27 Best Medicinal Herbs To Grow In Your Garden
You've probably heard that gardening is good for your health. But did you know that certain herbs grown in your garden can be used to treat a variety of common ailments? Here are 27 of the best medicinal herbs to grow in your garden.
What Are The Best Medicinal Herbs To Grow?
Looking to get healthy and fight off sicknesses naturally? Medicinal herbs are a great way to do just that and can be easily grown in your backyard or garden planters. In this post, we'll share the best herbs to grow for medicinal purposes, as listed above, and the benefits of each.
My Favorite Medicinal Herbs To Grow
When we think about medicinal herbs for the desert island, a few unifying characteristics come to mind: 1) easy to grow, 2) they produce abundant medicine, 3) their medicinal benefits are myriad.
Yarrow is incredibly easy to grow. You start with one plant, and by the end of the growing season, you have many. It can give you multiple harvests per year, and it’s always there for you when you stub a toe or cut yourself in the garden.
Lemonbalm basically grows itself. It reproduces via rhizomes underground but will also readily self-seed. Lemonbalm is a delicious tea herb that is gentle enough to treat an upset kid and also helps lift your spirits when you are in a trough or low point in your life.
27 Best Medicinal Herbs To Grow
Before you start growing any of these 27 best medicinal herbs, it's important to consult with your doctor. Some of these herbs can have powerful effects when taken in large doses or combined with other medications. So please be sure to check with a professional before adding any of these plants to your garden.
Bee Balm (Bergamot)
Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a medicinal herb that has been used to treat a variety of conditions for centuries.
A scientific report from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that bee balm is best for treating the following:
respiratory problems
colds,
flu
The report also states that bee balm may be helpful for treating other conditions, such as indigestion and headaches.
From a gardener's perspective, bee balm is the best medicinal herb to grow because it is easy to care for and it is a prolific bloomer. Bee balm attracts bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden. The flowers of bee balm also make a beautiful addition to flower arrangements.
Calendula
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that calendula has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, including treating skin conditions.
This calendula is best known for treating the following:
minor burns
sunburns
skin inflammation
diaper rash
There is some evidence to support the use of calendula for healing wounds, but more research is needed. NCCIH also notes that calendula is sometimes taken by mouth for ulcers, but there is not enough evidence to know if it is effective for this purpose.
There are many reasons why calendula is a great medicinal herb to grow in your garden. For one, it's easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for novice gardeners. Additionally, calendula is known for its healing properties, which can come in handy when you don't have medicinal store-bought products at home.
Chamomile
According to a scientific report from NIH, chamomile may be helpful in treating sleep disorders, anxiety, and GI upset. Also, chamomile is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat a variety of other conditions.
Additional conditions that chamomile aids in include:
relieving muscle spasms
alleviating skin irritations,
fighting inflammation
Why Chamomile Would Be A Desirable Herb To Grow?
First, it is easy to grow and tends to be very forgiving if you forget to water it occasionally.
Chamomile is also a prolific reseeding annual, so once you have it established in your garden, it will come back year after year. This herb is also known for its calming effects, which we mentioned previously.
Dill
Dill has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, but most people don't know about its amazing health benefits. Dill is a great source of calcium and magnesium, which are essential minerals for maintaining good health. It is also a good source of vitamins A, and C.
Dill is effective in treating the following:
respiratory problems
bronchitis
asthma
indigestion, gas, and bloating (According to the NIH)
There are many reasons why dill is the best herb to grow in your garden. One of the most important reasons is that you have easy access to the herb whenever you need it. You also know that the herb is fresh and has not been exposed to any pesticides or chemicals.
Echinacea
There are a few reasons why echinacea is such a great medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective. Echinacea is best for treating the common cold and other respiratory infections.
In addition, it's incredibly easy to grow and tends to be quite prolific. It also has a long flowering period so that you can enjoy its pretty blooms for several months.
Finally, echinacea is effective at treating a range of respiratory infections, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
Elecampane
Elecampane is best for treating respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. It has been shown to be an effective expectorant and can help clear mucus from the lungs, making it a valuable medicinal herb for anyone suffering from bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema.
Also, elecampane is a great medicinal herb to grow because it's easy to grow from seeds. It is a perennial plant that grows well in most climates, and it has a long flowering season so that you can enjoy its pretty blooms for several months.
English Lavender
According to the National Institutes of Health, English lavender is best for treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
What is the best way to take lavender for the conditions it treats?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people might enjoy the flavor of lavender and drink it as tea, while others might prefer just to use the essential oil topically. There are a few reasons why lavender is a great medicinal herb to grow in your garden.
First, lavender is easy to grow and tends to thrive in most climates.
Additionally, lavender is known for its relaxing and calming effects, which can be helpful for treating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best herbs to grow in your garden, not only because it tastes great but because it has a long list of medicinal properties.
Garlic is a powerful medicinal herb that can help aid the following:
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
heart disease
diabetes
This herb also has antibiotic properties that can help fight off infection. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory and can be helpful for people with arthritis or other joint pain.
And finally, garlic is a natural antioxidant, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Garlic is a great medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because it is relatively easy to grow. It also doesn't require a lot of space, making it a great option for those with smaller gardens.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species in the world, and it has been used medicinally for centuries. But there are some things you may not know about this powerful herb.
The National Institutes of Health report that ginkgo is most effective for treating the following;
Gingko Biloba can be used to treat Alzheimer's and dementia
It can improve circulation and help prevent blood clots
It's an antioxidant and can help protect cells from damage
Gingko Biloba has also been shown to be helpful for treating these conditions:
multiple sclerosis
Raynaud's phenomenon
asthma
Pro Tip: If you decide to grow ginkgo biloba at home, be aware that the tree can reach a height of 25 - 50 feet!
To receive the health benefits of this herb, you may take this in a few ways, such as in a capsule form or by brewing the leaves into tea. This herb is still a great choice for medicinal herbs to grow in your garden because of its long history of treating a variety of conditions, and it is relatively easy to grow.
Hawthorn
A scientific report from NIH states, "The medicinal use of hawthorn in CVD (Cardiovascular disease) is prevalent in most cultures. Direct comparisons between the phytochemical profiles of these species used worldwide have not been undertaken, although indigenous use would indicate a high degree of confluence.”
Clinical evidence also concludes that hawthorn extracts appear to improve heart function and symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure and may also be effective in treating hypertension.
Lastly, hawthorn is the best medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because it is easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
Holy Basil, Tulsi
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for a variety of purposes.
A scientific report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discusses some of the beneficial properties of holy basil.
Some of the beneficial properties of holy basil aid in improving the following:
mental clarity
calmness
focus
reducing stress and anxiety
Additionally, holy basil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.
From a gardener's perspective, holy basil is the best medicinal herb to grow because it is easy to care for and provides a number of benefits. It’s also one of our best herbs to grow in pots or in the ground, and it needs only moderate watering and sunlight.
Hops
The National Institutes of Health report that hops is best for the treatment of sleep disorders because it has a sedative effect, which can help people to get to sleep and stay asleep.
This makes hops an excellent choice for people who have difficulty sleeping or who want to improve the quality of their sleep.
Additionally, hops is a perennial plant that is easy to grow, and it produces flowers that can be used to make beer.
The best way to consume hops is by adding them to tea. This will allow you to enjoy the sedative effects of the herb while also benefiting from the antioxidants and other nutrients that it contains.
Horseradish
There are a few reasons why horseradish is a great medicinal herb to grow in your garden.
Firstly, it's a natural detoxifier and helps stimulate the immune system. This makes it great for boosting your health overall.
Secondly, the National Institutes of Health report that horseradish is an effective treatment for sinus infections and respiratory congestion. This can come in handy during the winter months when cold and flu season is at its peak.
Lastly, horseradish is easy to grow and doesn't require a lot of maintenance, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.
Hyssop
Hyssop is a best-known for its ability to treat respiratory conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, hyssop has been traditionally used to help loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel from the lungs. Hyssop is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Hyssop is a great medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because it's easy to maintain. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings.
Jiaogulan
What is Jiaogulan?
Jiaogulan is an herb that has been used medicinally in China for centuries. It is thought to help improve cardiovascular health, support the immune system, and promote better overall health.
According to the National Institutes of Health, jiaogulan 'has been widely used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, GpM has recently been shown to exhibit potent anti-cancer activities."
There are a few reasons why jiaogulan is a great medicinal herb to grow in your garden.
For one, it's a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of climates. Additionally, it doesn't require much care or maintenance, making it an easy herb to grow.
Lemon Balm
According to the National Institutes of Health, lemon balm is most commonly used to treat anxiety, sleep problems, and upset stomach. It has also been shown to be effective in treating cold sores.
Most people like to take lemon balm in the form of teas, capsules, or extracts. But, the best way to consume lemon balm is by drinking it as tea.
From a gardener's perspective, lemon balm is an excellent herb to grow because it is easy to care for. It also doesn't require a lot of attention, and it can grow in a variety of climates.
Marshmallow or Hollyhock
Most of the therapeutic effects of marshmallow are based on the presence of mucilage in their roots, leaves, and flowers. The mucilage is a sticky substance that becomes a thick gel when mixed with water.
This gel has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, and expectorant properties.
Marshmallow has been traditionally used to soothe and protect irritated tissues found in the following:
mouth
throat
stomach
urinary and vaginal tracts
Preliminary research suggests that marshmallow may be effective in treating these conditions:
ulcers
indigestion
diarrhea
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Marshmallow is a great medicinal herb to grow in your garden because it is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown in most gardens.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet has been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
A scientific report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms that meadowsweet contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Meadowsweet is also a versatile herb that can be consumed in many different ways.
Some of the best ways to consume meadowsweet are as follows:
taking it as a tea
via tincture
using the dried herb in soups and stews
Some reasons why meadowsweet is an excellent medicinal herb to grow in your garden is that it's easy to care for and grows well in many different climates.
Lastly, meadowsweet has a long history of use for treating a variety of health issues, which would make it a great herb to have on hand.
Motherwort
Motherwort is an interesting herb that has many medicinal purposes. It is a cardiac tonic, meaning it helps to strengthen the heart. It is also a uterine tonic, meaning it helps to keep the uterus healthy.
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health concludes motherwort is best for treating the following:
anxiety
other cardiovascular problems
palpitations
stress
From a gardener's perspective, motherwort is easy to grow and maintain because it is a hardy perennial. This means it will come back year after year without needing to be replanted.
Additionally, motherwort doesn't require a lot of care - just average soil and water.
Oregano
Oregano is best known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it a great herb to grow in your garden for treating colds and other respiratory infections. Oregano is also high in antioxidants, which makes it beneficial for protecting the body against free radical damage.
Oregano is a great medicinal herb to grow because it is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to grow, and it thrives in cooler climates. Oregano also has a strong flavor that can be used to add intensity to food dishes.
Passionflower
Did you know that passionflower is a natural sedative? It has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. Passionflower can also be helpful in relieving pain, especially nerve pain.
Passionflower is easy to care for and grow. It prefers full sun but can also be grown in partial shade. It does best in moist, well-drained soil. Passionflower can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular medicinal herb to grow because it is a great all-around remedy.
According to the NIH, it can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments including:
sore throat
cough
chest congestion
headache
fatigue
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
tension headaches
mental exhaustion
Peppermint also has a refreshing taste and aroma, and it grows very easily in most climates, so it's a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Plantain (Broadleaf Plantain)
Plantain is a weed that grows in most parts of the world. It has broad leaves and a thick, white stem. The leaves are oval and about 3 inches long. The flowers are small, green, and grow in clusters. Broadleaf plantain is found in fields, pastures, gardens, lawns, and roadsides.
According to the National Institutes of Health, "Plantago major has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties."
The plantain herb is also good for treating stings and other minor injuries.
Broadleaf plantain is an easy-to-grow weed, and it's a great herb to grow in your garden for treating minor injuries.
Sage
Did you know that sage has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years? In fact, it was one of the most popular herbs in Europe during the Middle Ages. And even today, sage is still used to treat a variety of illnesses.
According to the National Institutes of Health, sage is most commonly used to help improve memory, cognitive function, and mood. Additionally, it has been traditionally used to help support the respiratory system.
Here are some additional uses for sage:
helps reduce inflammation and pain.
aids in fighting infection.
used as a natural treatment for asthma and other respiratory problems
Sage is an excellent choice for a medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because it is easy to grow, it's perennial, and does not require a lot of maintenance.
Stinging Nettles
Did you know that stinging nettles are one of the most beneficial medicinal herbs that you can grow in your garden? Native Americans were well aware of the healing properties of stinging nettles, and they used the plant to treat a wide variety of health problems.
NIH reports suggest that stinging nettles may help reduce the following:
inflammation
joint pain
allergies
autoimmune diseases
Stinging nettles are the best medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because they are easy to grow and have a wide variety of healing properties. They also tend to attract other beneficial herbs and plants, making your garden more diverse and productive.
Turmeric
Turmeric is most commonly known for its use in Indian cuisine, but it also has a long history of medicinal use. A scientific report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that turmeric may be helpful in treating a number of medical conditions, including arthritis, psoriasis, and cancer.
Turmeric is available in both fresh and dried forms. The fresh rhizome (underground stem) is grated and added to curries and other dishes. The dried powder can be added to soups or mixed with water or milk to make a drink.
Turmeric is a great medicinal herb to grow from a gardener's perspective because it is relatively easy to grow and has a long history of medicinal use.
Yarrow
Did you know that yarrow was once used as a medicinal herb by the ancient Greeks and Romans? It has many different uses and is one of the most versatile herbs to grow in your garden.
A scientific report from the National Institute of Health (NIH) on yarrow indicates that this herb is best for treating the following:
stomach cramps
upset stomach
indigestion
diarrhea
vomiting
It can also be used as a topical treatment for wounds, bruises, and skin infections. From a gardener's perspective, yarrow is beneficial because it is easy to grow and maintain, requires little care, and has a wealth of medicinal properties. Yarrow is also drought tolerant, meaning that it can withstand periods of drought without requiring much water.
Source:nccih.nih.gov
Conclusion
There are many different medicinal herbs that you can grow in your garden, but these 27 are some of the best. Each herb has a unique set of healing properties and can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Not only are they easy to grow and care for, but they also require little maintenance.
If you're interested in learning more about how to use these (or any other) medicinal herbs for your own health and healing, we invite you to schedule an herbal health consultation with Kellan MacKay.
Not only will she help you get started using these herbs, but she can also provide you with personalized advice on how to use them for your specific needs.
Medicinal Herbs To Grow Related Questions
How many medicinal plants are there?
There are an estimated 50,000 - 70,000 species of medicinal plants in the world, and ~1,500 - 2,000 medicinal plants in the United States.
What is the most powerful medicinal herb to grow?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different herbs offer different medicinal benefits. However, some of the most powerful medicinal herbs include garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
Can you grow medicinal herbs at home?
Yes, you can grow medicinal herbs at home. If you have a sunny spot in your yard or garden, you can start growing your own medicinal herbs. When growing medicinal herbs at home, it is important to consider the climate in which you live. Some medicinal herbs require specific climates or conditions in order to grow properly. It is also important to research the specific medicinal benefits of each herb before growing it so that you can be sure to use it for its intended purpose.
Which medicinal plant grows fastest at home?
This depends on the climate in which you live and the specific herb you are growing. Some herbs grow better in warmer climates, while others grow better in colder climates. It is important to research the specific medicinal benefits of each herb before growing it so that you can be sure to use it for its intended purpose.