“I have a number of alternatives, and each one gives me something different.” This is one of the popular quotes by the English footballer Glenn Hoodle. In this line, Glenn might have made a reference to his football career.   

How about relating this particular line to our own lives? Do you as well keep alternatives in mind? Well, I guess most of us we do, from the very beginning of our journey through life until the very end. Whether it's choosing a college or choosing a career; we all tend to keep alternatives in every phase of life.

Having alternatives is usual and often needed when we are to pay the piper. This is however in the personal perspective we are talking about. There can also be alternatives while contributing the society. There is always a way to solve some complex problems.

One such problem in today’s global context is global warming. Each year, as we observe the world Environment day, we are reminded and encouraged to plant trees for the sustainable growth of our ecosystem. The idea and concept is great but how far we are actually able to build up with the idea is something to ponder upon. Thus, with an eye towards success we must have alternate solutions to some practical problems. Let it not be a big one but a small step too might help in bringing few positive results.

One goal towards sustaining the environment is planting trees and the alternative to trees is perhaps the herbs & shrubs.

What is Herbs & Shrubs?

Herbs are the mostly the small plants which are often used for garnishing and flavoring food in cooking or it can also be the one used for medicinal purpose.

While shrubs are small to medium woody plants which we keep indoors as well in gardens as flowering plants.

Why & How it can work as an Alternative to trees?

Metros and cities are most likely the ones to suffer from the global warming crisis while at the same time giving less scope due to unavailability of open space to start planting trees. We know and have hard about Delhi and its air quality for instance.

Therefore, in order to make things more effective, the idea of planting herbs and shrubs can be a great alternative to trees. As for both herbs and shrubs are quiet useful in cooking and for medicinal purposes, planning one kitchen herb garden can save your money as well as make your life healthier. May it be in your balcony or in living room; this idea will perfectly work as Alternate to trees.

Use and Benefits of some Herbs & Shrubs

As mentioned above, herbs and shrubs are the plants that are generally used in cooking or as medicine. There are many such plants which we often use it in our day to day life.

Let’s look into some common herbs and shrubs that are quiet beneficial.

#1 CILANTRO / CORIANDER (Herb Plant)

Cilantro or Corainder locally known as Dhania in India is one of the most common garnishing leaf used in every household. It has many health benefits such as reducing high blood pressure, boasting immune and fighting bacteria like infections.

 



#2 CENTELLA ASIATICA (Herb Plant)

Centella Asiatica is a herb plant locally known as Mani Munni, used as culinary vegetable and medicinal herb. This plant can simply be eaten raw as salad or blend to make a juice out of it. Mani Munni plant is known for many health benefits, High Blood pressure, Gastrointestinal System, Dental Health, Joint Pain are among few.

 





#3 NAGA KING CHILLI (Herb Plant)


Naga King Chilli belonging to Capsicum family is considered as the world’s hottest chilli. The plant which grows about 40 to 120 cm in height is found mainly in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. A person who loves adding extra spiciness to their food can really think of having it in the kitchen garden.

 

#4 SCHEFFLERA / UMBRELLA PLANT (Shurb Plant)


It is also known as the umbrella plant because its leaves resemble umbrellas. A Schefflera plant can purify the air in your home by removing harmful pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene.

 






#5 DRACAENA PLANT (Shurb Plant)

Originally, the name Dracaena meant a female dragon in Greek. The presence of VOCs and toxic gases in our homes can harm our health. Electric appliances, furniture, paint, new clothes, carpets, and building materials are all sources through which these pollutants get into the home. NASA study found that dracaena absorbs some of these pollutants and maintains clean air.

 






These are few plants that can benefit you and your surroundings. Besides that keeping an indoor plant is always good as it also helps in reducing stress and creates a feeling of well-being.

 

Conclusion

The intention of this article is to encourage one another a step forward towards sustaining the environment in a small possible way. It’s obvious for some of you to already know this idea while some of you just got to know it, but in the end, frequency is what matters. Rather than just practicing it on a specific day, why not just start including it in our daily schedules.

We all know the advantage of Aloe Vera and its use; perhaps most of you skincare junkies are using it. Get an Aloe Vera plant and start making your own remedies, the process of making might take you some time but its worth doing it. In this way, one can contribute to the environment while fulfilling one's own interests.