As a relatively new staff member at Sunflower Farms, I am so happy to say that I work at the best-kept secret in the South Bay! This nursery, owned and managed by the multi-generational power trio of Wendy, Ron, and Russell Akiyama is a paradise, located in North Torrance/Gardena. People often ask me how I landed the greatest job on earth!  I reply that good luck and being at the right place at the right time brought us together.

Once you come visit us you’ll wonder why you would you buy plants, trees, and shrubs or go for a healthy walk or jog (if you really feel energetic) anywhere else. This 45-year-old tradition has brought families, friends, and now us together and we invite you to come see us. Remember: dogs and children are welcome, but some plants are toxic, so please don’t let them wander.

My topic for this article is Medicinal Herbs. There are so many wonderful surprises growing outside our door and unlike our great-grandmas, we don’t have to forage the woods to find them.

Sunflower Farms buys organically grown “starts” of medicinal herbs and veggies and puts them in the ground or grows them using the popular container and raised bed method.  This cuts out a lot of waiting (the hardest part) so you can  to make your tummy tea or “Ouch Toothache” remedy.

Here are a few of our favorite medicinal herbs, in stock now!  Until next time,

-Beauty
Sunflower Farms Retail Staff Member

Aloe Vera

alo vera.png

It can be grown under normal conditions; it just needs moist soil and sun exposure. The big leaves contain sap, which works amazingly against:

  • Burns
  • Wounds and cuts
  • Eczema
  • Skin allergies

Aloe Vera juice can heal:

  • Digestive problems and appetite
  • Chronic constipation
  • Ylcerative colitis

Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam.png

This type of yam can be eaten to cure tonic effects in spleen and stomach. In addition, it helps in treating lungs and kidneys; it even helps with weight loss. Chinese yam also treats:

  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry coughs
  • Poor digestion
  • Problematic urination
  • Diabetes
  • Snake and Scorpion bites

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm.png

The leaves of this plant have a mint-like smell. It has large flowers in the summer, which can be rubbed against the skin for:

  • Animal bites
  • Mosquito bites
  • Sores
  • Herpes

The nectar that is used with water in form of juice is beneficial for:

  • Fevers
  • Colds and cough
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Insomnia

Milk Thistle

It improves liver function effectively – it also treats:

  • Jaundice
  • Poisoning
  • Bladder issues
  • High cholesterol levels

Come down to the Farm and check out our these featured plants, as well as the everything else we have in store for you.  If you don’t feel like meandering through our beautiful property, call ahead and we’ll have the herbs you want waiting for you at check out.