Do you like gardening? No? Or at least plants? Yes?! Well that’s good because have you ever thought of making your own food IRL? (in real life). I did think about it… and that’s why my vision is someday I want to have my own little farm where I can plant vegetables and some crops that I really like. Okay maybe not a little farm but at least a garden. A girl can always dream right?

I always want to have a garden. But right now I don’t have space where I live. But I can’t let that stop me from growing plants. I can either use pots. But pots are a bit messy if I want to keep it inside my room or in the kitchen. Hence when I saw this AeroGarden as portable garden, I can’t resist to check it out. AeroGarden said:

NASA tested aeroponic technology grows plants in water, nutrients and air so simply and easily that anyone can succeed.

Sounds too commercial? But many people like Chefs, still try this portable herb and vegetable garden. Probably it works. I will certainly want to try and hope to have fresh herbs and veggies ready for dinner.

Deluxe AeroGarden with seeds $199.99

AeroGarden pro 100 with herb seeds $169

Popularity: 40% [?]

Constipation is one of the worst thing that can happen to you. It will make you feel bad, smells bad and look bad. So many remedies for constipation are available in the market but I was looking for alternatives… herb for constipation. And I stumbled upon dandelion herb. Surprisingly,  “ugly-duckling” dandelion possess medicinal use not just for constipation but it has antioxidant properties as well.

It may be unpopular to gardeners because of its self-seeds and spreads readily to become a garden weed. But you may want to give dandelion herb a second look before you kill them.

What’s hot: It may be a pesky weed but do you know that dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc? Amazing huh? In fact you can use the whole plant. The young leaves for salads and tea. The roots  can be found in some coffee substitutes. For constipation, fresh or dried dandelion herb can be used. Boil the herb in water and drink as a tea. Here’s what research and studies from the University of Maryland Medical Center has to say about dandelion’s medicinal uses:

Dandelion leaves produce a diuretic effect while the roots act as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.

The medicinal use of the dandelion herb seems endless! You can read their full research/review by just clicking the above link.

What’s-not-so-hot: A garden weed. Some people may develop allergies in touching dandelion, like mouth sores. Also in some people, dandelion can cause stomach acid and heart burn.

Turns out the good side of dandelion outweigh the bad. But like any other herbs, consult your health care provider before taking any dandelion leaf.

organic roasted dandelion root $25.38, dandelion root capsule $2.59, dandelion moisturizer $35.98, organic dandelion tea $15.53, dandelion dried leaves $1.79,  fentimans dandelion and burdock soda $3.25.

Popularity: 40% [?]

Sunflowers uplift good mood. Some people I know are “sunflower fanatics”, collecting sunflower stuff. I can imagine why, the loveliness of its sunny, smiley blooms will make anyone happy. But do you know that sunflowers possess properties that are also good for one’s health?

What’s hot: Sunflowers  have a wide range of uses and the entire plant can be used. One of its special property is you can extract polyunsaturated oil from a sunflower plant valuable for lowering cholesterol levels. The University of Maryland Medial Center enumerated the list from the American Heart Association (AHA) for a healthy heart diet. Sunflower oil contains Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids important to one’s health. So for those people who likes fried foods, they can use sunflower cooking oil as a substitute. But keep in mind that anything excess is not healthy. The seeds and kernels can be eaten raw or toasted. The sprouted seeds can be steamed or boiled for a quick delicious salad. The oil is also good for base aromatherapy and to treat muscular aches and pains. Sunflowers are attractive floral decoration. The list seemed endless.

What’s not-so-hot: Heavy shredding of the plant, AHA said that too much sunflower cooking oil or any cooking oil may be associated with weight gain in the abdomen.

Sunflower products:  sunflower seeds $2.99, sunflower organic cooking oil, sunflower honey toasted seeds $18.63, Klein’s Natural Sunflower Seeds, Unsalted, in Shells $16.62

Popularity: 42% [?]

Whoever  thought that you can’t have fresh coffee beans everyday straight from your kitchen window. It’s now possible with these Coffee plant in pots! I am a huge coffee fan and I find this a wonderful idea to “dwarf” a coffee plant. You can’t buy coffee beans locally unless you live in Hawaii or other tropical countries. So for those living in temperate countries, buy this coffee plant in pots and in five years, you might reap the fruits of your labor. Many swore that the coffee plant is hardy and easy to tend. You might even grow organic coffee. Adding egg shells in the pots will make any plant grow so well. I swear it’s one of the best “fertilizer” I’ve tried.

dwarf Arabica coffee beans plant $7.99, dwarf Kona coffee plant (10 seeds) $3.99, dwarf Robusta coffee plant (10 seeds) $3.99

Popularity: 5% [?]

Are you having the same problem as I am? Your herbs like parsley, mint, basil, cilantro gets dried up after 2-3 days even if you put it in a  tightly sealed plastic bag.  The ending, you don’t get to enjoy your herbs. So if you want to prolong the shelf life of your fresh herbs from your garden or just to save a few bucks from wastage, try this Prepara Herb Savor that I found that will keep your herbs fresh for up to 3 weeks! I am not kidding many swore it works and do a great job. What it basically do:

• Herb stems sit slightly submerged in the water of the water-well, keeping them fresh
• Features easily refillable water well base and removable stainless steel herb basket
• Fits inside a typical refrigerator door while providing roomy herb storage capacity

Cool huh? I think this is an ingenious way of keeping our herbs fresh, yummy and safe. Try it!

Popularity: 3% [?]