Three Pots of Flowers on the Balcony
In the fast-paced life of the city, the balcony is not only a space for drying clothes but can also transform into a natural family medicine cabinet. By growing three medicinal plants—perilla, mint, and honeysuckle—one can decorate the living space and also gain health protection. These plants not only have ornamental value but also embody the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine for health preservation, making them breathing "green health products."
Perilla: The Detox Expert in the Kitchen
Houseplant Growing Tips
Perilla is a blessing for new balcony gardeners, requiring only 40 days from sowing to harvest. Choose a flower pot with a diameter of over 20cm, use a mixture of humus soil and river sand in a 3:1 ratio, and maintain 4 hours of scattered sunlight daily. During the hot summer, make sure to shade it to prevent dehydration, and move it to an indoor windowsill in winter to survive the cold.
Health Benefits Analysis
Modern research has found that perilla leaves contain active ingredients such as perilla aldehyde and limonene, with antioxidant capabilities 200 times that of vitamin E. It is especially recommended for people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. When combined with ginger, it can enhance blood circulation, and when eaten with seafood, it can neutralize purines, acting as a natural barrier against gout.
Creative食疗 (Diet Therapy) Solutions
1. Perilla Plum Drink: 10 fresh perilla leaves + 3 Chinese plums boiled in water, to relieve air-conditioning sickness. 2. Cold Sliced Perilla Sprouts: Blanch tender leaves and mix with walnuts, for brain health and clear vision. 3. Perilla Preservation Method: Wrap leftover food in perilla leaves and refrigerate to extend freshness by 2-3 days.
Mint: The Natural Coolant
Three Pots of Flowers on the Balcony
Annual Maintenance Secrets
Combine hydroponics with soil culture: grow the main plant in soil to ensure nutrition, and cut branches for hydroponic propagation. Apply diluted fish protein fertilizer every two weeks and keep the environment ventilated to prevent powdery mildew. In winter, trim the roots to 5cm and cover with soil for insulation to survive the winter.
Multi-functional Application Scenarios
Mint extract is effective in relieving migraines. Office workers can make mint sachets to hang next to their computers, which can refresh the mind and reduce screen radiation. Placed on the bedroom windowsill at night, its volatile components can repel mosquitoes.
Herbal Tea Recipes
1. Mint Tangerine Peel Tea: Relieve bloating. 2. Mint Chrysanthemum Iced Drink: Prevent heat stroke. 3. Mint Honey Mask: Soothe sunburned skin.