool, moistened with water and inserted into the cervix, before it was banned by certain countries like the UK.

  51. Stinging Nettle

  52. Long known as a nutritious addition to the diet and as a herbal remedy, the stinging nettle leaves have been traditionally used to :
    • cleanse the blood
    • treat hay fever
    • arthritis and anemia
    • excessive menstruation
    • hemorrhoids
    • rheumatism
    • skin problems like eczema
    • nettle rash
    • chicken pox
    • bruises
    • burns

  53. Agnus Castus


  54. Beneficial to female hormonal system, the agnus castus seeds and fruits are used to rectify hormonal imbalances caused by an excess of estrogen and an insufficiency of progesterone. It acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favor of the gestagens, hormones that ‘secure’ pregnancy. Thus it has a wide application of uses in malfunctions of the feminine reproductive system and has been used with great effect in :
    • restoring absent menstruation
    • regulating heavy periods
    • restoring fertility caused by hormonal imbalance
    • relieving premenstrual tension
    • easing the transition of menopause

How to use epsom salt in a number of different ways

How to use Epsom salt in a

 number of different ways

Did you think that Epsom salt was only good for sprains? If so, I have some news for you. You've probably got a box tucked away somewhere in the bathroom for when you need to use it for a good soak, or maybe some tucked in the shed or garage for using on the flower bed or vegetable garden, but Epsom salt has more uses than is commonly known and I would like to share a few with you.

Webster's defines Epsom salt as magnesium sulfate used as a cathartic or laxative. This is just one of many uses, and the reason it would be wise to not over indulge in drinking a solution of Epsom salt as a magnesium supplement, as it can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. But one of the wonderful things about Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is that the magnesium can be absorbed through our skin and begin helping us almost immediately. 
    • 1
      A healthy smile Be very careful as to not swallow any of the epsom salt or the peroxide
      Brush your teeth with Epsom salt and peroxide to fight against periodontal disease. While some dentists recommend using baking soda and peroxide, the sodium in baking soda can create a problem for people needing to restrict their sodium intake while Epsom salt will not.
    • 2
      Ahh, the wonders of a foot soak
      Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt to soften and smooth corns. Dr. Levine states in The Doctors Book of Home Remedies that soaking your feet in warm water and Epsom salt will bring temporary pain relief by diminishing "the size of the bursa sac" while taking "pressure off the nearby sensory nerves." I know Epsom salt and warm water was one of the things prescribed to relieve the pain I experienced when I had folliculitis.
    • 3
      Deter pesky visitors
      Sprinkle Epsom salt on your garbage cans to deter the raccoons. Another tip I've heard is tying a rag soaked in ammonia on your garbage can. If the taste of the salt doesn't get them the odor of ammonia will.
    • 4
      Greener grass
      Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and spray your lawn for a lusher, greener lawn.
    • 5
      Epsom salts as beauty aid
      Add Epsom salt to olive oil and use to exfoliate your skin. Add the Epsom salt to your shampoo to rejuvenate your scalp. Let it set on the skin for a few minutes to be absorbed before rinsing.
    • 6
      Use Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent to whiten floor tiles and dissolve dirt. By adding some Epsom salt to your sudsy water you will get a cleaning boost.
    • 7
      Keep blackheads at bay.
      Make a home remedy for blackheads by boiling ½ cup of water, 3 drops of iodine and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt. Let cool enough to touch. Bottle the mixture and use with a cotton ball to apply to blackheads. If the mixture separates days later just heat in the microwave and wait to cool before applying again.
    • 8
      Tomatoes - www.coolgreenery.comI use epsom salt on my plants and grass, and i have to say they are really beautiful now best chose i have made.
      Use Epsom salt to fertilize and feed roses, tomatoes, and peppers. In general, magnesium plays a role in strengthening the plant cell walls, allowing the plant to take in the nutrients it needs. It also aids in seed germination, photosynthesis and in the formation of fruits and seeds. Either mix in 1 T. of Epsom salt into the soil at the bottom of the planting hole when setting out transplants or mix the 1 T. in a gallon of water and water the seedling.
    • 9
      By  °delilah°  on Flickr www.flickr.com
      Increase your magnesium levels in your body by soaking in Epsom salt bath water three times weekly. While it is extremely difficult to get enough magnesium in our systems through our diets, it is readily absorbs into our systems through our skin. Magnesium is needed by our bodies for many functions; however, a doctor should be consulted prior to extensive use, particularly for those with kidney problems. Magnesium works to activate many other enzymes our body needs.
      Magnesium is useful in the treatment of asthma, COPD, fibromyalgia, ADD, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, fatigue, kidney stones, migraine and tension headaches, complications due to pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome. Our bodies cannot properly use serotonin without the assistance of magnesium. Serotonin is a natural chemical created within the brain responsible for feelings of well being and relaxation. So maybe there is something to that saying "Calgon take me away"?

Cute ideas for planting flowers

Cute ideas for planting flowers.


http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/c0/7d/de/c07dde75ff9decb74dae3d1a49e43877.jpg

25 oods you can re-grow from kitchen scraps

25    food you can re-grow
 from kitchen scrap

1. Lettuce

1. Lettuce - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Lettuce, Bok Choy and cabbage are relatively easy to grow from scraps. Instead of throwing out those leftover leaves, simply place them in a bowl with just a bit of water in the bottom. Keep the bowl somewhere that gets good sunlight and mist the leaves with water a couple of times each week. After 3 or 4 days, you will notice roots beginning to appear along with new leaves. When this happens you can transplant your lettuce or cabbage in soil.

2. Celery

2. Celery - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Celery is one of the easiest foods to grow from leftover scraps. Just cut off the bottom or base of your celery and lay it in a bowl with just a bit of warm water in the bottom. Keep the bowl in direct sunlight as long as possible each day and after about a week, you will begin to see the leaves thickening and growing along the base. When this happens, you can transplant your celery in soil and wait for it to grow to full length.

3. Lemongrass

3. Lemongrass - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
If you love using lemongrass but have a difficult time finding it, simply regrow your own. Lemongrass will grow just like regular grass. You just place the root that is leftover in a glass bowl or jar with enough water to cover it and leave it in the sunlight. After about a week, you will notice new growth and when this happens you can transplant your lemongrass in a pot or in your herb garden.

4. Bean Sprouts

4. Bean Sprouts - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
If you love cooking with bean sprouts you can grow them yourself as well. You just need to soak a tablespoon or so of the beans that you want to grow in a jar with shallow water. Leave this overnight and in the morning, drain the water off and put the beans back in the container. Cover the container with a towel overnight and rinse them the next morning. Keep doing this until you notice the sprouts begin to appear and then until they reach the size that you want. This works well with mung beans and wheat berries.

5. Avocado

5. Avocado - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Avocado seeds can be used to grow a steady supply of this super food. You just have to wash the seed and use toothpicks to suspend it over water in a bowl or jar. The water should come up enough to cover the bottom inch of the seed. Keep the container in a warm place but not in direct sunlight and remember to check the water every day and add more as needed. It can take up to six weeks for the stem and roots to appear and once the stem reaches about 6 inches you will need to cut it down to 3 inches. When leaves begin appearing, you can plant the seed in soil, remembering to leave about half of it above ground.

6. Potatoes

6. Potatoes - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Virtually everyone knows that potatoes can be grown from potato peelings. You need peelings that have eyes on them. Cut those peelings into two inch pieces, ensuring that there are at least two or three eyes on each piece. Allow them to dry out overnight and then simply plant them about four inches deep in your soil. Make sure that the eyes are facing up when planting. It will take a few weeks before you see the potato plant begin to grow.

7. Sweet Potatoes

7. Sweet Potatoes - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Sweet potatoes can be grown much like regular potatoes. You just have to cut the sweet potato in half and suspend it using toothpicks above a container of shallow water. Roots will begin to appear in just a few days and sprouts will be seen on top of the potato around that same time. Once those sprouts reach about four inches or so in length, just twist them off and place them in a container of water. When the roots from this container reach about an inch in length, you can plant them in soil.

8. Ginger

8. Ginger - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Ginger root is very easy to grow and once you get started, you can keep your supply of ginger full. You just need to plant a spare piece of your ginger root in potting soil, making sure that the buds are facing up. You will notice new shoots and new roots in about a week or so and once this happens you can pull it up and use it again. Remember to save a piece of the rhizome so that you can replant it and grow more for the next time you need it. 

9. Pineapple

9. Pineapple - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
You can grow your own pineapple even if you don’t live in the tropics. You just cut the top off and insert a few toothpicks to hold it above a container filled with water. Keep the container in direct sunlight. If it is warm outside, sit it on the porch or deck during the day and bring it in at night. Remember to change the water every other day or so and keep the container filled so that it reaches just about the base. You will notice roots in about a week or so and once they are formed you can transplant into potting soil. If you live in a cooler area, it is best to grow your pineapple indoors.

10. Garlic

10. Garlic - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Garlic is really easy to grow and can be done from just one clove. When you buy garlic, you get several cloves so just pull one off and plant it with the roots facing down in potting soil. Garlic likes plenty of direct sunlight so in warmer weather, keep it outdoors in the sun during the day. Once you notice that new shoots have established, cut the shoots back and your plant will produce a bulb. You can take part of this new bulb and plant again.

11. Onions

11. Onions - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Onions are very easy to grow indoors or out. You just have to cut the root of the onion off and make sure that you leave about a half an inch of onion when you do. Cover lightly with potting soil and keep in a sunny area. For green onions, simply put the white base with the roots intact in a container of water and place in direct sunlight. Change the water out every few days and the green will continue to grow. Just snip what you need and allow it to grow as long as you like.

12. Pumpkins

12. Pumpkins - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
If you tend to carve pumpkins on Halloween, you can save those seeds and plant them. Even if you prefer toasting your seeds for a yummy snack, you can save a couple for growing new pumpkins. Just spread the seeds out in a sunny area outdoors and cover with soil. You can also plant an entire pumpkin. Once you finish displaying that Jack-O-Lantern, just fill it with soil and plant the entire thing.

13. Mushrooms

13. Mushrooms - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
You can grow mushrooms from cuttings, although they are a bit more difficult than many other vegetables. You will need a warm area with a lot of humidity and soil that is rich in nutrients. It is much better to grow your mushrooms in a pot as opposed to in the ground because you have a better shot at controlling the temperature and the humidity. You just have to cut away the head of the mushroom and plant the stalk or stem in the soil. Leave the very top exposed and this base will begin to grow a new head.

14. Peppers

14. Peppers - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
You can grow a number of hot peppers from the seeds that are leftover. Just collect the seeds from your habaneros, jalapenos or any other peppers that you have on hand. Plant them in potting soil and keep in direct sunlight unless it is warm outside and then you can just plant them in your garden area. Peppers grow relatively fast and don’t require a lot of care. Once you get a new crop, just save some of the seeds for replanting again.

15. Fennel

15. Fennel - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Growing fennel requires that you keep the roots intact. You need about an inch of the base of the fennel to get it to regrow. Just place this base in a container with about a cup of water and leave it in direct sunlight. The windowsill is the perfect place to grow fennel. When the roots grow strong and you notice new green shoots coming up from the center of the base, you can transplant into soil.

16. Tomatoes

16. Tomatoes - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Tomatoes can be grown just by saving those seeds that you probably throw out anyway. You just have to rinse the seeds and allow them to dry. Plant in a good, rich potting soil until you notice growth coming in. Allow the seeds to get a few inches high before transplanting them outdoors. During cold weather you can grow your tomatoes indoors. Just remember to keep them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and water a few times each week.

17. Basil

17. Basil - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Basil is relatively easy to regrow. You just have to have a stem about four inches high. Place this stem in a glass of water with the leaves well above the water line. Leave the glass sitting in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. Roots should begin to form in a few days and when those roots reach a couple of inches long, you can transplant them in soil.

18. Cilantro

18. Cilantro - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Cilantro can be grown from scraps as well. Just place the bottom of the stem in a glass of water and leave in a bright area, near a windowsill perhaps. When the roots grow a couple of inches long, you can transplant the cilantro into a pot and you will notice new sprigs in just a few weeks.

19. Turnips

19. Turnips - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Root plants, turnips grow well from clippings or leftover scraps. You just need to salvage the tops of the turnip and place in a container of water. You should notice new green tops growing in just a few days after you begin. Just allow the root to continue growing until it’s ready to be transplanted in the ground. This works with many root vegetables such as beets, turnips and even parsnips.

20. Cherries

20. Cherries - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
You can actually grow your own cherry tree from the pit of the cherry, although it does take some time to grow an entire tree. You will need to keep the pit in cold storage for a few weeks so that they will germinate. To do this, simply clean the pit, pack it in nutrient rich soil and store it in a lidded container in your refrigerator. Leave for about twelve weeks and then transplant outdoors.

21. Apples

21. Apples - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
You can plant seeds from those delicious apples and grow your own apple trees. These are a little difficult but they will grow although you should note that you can plant several of the seeds from a single apple and end up with different types of apple trees. Just allow the seeds to dry out and then plant them. Note that you will need at least two apple trees in order for them to grow well so save more than one seed the next time you enjoy an apple.

22. Peaches

22. Peaches - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Peaches, nectarines and plums can all be grown from their seeds. Note that it does take a couple of years before you will be able to get any fruit from trees that you grow from seed but it will definitely be worth it if you begin now. You just have to dry the seeds out very well to prepare them for planting and plant them in a nutrient rich soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.

23. Lemons

23. Lemons - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Lemon trees can be grown from seeds and if you live in an area that gets really cold winters, you can simply grow dwarf trees indoors. Meyer lemons tend to have smaller plants so choose these if you want an indoor lemon tree. You will begin to get lemons from your tree in just a couple of years so remember that you won’t actually get lemons the same year that you plant them. Just be sure to clean and dry your seeds before planting and choose a soil that is rich in nutrients for the best results.

24. Hazelnuts

24. Hazelnuts - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Hazelnuts can be grown from seeds, although they do need to be planted near another hazelnut tree in order to germinate. Just dry the nuts well and plant them in a rich soil. You can begin your plantings indoors and then transplant outdoors during warmer weather if you want or if you live in an area that is warm year-round, just plant them whenever you are ready. You will begin growing your own hazelnuts within just a couple of years.

25. Chestnuts

25. Chestnuts - 25 Foods You Can Re-Grow Yourself from Kitchen Scraps
Growing chestnuts is really easy, provided you choose a type of chestnut that is indigenous to your planting zone. Remember to dry the nuts out well before planting and note that you may have to wait a few years before your trees really begin bearing nuts. You will also need to plant more than one chestnut tree for cross pollination or you won’t get much from them.