Did you know your garden can be more than just a delightful sight? It can also be a source of natural remedies. Growing medicinal plants offers numerous health benefits and adds a unique touch to your garden. We’ll explore the top 20 medicinal plants you can grow and how to care for them.
Why Grow Medicinal Plants at Home
Growing medicinal plants at home is an excellent way to take charge of your health and well-being. It’s cost-effective and allows you access to natural remedies right at your fingertips. By cultivating your own medicinal garden, you can ensure that you use fresh, organic ingredients without harmful chemicals or additives.
Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding hobby that can bring you closer to nature, reduce stress, and help you develop a deeper understanding of the healing properties of plants.
Benefits of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants offer a wide range of health benefits that can help improve your overall well-being. Here are some key advantages of incorporating these plants into your daily life:
- Natural Remedies: Medicinal plants provide a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, helping you avoid potential side effects and reduce your reliance on synthetic drugs.
- Holistic Approach: These plants can help address the root cause of health issues by supporting your body’s natural healing processes, promoting a more holistic approach to wellness.
- Preventive Care: Many medicinal plants have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties that can help protect your body from illnesses and keep you feeling your best.
- Stress Relief: Gardening and spending time with plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improving your mental and emotional well-being.
- Sustainability: Growing your own medicinal plants is an eco-friendly option that reduces your carbon footprint and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
Incorporating medicinal plants into your garden can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance your health and well-being. By growing these plants at home, you’ll have access to natural remedies, enjoy a therapeutic hobby, and support a more holistic, sustainable lifestyle.
20 Medicinal Plants to Grow in Your Garden
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is a versatile and resilient succulent, known for its incredible skin-soothing properties. This easy-to-grow plant can transform your garden into a natural skincare haven.
Aloe Vera has fleshy, green leaves that store water. These leaves contain a clear, soothing gel.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Aloe Vera gel is excellent for treating sunburns, minor cuts, and skin irritations. Some studies suggest it may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Growing tips: Aloe Vera prefers well-draining, sandy soil and plenty of sunlight. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Harvest: Mature outer leaves as needed.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Apply fresh gel directly to minor burns, cuts, or skin irritations for soothing relief.
- Consume aloe juice as a digestive aid, but be cautious with dosage as it may cause digestive discomfort if overused.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is not only a beautiful plant, but it is also believed to boost the immune system. This perennial is a must-have in any medicinal garden.
Echinacea is a perennial plant with striking purple-pink flowers and a spiky central cone.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Echinacea may help shorten the duration of colds and respiratory infections by stimulating the immune system.
Growing tips: Echinacea thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. It’s drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types.
Harvest: Roots in the fall after 2+ growing seasons; flowers/leaves when in full bloom.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
How to use: Brew tea from dried leaves, flowers, or roots to support immune function. Take echinacea supplements or tinctures as directed to help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and respiratory infections.
How to use
- Brew tea from dried leaves, flowers, or roots to support immune function.
- Take echinacea supplements or tinctures as directed to help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and respiratory infections.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, or pot marigold, is a cheerful and vibrant plant known for its skin healing properties. Its beautiful flowers can brighten up any garden while providing valuable medicinal benefits.
Calendula has orange-yellow flowers and is an annual plant.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It’s used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and burns. Some people also use it to alleviate digestive discomfort.
Growing tips: Calendula grows well in well-drained soil and prefers full to partial sun exposure. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming.
Harvest: Flowers when fully open, preferably in the morning.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Apply calendula-infused oil or cream to wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
- Use calendula tea as a soothing mouthwash for oral health issues, or add it to your bath to help heal skin conditions.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile, a soothing and aromatic herb, is often brewed into a calming tea. Its delicate flowers and feathery leaves make it a charming addition to any garden.
Chamomile is an annual herb with dainty, white, daisy-like flowers and feathery leaves.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and can help with sleep and digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Growing tips: Plant chamomile in well-drained soil and provide full sun or light shade. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Harvest: Flowers when fully open, typically in the summer months.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Drink chamomile tea to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and alleviate minor aches and pains.
- Use chamomile-infused oil or creams for skin irritations, or add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to a diffuser for aromatherapy benefits.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a fragrant and visually appealing herb that has been used for centuries for its calming scent and medicinal properties. This perennial is a perfect addition to a medicinal or sensory garden.
Lavender has fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Lavender is famous for its calming scent, which can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s also used to soothe insect bites and burns.
Growing tips: Lavender thrives in well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers slightly alkaline soil.
Harvest: Flower spikes when in full bloom, usually mid to late summer.
Difficulty: Moderate
How to use
- Inhale lavender essential oil or add it to a diffuser for relaxation and stress relief.
- Apply lavender-infused oil or creams to minor burns, insect bites, and skin irritations.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon Balm is an aromatic perennial herb with a refreshing lemon scent. Its small, light-green leaves can be used to make soothing teas or infused into balms and oils.
Lemon Balm has small, light-green leaves with a refreshing lemon scent.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Lemon balm is used to calm nerves, aid sleep, and alleviate digestive issues. It’s also believed to have antiviral properties.
Growing tips: Lemon balm grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Harvest: Leaves before flowering, usually late spring to early summer.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Brew lemon balm tea to alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, and support digestive health.
- Apply a lemon balm-infused cream or salve to cold sores, insect bites, and minor skin irritations.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint is a versatile and aromatic herb known for its soothing and invigorating properties. It is a great addition to any medicinal garden, and its strong, refreshing aroma can also help deter pests.
Peppermint has dark green leaves and a strong, refreshing aroma. It produces small, purple flowers.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Peppermint is known for its ability to soothe digestive issues, alleviate headaches, and relieve nasal congestion. It also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Growing tips: Peppermint prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It can be invasive, so consider planting it in a container or designated area. Regularly harvest leaves for a bushier plant.
Harvest: Leaves before flowering, usually late spring to early summer.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Drink peppermint tea or take peppermint oil capsules to aid digestion and alleviate nausea.
- Apply diluted peppermint essential oil to sore muscles or temples for headache relief.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is a perennial herb with daisy-like flowers and deeply cut, light green leaves. It has a long history of use as a natural remedy for fever, headaches, and migraines.
Feverfew has daisy-like flowers and deeply cut, light green leaves.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Feverfew is known for its ability to reduce fever, alleviate headaches, and lessen the frequency and severity of migraines.
Growing tips: Plant feverfew in well-drained soil and provide it with plenty of sunlight. It’s drought-tolerant and can self-seed, so deadhead flowers to control its spread.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers when the plant is in full bloom.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Consume feverfew leaves, supplements, or tinctures to help prevent migraines and alleviate headache symptoms.
- Apply feverfew-infused oil or creams to alleviate inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with feathery leaves and clusters of tiny flowers available in various colors. Its use in herbal medicine dates back to ancient times, and it remains a valuable addition to modern medicinal gardens.
Yarrow has feathery leaves and clusters of tiny flowers in various colors.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Yarrow has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antispasmodic properties, making it useful for treating wounds, reducing swelling, and alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort.
Growing tips: Yarrow needs well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. It’s drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers when the plant is in full bloom.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Use yarrow-infused oil or creams to help heal minor wounds and skin irritations.
- Brew yarrow tea to help reduce fever and support digestion.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is an aromatic perennial herb revered for its health-promoting properties. With its strong, spicy scent and beautiful green or purple leaves, Holy Basil is an excellent addition to any medicinal garden.
Holy Basil has green or purple leaves with a strong, spicy scent. It produces small, tubular flowers.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Holy Basil is an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with stress. It’s also used to support digestion, immune function, and respiratory health.
Growing tips: Holy Basil prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers before flowering.
Difficulty: Moderate
How to use
- Drink holy basil tea or take supplements to help reduce stress, support immune function, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Use holy basil essential oil for aromatherapy benefits or add it to your bath for relaxation.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey, a robust perennial herb, has been used for centuries for its powerful healing properties. It can be grown as an attractive addition to any medicinal garden, with its large, hairy leaves and delicate bell-shaped flowers.
Comfrey has large, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers in colors such as purple, pink, or white.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Comfrey is known for its ability to accelerate the healing of wounds, bruises, and sprains. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Growing tips: Comfrey thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. It can become invasive, so plant it in a designated area.
Harvest: Leaves in spring and early summer, before flowering.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Apply comfrey-infused oil, creams, or poultices externally to help heal bruises, sprains, and minor wounds.
- Do not consume comfrey internally, as it may be toxic to the liver.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Often considered a pesky weed, dandelion is actually a valuable medicinal plant with numerous health benefits. Its bright yellow flowers and jagged green leaves can bring a pop of color to your garden.
Dandelion has bright yellow flowers and jagged green leaves.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Dandelion is a potent diuretic, supporting kidney function and liver health. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, promoting overall well-being.
Growing tips: Dandelion grows well in almost any soil type and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant and can self-seed.
Harvest: Leaves in spring; roots in fall.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Drink dandelion tea or consume dandelion greens to support liver health and digestion.
- Use dandelion-infused oil or creams for skin irritations or muscle aches.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is a tall, fragrant perennial herb with small, sweet-smelling flowers. It is often used as a natural sleep aid and can bring a touch of tranquility to your medicinal garden.
Valerian has small, sweet-smelling flowers and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Valerian is well-known for its ability to relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. It may also help alleviate menstrual cramps.
Growing tips: Valerian prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can self-seed, so deadhead the flowers to control its spread.
Harvest: Roots in the fall after 2+ growing seasons.
Difficulty: Moderate
How to use
- Take valerian supplements or drink valerian root tea to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers and a long history of use as a natural remedy for depression and anxiety.
St. John’s Wort has bright yellow flowers and narrow, green leaves.
Medicinal uses and benefits: St. John’s Wort is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
Growing tips: St. John’s Wort prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can become invasive, so plant it in a designated area or container.
Harvest: Flowering tops when in full bloom, usually in midsummer.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
How to use
- Take St. John’s Wort supplements or tinctures to help alleviate mild to moderate depression.
- Apply St. John’s Wort-infused oil or creams to soothe nerve pain and treat minor wounds or skin irritations.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow is a tall, perennial herb with pale pink or white flowers. Its roots and leaves have been used for centuries for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Description and characteristics: Marshmallow has pale pink or white flowers and can grow up to 4 feet tall.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Marshmallow is used for its soothing properties, helping to alleviate sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues. It’s also used topically for skin irritation and inflammation.
Growing tips: Marshmallow prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant and can tolerate some drought.
Harvest: Leaves in late summer; roots in fall.
Difficulty: Moderate
How to use
- Drink marshmallow root tea or take supplements to soothe the digestive tract and relieve coughs or sore throats.
- Use marshmallow-infused creams or ointments for skin irritations or inflammation.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is an aromatic perennial herb with soft, grayish-green leaves and a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. Its strong, earthy flavor complements many dishes, while its health benefits make it an essential part of any medicinal garden.
Sage has soft, grayish-green leaves and produces spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Sage is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It’s used to soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and improve cognitive function.
Growing tips: Sage prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
Harvest: Leaves before or during flowering, usually in late spring or summer.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Brew sage tea or use sage supplements to alleviate indigestion, reduce excessive sweating, and support memory function.
- Gargle with sage tea or use sage-infused mouthwash to alleviate sore throats and support oral health.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is a perennial herb with a reputation for its sting. Despite its prickly nature, nettle is a powerhouse of nutrients and has numerous medicinal benefits.
Nettle has green, serrated leaves covered in tiny hairs that can cause skin irritation.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to teas and soups. It’s also used for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic properties.
Growing tips: Nettle prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can spread aggressively, so plant it in a designated area or container. Wear gloves when handling to avoid stinging.
Harvest: Young leaves in spring before flowering.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Drink nettle tea or take nettle supplements to help alleviate allergies, support joint health, and improve overall wellness.
- Use nettle-infused oil or creams for skin irritations and muscle aches.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain, often mistaken for a weed, is a low-growing perennial herb with broad, oval leaves. It has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, thanks to its powerful healing properties.
Plantain has broad, oval leaves and produces tiny, greenish-white flowers on tall spikes.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Plantain is used to treat minor wounds, insect bites, and skin irritations due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also used as a cough suppressant and expectorant.
Growing tips: Plantain is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions. It’s low-maintenance and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Harvest: Leaves throughout the growing season.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Apply a poultice of crushed plantain leaves to insect bites, stings, or minor wounds to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Drink plantain leaf tea to support respiratory health and alleviate coughs.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is a beautiful, annual herb with star-shaped, blue flowers and hairy, gray-green leaves. It has a long history of use in herbal medicine and adds a touch of charm to any garden.
Borage has star-shaped, blue flowers and hairy, gray-green leaves.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Borage is used for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It’s also believed to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Growing tips: Borage prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It’s relatively low-maintenance and can self-seed, so deadhead flowers to control its spread.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers when the plant is in full bloom.
Difficulty: Easy
How to use
- Consume borage leaves or flowers as a culinary herb, or take borage oil supplements to support skin health and reduce inflammation.
- Use borage-infused creams or oils for skin irritations and inflammation.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elderberry is a deciduous shrub with clusters of small, white flowers and dark purple berries. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Elderberry is a deciduous shrub with small white flowers and dark purple berries.
Medicinal uses and benefits: Elderberry is known for its immune-boosting properties, making it useful for treating colds and flu. It’s also used to alleviate respiratory infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.
Growing tips: Elderberry prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and size, and remove any dead or damaged wood. Note that the leaves, stems, and unripe berries are toxic, so only use ripe berries for medicinal purposes.
Harvest: Berries when fully ripe, typically in late summer or early fall.
Difficulty: Moderate
How to use
- Take elderberry syrup, supplements, or tinctures to support immune function and help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu.
- Drink elderberry tea to help alleviate respiratory symptoms and support overall wellness.
Takeaway
Growing medicinal plants in your garden can provide you with a natural way to maintain and improve your health. These 20 popular medicinal plants can be a great starting point for creating your own healing garden, offering various benefits and adding beauty to your outdoor space.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal plant to treat specific conditions, and research each plant’s potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
FAQs
How do I harvest and store medicinal plants?
Harvest times vary depending on the plant part (leaves, flowers, roots) and the specific plant. Generally, harvest leaves and flowers when the plant is in full bloom, and roots in the fall after at least two growing seasons. Dry the plant material thoroughly, and store it in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture.
How do I process medicinal plants after harvesting?
Processing methods depend on the specific plant and its intended use. Generally, medicinal plants can be dried, made into tinctures or infusions, or used fresh. Research the appropriate processing methods for each plant to ensure optimal potency and preservation.
How long can I store dried medicinal plants?
Dried medicinal plants can typically be stored for 1-2 years if kept in airtight containers, away from heat, light, and moisture. The potency of the plant material may decrease over time, so it’s essential to check for signs of spoilage or loss of potency before use.
How much sunlight do medicinal plants need?
The sunlight requirements for medicinal plants vary. Some plants, like lavender and echinacea, thrive in full sun, while others, like lemon balm and peppermint, can tolerate partial shade. Research each plant’s light requirements before planting.
Are medicinal plants safe for pets and children?
Some medicinal plants can be toxic to pets and children if ingested. Always supervise young children around medicinal plants, and research the specific toxicity of each plant you grow. Keep plants that are toxic to pets out of their reach or in a secure area.