Make Your Own Herbal Remedies with Plants You Grow! 20 Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Healing Garden
This post discusses 20 of my preferred medicinal herbs that may be grown in most garden settings and soil types. However, there are hundreds more that I'm afraid space restrictions prevent me from listing. I hope you enjoy this list of 20 of my favorites.
Have you ever wanted to start planting certain medicinal herbs in your healing garden but felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to start? You may plant SO many wonderful herbs with beneficial qualities to make your own own medical herb garden.
I'm going to provide my top 20 herbs that you should grow in your own healing garden, along with some tips on how to grow and use plant medicine.
However, I must admit that it was really difficult for me to reduce my selection to only 20. I didn't include Goldenseal, Juniper, Arnica, Turmeric, or many more plants that may have and ought to have been included. However, if I had incorporated them all, this would have been a book instead!
I ultimately whittled this selection down based on:
- How straightforward it is to grow the herbs
- How simple it is to forage for them or buy them while yet preserving quality, and
- Their general applicability to a range of problems.
If a herb is just good for one specific use, you should decide if it is worth taking up valuable space in your medical garden. Unless, of course, you have limitless space! Grow them all in that scenario! :-)
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I constantly use the herbs listed below for various natural cures. Even in my tough climate, I can grow the most of them, and if necessary, I can easily buy the remaining ones.
In this manner, even if you reside in a dangerous area, you can still get the herbs. It should be simple for you to start growing these herbs in your own garden if you are fortunate enough to live in an excellent gardening region.
In addition, I recommend Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide if you're looking for a terrific reference book that's entertaining to read, educational, and thorough. Many years ago, I read my first herbal book, and I still turn to it today with pleasure and thanks for her expertise in cultivating and using therapeutic plants.
Possibly of interest to you is my post on how to create a herbal tea garden. Your homemade herbal tea mixes taste great when you use the herbs mentioned in that article. They are also lovely.
1) Calendula:
One of my top five all-time favorite herbs is calendula. I can't help but smile when I look at its bright orange or yellow face. It spreads like wildfire during the summer everywhere, and like other flowers, the bees adore it.
I always keep some calendula infused in olive oil under a sunny window for use in salves, soaps, and other body items because it has some very great skin healing and strengthening characteristics. In this soap recipe, you can actually see the lovely golden hue it provided the soap.
Calendula blossoms can be tossed into salads and are also delicious. It provides fantastic color and makes everything much brighter. I cherish calendula.
2) Cayenne:
Another herb that I believe belongs in every garden is this one. Cayenne is a beautiful red pepper that is quite fiery and has many culinary applications for adding spice to cuisine.
Additionally, it's fantastic for assisting with circulation issues. It has been demonstrated that using this herb, which is a hemostatic, can assist slow or even stop a heart attack until help can be reached. It can also be used to help stop bleeding.
It's also a very pretty plant, and the contrast between the dark green of the plant's leaves and the bright red of the pepper is just stunning. If you have the space, you should grow this herb and keep some on hand in your herbal medicine cabinet.
3) Chamomile:
Without lovely chamomile, what would a herbal garden be like? It tastes and smells delicious, with a hint of honey. In addition, chamomile is a widely used herb for relaxation and a moderate sedative.
Do you need to unwind? savor some chamomile tea!
Due to the high quantities of azulene it contains, chamomile is also effective as an anti-inflammatory. It aids in pain reduction, notably those caused by arthritis. Try drinking some chamomile tea if you are about to go to bed and are bothered by a little pain. In one clinical investigation, this aided 10 out of 12 participants in getting a good night's sleep. (Gladstar)
In extremely hot areas, chamomile cultivation might be difficult. It prefers a cooler climate with plenty of sun. Additionally, because it doesn't require the same level of rich fertilization as other plants, chamomile does best in less-maintained soil.
4) Chickweed:
Another one of those "weeds" that is widely misunderstood but has beneficial medicinal properties is chickweed.
Stellaria, from the Latin word for star, refers to the plant's tiny, charming white blossoms. It is versatile and simple to grow.
Due to its high nutritional value and diuretic qualities, chickweed improves the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Additionally, it works wonders in salves to treat skin conditions like rashes, eczema, and extremely dry skin.
5) Dandelion:
Some people mistake this common weed for a weed when they see a dandelion in their yard, but it's actually a very beneficial medicinal plant! Because it has diuretic characteristics, dandelion is great for the health of your liver and kidneys.
Also a plant that can be eaten! The roots can be roasted and added to teas, coffee, and other beverages for a delectable flavor that also delivers a nutritional punch. You can eat the leaves in salads and other dishes.
I tell you what. There are dandelion plants virtually everywhere. I simply scattered some seeds in the front yard last year and watered them; I had lots of this beautiful plant until the goats showed up and devoured it before I could get to it! :-)
6) Feverfew:
Feverfew is invasive, at least where I reside, and has stunning white blossoms. But I don't mind because it has a ton of medical advantages.
Feverfew works to lower fevers, just as its name suggests. But more lately, feverfew has gained some notoriety for its ability to treat migraines, both preventing them and gradually lessening their severity.
One of my favorite migraine-relieving teas is made up of one part feverfew, one part spearmint, and one part lemon balm. Together with the benefits of feverfew, this calming, nervine mixture can be used every day as a tonic.
Minor insect bites respond well to feverfew as well. Use the tincture topically only. It will ease the ache as well because it has some mild pain-relieving abilities.
7) Garlic:
I believe that garlic is one of the best all-purpose medicinal herbs that everyone can grow. Colds, flu, sore throats, and stomach problems can all be effectively treated with it. White blood cell production is increased and stimulated by garlic, which strengthens the immune system.
Garlic has antibacterial, sanitizing, and vermifuge properties (kills parasites). It aids in promoting good circulation and serves as a blood purifier. It might also assist people with type 2 diabetes in controlling their blood sugar levels.
In addition to all of these excellent advantages, garlic tastes great! Its flavor is added to a wide variety of cuisines and dishes. Garlic is a terrific place to start if you really want to "eat thy medicine," as Hippocrates famously advised. Of course, utilizing garlic medicinally differs from using it in cooking.
8) Ginger:
Without ginger, what would the world of herbs be like? Contrary to popular belief, this pungent herb's sweet and spicy root is actually a rhizome. It is frequently misunderstood since the useful component grows underground.
Ginger is energizing and a fantastic addition to teas, tinctures, fermented foods, and other culinary applications. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and circulation-boosting properties that encourage warming. Ginger is also very helpful for nausea and other gastrointestinal problems, including flatulence.
Ginger enjoys the hot, humid climate of the tropics. So, unless you are in the South, it is likely that ginger must be cultivated in a greenhouse.
9) Lavender:
Without lavender, what would the herbal world be? There are SO many uses for it. Lavender is a beautiful flower, has a nice fragrance, attracts bees, and has many medical benefits. Lavender can be used to clean the air, freshen enclosed spaces like drawers, or both. This is why sachets of it are widely used.
Actually quite hardy, lavender thrives in Zones 5 through 8. If you live in a cooler climate, make sure to put your lavender where it will receive the most sunlight and warmth. You'll need to give your lavender some sort of protection if your winters are harsh, especially from strong winds.
Some were grown in pots by me here in the highlands, and they flourished all summer. It was fine even through the snow. However, there have been times when the wind has reached over 125 mph, and lavender was just unable to withstand it. I think not much will.
10) Lemon Balm:
It's one of my favorite mints. It grows well almost everywhere, has a beautiful scent, and the bees adore it. Lemon balm has a nice lemon flavor and is an excellent addition to herbal teas because of its nutritional benefits as well as the body's natural sedative and calming properties.
11) Marshmallow:
Although I doubt marshmallows are on many herbalists' lists for their gardens, I believe they are absolutely essential. It is a demulcent and calming herb that works well with "hotter" plants. One of my favorite herbs to use for allergy mixes or teas for any form of inflammation in the body, it also calms inflammation in mucous membranes.
A very little hollyhock-like plant, marshmallow is an upright plant. In fact, hollyhocks and marshmallow can be used almost interchangeably if they can grow where you are because of how similar their chemical compositions are.
The blossoms are also quite lovely and a pale pink color. The entire plant can be consumed and used medicinally. Add a few flowers on your salad for a stunning and unexpected presentation.
12) Mullein:
Another common marijuana that actually has some amazing medical properties is this one. The summertime flowering stalk of the mullein plant, which starts as a rosette of big, fuzzy leaves, can reach heights of up to 7 feet.
Mullein thrives in cooler climates, ample sun, and lots of water. Although I've heard it is widespread, it grows particularly well in the creek banks up here in our mountains. If you don't have it growing naturally in your area, I think it's worth trying to cultivate.
One of the best herbs for supporting and treating respiratory conditions and illnesses that impact the lungs, sinuses, and breathing is mullein. The huge leaves can be used in an emergency to cover a poultice in addition to being effective as a tea and medicine.
13) Oregano
Many gardeners appear to view oregano as their worst nightmare. Once they plant it, it just goes berserk. I lost count of the number of friends, relatives, and neighbors who have given me oregano from their gardens throughout the years! I'm happy to have it, too! Oregano is tricky because you have to know how to use it properly.
If you've ever had pizza or marinara sauce, you've probably tasted oregano, a wonderful culinary herb from the Mediterranean. However, I have discovered from experience that oregano is fairly resilient and can withstand winter lows in the single digits. Oregano thrives best in warm, dry conditions (at least it does in my yard).
Greek for "Mountain of Joy," oregano has several medical benefits including antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities as well as being extremely high in antioxidants. It does wonders for skin care and digestion.
There are numerous ways to use oregano, including as a tincture, a herbal-infused oil, a food ingredient, and an essential oil. Each of these has unique qualities, capacities, and applications.
Along with brewing or using it in a herbal tea, utilizing the plant as a tincture is a simple approach to use it medicinally.
14) Peppermint:
Growing is really simple and can be done anywhere. If you let it, peppermint, a spreading perennial, will likely take over your entire garden! Almost everyone is familiar with its spicy, pungent aroma because it is a common culinary additive in many meals and candies.
In medicine, peppermint helps with digestion and relieves flatulence (gas). It contains mild anti-spasmodic qualities, thus it can be quite beneficial if you have cramps, particularly stomach or menstrual cramps.
15) Plantain:
Here is yet another weed that many people despise but which is actually a very beneficial medical plant!
Plantain grows everywhere, and if you welcome it inside, it will undoubtedly show up, according to Rosemary Gladstar. I must admit, though, that I have not been able to grow it in our region here in Southern Nevada, whether at lower elevations or higher. It is meant to be abundant, like a dandelion, and maybe this year, so this makes me feel like a failure as a gardener.
Plantains are excellent for liver health, blood purification and detoxification, and removing toxins. For use in healing salves, I like to infuse it with oil.
16) Rosemary:
Rosemary is a well-known culinary herb that goes particularly well with strong-flavored foods and red meats. In addition, rosemary has been shown to benefit the brain, particularly memory abilities.
It has moderate analgesic (pain relieving) effects and is abundant in antioxidants. Rosemary is a stimulating herb that helps with low blood pressure and circulation. When taking rosemary medicinally, people with high blood pressure should use caution.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean native that thrives in hot, dry regions. It thrives in Las Vegas, Nevada, where summertime temperatures can reach 120 degrees. However, I haven't had much luck with it here in the highlands, which is more of a Zone 6 growing zone. In the limited months of summer we have, I have been able to keep it alive on my kitchen counter and outside.
However, I adore this plant and if I ever acquire a greenhouse, I'll try to grow it all year long.
17) St. John's Wort:
St. John's wort is, in my opinion, a misunderstood botanical. It was hailed as the new natural anti-depressant during a period of popularity a few years ago. While mild depression, sorrow, bereavement, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can all be treated with St. John's wort, it is not a panacea.
St. John's Wort can interfere with several medications, so talk to your doctor before using it (as you should with any of these herbs mentioned).
St. John's wort is also effective for treating neuralgia, and I personally use it successfully to treat my sciatica and back pain. I also take it as a tincture to cheer myself up when I'm down.
In addition to its many health benefits, St. John's Wort is a very attractive plant. Though it's doubtful, you won't be able to cultivate it in a very hot climate. In Las Vegas, I attempted to grow it, but it was a complete flop. But in the milder climate and full sun or partial shade here in the highlands, it thrives.
Making a herbal-infused oil is one of my favorite methods to prepare St. John's Wort. H. perforatum, a medicinal plant, emits bright red fluids into the oil, producing the most beautiful infused oil.
St. John's Wort has been demonstrated to have the potential for phototoxicity, especially in grazing animals if they consume too much of it. This is another safety warning for the garden. Just keep an eye on what your pastured animals are eating.
18) Thyme:
One of the best plants to utilize in your garden, in my opinion, is thyme. It has a wonderful scent, draws bees, and has amazing therapeutic value. Although some varieties will grow upright, it is a small, spreading herb that is reasonably hardy, so if you have harsh winters, it may thrive just fine. You'll see it again in the spring with its lovely scented purple blooms.
Thyme has been proved to fight against colds, but many herbalists completely overlook its use as a preventative medicinal herb or to help patients recover rapidly from the flu and colds.
It also has disinfecting qualities and works well as a sore throat rinse or a wash for skin problems. The best thymes to utilize for medicine are Thymus vulgaris or Thymus citriodorus (Lemon Thyme).
19) Valerian:
This imposing flowering plant features lacy white flower clusters and can reach a height of around four feet. It is not only a beautiful addition to your yard, but it is also highly practical. It is a potent but secure sedative that is excellent for relieving pain, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Contraindications: If you're using valerian for the first time, wait until the night before a day that won't affect you too much because it can have the reverse effect on some people. Although they are few, there are undoubtedly some people who have trouble tolerating it.
20) Yarrow:
Yarrow contains several small, clustered blooms as well as fluffy, grayish-green foliage. It makes a lovely addition to your garden. Additionally, the plant's above-ground portions, such as the leaves, stems, and flowers, have been utilized for thousands of years as medicines.
The herb yarrow is hemostatic and vulnerable. Yarrow is effective at reducing fevers, treating hay fever, and fighting colds in addition to aiding in the healing and coagulation of wounds. Because yarrow causes sweating when used as a fever reliever, it is vital to keep this in mind if the person already has a burning fever.
Final Words on the Top 20 Herbs for Your Medicinal Herb Garden
When considering what to plant in your herb garden, there are a ton of wonderful herbs to pick from, particularly when it comes to therapeutic herbs. How do I decide?
Well, consider the requirements of your own family. then become familiar with your planting zone and what thrives and what fails. Do any of these herbs require a greenhouse or a unique microclimate? It's ok if you're unsure! You might need to do some testing, but you'll figure it out, I guarantee it.
The 20 medicinal herbs I've mentioned here are typically simple to produce, very beneficial, and stunning to look at! Sow those seeds as soon as possible! Consider ordering seedlings instead, as many nurseries have a good selection of herbs that are useful for both cooking and medicine (like lemon thyme, oregano, rosemary, cayenne, and lots more).
You need Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, whether you are just starting your herbal studies or are an experienced herbalist. It is the best book to get started I have ever discovered, one I have been reading and referring to for years. It's easy to read, clear, thorough, and a fantastic resource!
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