A study by the World Health Organization found that 80% of the world’s population relies on herbal medicines for primary healthcare.1 These plants are gentle and effective and cost a fraction of what you’d pay at the pharmacy.
Here are the 15 powerful and easy-to-grow medicinal plants to help you build your herbal pharmacy right in your backyard!
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. This plant is a must-have for every home, as it’s known for its incredible ability to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
Remove a leaf and apply the gel-like substance directly to the affected area for instant relief. But aloe vera’s benefits don’t stop there! Aloe vera juice can help treat digestive issues like ulcerative colitis and chronic constipation.
No wonder this plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
2. Chamomile
Delicate and aromatic, chamomile is a favorite among tea lovers and herbalists. This apple-scented herb is one of the best natural remedies for treating children’s colic, nervous stress, infections, and stomach disorders.
Chamomile is incredibly easy to grow from seed and thrives in sunny locations. Brew a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime to promote relaxation and a restful night’s sleep.
You can also add fresh chamomile flowers to salads for a unique flavor and calming effect.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea, with its stunning purple flowers, is a beautiful addition to your garden and a powerful immune system booster. Studies have shown that echinacea can help reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. (ref)
This hardy perennial is native to North America and is incredibly easy to grow. Echinacea prefers well-drained soil and total sun exposure.
You can make tea from the dried roots and leaves or take echinacea supplements to support your immune system during cold and flu season.
4. Lavender
Long recognized for its sweet perfume, lavender is more than just a pretty face. This woody herb boasts impressive medicinal benefits as a nervine and mild antidepressant. Adding lavender to your bath can help alleviate stress, tension, and insomnia.
Lavender plants thrive in hot, sunny, and dry environments. The fresh flowers can be added sparingly to salads, honey, butter, lemonade, and even shortbread cookies for a calming touch.
You can also sew up an herbal heating pad or eye pillow with fragrant dried flowers for a soothing experience.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is a versatile herb that’s incredibly easy to grow, even for beginners. This refreshing plant alleviates headaches, nausea, and digestive issues.
It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and can help relieve muscle aches and pains when applied topically.
Grow peppermint in a container, which can spread quickly in garden beds. Brew a cup of peppermint tea after meals to aid digestion, or add fresh leaves to salads and desserts for a minty flavor.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial woody herb that stimulates energy and optimism while sharpening memory and concentration. This fragrant plant brings more oxygen to your brain, making it a wonderful alternative to caffeine when you need a mental boost.
A row of rosemary plants makes a beautiful, bee-friendly, evergreen hedge. Rosemary prefers hot, sunny, and dry conditions.
You can use rosemary sprigs to flavor roasted meats, vegetables, and cocktails. Inhaling rosemary essential oil has also improved memory and cognitive function.
7. Sage
Salvia, the Latin name for sage, means “to heal.” This aromatic herb has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including sore throats, digestive issues, and menopausal symptoms.
It is a hardy perennial that prefers well-drained soil and full sun. You can make a soothing sage tea by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water.
Sage is also a delicious addition to stuffing, sauces, and meat dishes.
8. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb used for centuries to treat respiratory illnesses, particularly coughs. A study found that thyme tea effectively alleviated coughs and bronchitis symptoms. (ref)
This low-growing perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. Thyme makes a wonderful ground cover and can be grown between stepping stones.
Fresh or dried thyme leaves flavor soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.
9. Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a cheerful flower with powerful skin-healing properties. The petals contain compounds that can help soothe inflammation, promote wound healing, and treat skin conditions like eczema and acne.
It is easy to grow from seed and blooms throughout the summer. You can make a healing salve by infusing calendula petals in oil and blending with beeswax.
Sprinkle fresh petals on salads for a pop of color and a dose of skin-loving nutrients.
10. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb in the mint family known for its calming effects. This plant has been used for centuries to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and alleviate digestive issues.
It is easy to grow and thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas. You can make a relaxing tea by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water.
Lemon balm also makes a delicious addition to salads, sauces, and even ice cream.
11. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with delicate, fern-like leaves and flat clusters of tiny flowers. This plant has been used for centuries to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It is easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. You can make a poultice by crushing fresh yarrow leaves and applying them directly to cuts and scrapes.
You could also use yarrow for tea that can help alleviate digestive issues and menstrual cramps.
12. Elderberry
Elderberry is a shrub that produces clusters of small, dark berries known for their immune-boosting properties. Studies have shown that elderberry syrup can reduce the duration and severity of the flu. (ref)
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. You can make elderberry syrup by simmering the berries with honey and spices.
It can also be used to make a delicate, fragrant tea.
13. Ginger
Ginger is a spicy, aromatic root used for centuries to treat digestive issues, nausea, and inflammation. Studies have shown that ginger can effectively reduce menstrual cramps and relieve osteoarthritis pain. (ref)
It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can be grown in pots. You can grate fresh ginger into stir-fries, soups, and smoothies for a spicy kick and digestive benefits.
Ginger tea is also a soothing remedy for upset stomachs.
14. Passionflower
Passionflower is a beautiful climbing vine with intricate, exotic-looking flowers. This plant has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety and insomnia.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. You can make a calming tea by steeping dried passionflower leaves in hot water.
It can also be taken as a supplement to promote restful sleep.
15. Turmeric
Turmeric is a vibrant, yellow-orange spice used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. This root contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can be grown in pots. You can grate fresh turmeric into curries, smoothies, and golden milk lattes for a spicy, earthy flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Turmeric supplements are also available for those looking for a more concentrated dose.
By incorporating these easy-to-grow medicinal plants into your garden, you’ll be well on your way to creating your natural pharmacy. Not only will you have access to powerful healing remedies, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own medicine.
Source:
Don’t Miss These:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.