7 Must-Have Healing Plants For a Lush Summer Spa Garden

With flowers that bloom in a range of colours from lavender to deep purple to pinks and beyond, speedwell is as pretty as it is useful. Speedwell can be found throughout Europe and the United States and is both cultivated and also found in the wild in grassy open spaces. This plant is rich in vitamins, tannins, and aucubin, an iridoid glycoside found in medicinal plants that has been reported to show an anti-inflammatory effect. Extracts made from speedwell are helpful for treating eczema. Use it in skin ointments for irritations, such as Summer rashes or chafing, or to help heal cuts and abrasions from your latest Summer outdoor adventuring.

Popular during the middle ages in Europe for everything from menstrual cramps to digestion, lady's mantle deserves another opportunity to shine. Lady's mantle is packed full of powerful antioxidants, salicylic acid, tannins, phytosterols, and essential oils as well as many minerals and vitamin C. In fact, its high level of antioxidants can help reduce free radicals that lead to cell damage, which can reduce premature ageing. Additionally, many over-the-counter acne medicines contain salicylic acid, which is used to prevent and treat acne, but lady's mantle contains it naturally. Also try it on any skin abrasions, including sunburns, rashes, and even bug bites. The plant's antimicrobial properties also lend to quick healing.

A member of the mint family, thyme is closely related to oregano and has been used for thousands of years for medicinal and culinary applications. It's also great for your skin. Try thyme tinctures as a remedy for acne (this study indicates that it may work better than acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide). It can also help alleviate sunburns or rashes. Chock-full of antioxidants, thyme oil can also impede the ageing process and aid in achieving glowing, healthy skin.

Also known as coneflower, echinacea comes in a variety of colours and are a welcome floral addition in your garden. Make sure to cut back spent flowers to promote reblooming in your garden. Echinacea is also great for your skin, tackling everything from reducing inflammation to helping acne breakouts to speeding up healing. Medical studies have also shown that echinacea can help reduce oxidative stress and promote skin hydration. Add it to homemade creams or lotions for optimal skin benefits.