Now that the Chelsea Flower Show has come and gone, it’s got me thinking about how we can create a garden that’s not just pretty but also good for our health. Taking a cue from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), let’s explore how we can grow an English garden full of tasty treats that support our gut health.
In TCM, the gut is considered the foundation of health, and maintaining its balance is paramount for vitality and longevity. Our English garden offers a cornucopia of edible treasures, each brimming with nutritional and medicinal benefits to support a flourishing gut biome. Let’s explore some of these delightful offerings:
Edible Flowers
Nasturtium: Bursting with peppery goodness, nasturtium flowers stimulate digestion and possess antibacterial properties, promoting a healthy gut environment.
Calendula: Known for its soothing properties, calendula flowers aid in reducing inflammation in the gut and provide a gentle boost to the immune system.
Viola (Pansies): Vibrant and delicate, viola flowers are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, offering protection against oxidative stress and supporting gut health.
Borage: With its cucumber-like taste, borage flowers are a refreshing addition to salads and herbal teas, boasting anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Rosemary: Not just for garnish, rosemary flowers contain rosmarinic acid, which supports digestion and may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
Herbs
Thyme: Aromatic and versatile, thyme aids in digestion and has antimicrobial properties, promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Sage: Revered for its healing properties, sage supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and may alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Lemon Balm: Calming to the nerves and the digestive system, lemon balm helps soothe indigestion and promotes relaxation after meals.
Chives: Delightfully pungent, chive leaves aid in digestion and are rich in prebiotic fibres that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Mint: Refreshing and invigorating, mint leaves soothe digestive issues such as bloating and gas, promoting overall gut health.
Leafy Greens
Spinach: Popeye’s favourite superfood, spinach is packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health and gut function.
Kale: Nutrient-dense and delicious, kale provides a wealth of antioxidants and fibre to nourish the gut and promote detoxification.
Lettuce (Various Varieties): From crisp romaine to buttery oakleaf, lettuce varieties offer hydration and fibre to support a healthy gut environment.
Rocket (Arugula): Peppery and vibrant, rocket leaves stimulate digestion and provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals for gut health.
Swiss Chard: Colourful and nutritious, Swiss chard is high in fibre and antioxidants, supporting optimal digestion and gut function.
Vegetables
Carrots: Crunchy and sweet, carrots are rich in fibre and beta-carotene, supporting digestive health and promoting a thriving gut microbiome.
Beetroot: Earthy and vibrant, beetroot contains betaine, a compound that supports liver function and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Courgette (Zucchini): Versatile and low in calories, courgette is rich in soluble fibre, promoting a healthy gut environment and regular bowel movements.
Broad Beans: Nutrient-packed and delicious, broad beans provide a good source of fibre and protein, supporting digestive health and satiety.
Spring Onions (Scallions): Pungent and flavourful, spring onions aid in digestion and contain prebiotic fibres that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Conclusion
The Chelsea Flower Show inspires us to view our gardens not just as aesthetic havens but as vital sources of health and vitality gifted by nature. In addition to fostering the natural ecosystem and providing sanctuary for bees and insects, cultivating flowers and vegetables at home offers a multitude of benefits for our health and diet. When paired with acupuncture, this holistic approach can pave the way to optimal health.
By nurturing a diverse selection of edible plants, we can bolster our gut biome and enhance our overall wellbeing. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post this Sunday, where we’ll delve into the fascinating world of mycology and its role in supporting gut health and wellness. Let this year be an opportunity to transform your garden into a living testament to the harmonious blend of beauty and health, rooted in the timeless wisdom of nature.
Feel free to contact me to learn more about how an acupuncture consultation can help you manage your health and diet and improve your quality of life.
