Herbs have been the primary source of medicine for thousands of years. Long before the petrochemical pharmaceuticals began their reprogramming of the public psyche, people knew which herbs treated which common ailments, and how to grow and prepare them.
By growing your herbs at home, you can easily treat yourself and your family for common ailments and discomforts. Whether you live in the tropics, subtropics, or the temperate world, have large acreage or just a kitchen window, there are numerous types of medicinal herbs you can grow at home to boost your health.
Read on to learn more!
Key Takeaways
Learn Your Climate
Learn which herbs grow best in your climate to ensure your best chances of success.
Temperate climates are defined by all four seasons, allowing growers to cultivate a range of medicinal herbs. Growers in the tropics or subtropics can also grow a wide range of medicinal herbs in their gardens
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of my favorite medicinal herbs and is perfect for a cup of tea in the nighttime to improve digestion and induce relaxation.
There are two main types of chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) and German (Matricaria chamomilla) both have nearly identical benefits and growing requirements.
Roman chamomile, also known as Russian or English chamomile forms a dense ground cover and is a perennial, whereas German Chamomile grows upright and is an annual plant.
Roman chamomile has a sweet, fruity and warm herby scent. Whereas German chamomile has more of strong, sweet herbaceous and hey-like aroma.
Chamomile contains slightly more of the essential oil chamazulene.
Chamomile is easy to grow as well as beautiful!
The flowers are used medicinally and look similar to daisies and have a pleasant scent that is loved by pollinators.
Chamomile grows best in cool semi-shaded positions, with well-drained soil. The flowers can be harvested as soon as they open. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and calming properties. Chamomile easily grows in USDA zones 4-9.
Thyme
There are many different varieties of this popular medicinal herb you can grow, the most common being Thymus vulgaris.
Thyme is a sun and heat-loving herb that thrives in somewhat dry conditions and is a herbaceous perennial which can be harvested throughout the year in warmer areas. Thyme will happily grow in poor, rocky or sandy soil.
Thyme’s medicinal profile includes its ability to alleviate cough, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, aid digestion and calm digestive issues, amongst more.
Many different types of thyme will grow in zones 4-10.
Lemongrass
Growers in warmer tropical/subtropical areas can grow lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which thrives in hot, sunny, wet areas, although also adapts to dier and shadier conditions.
Lemongrass has a wonderful citrusy aroma, which is known to repel mosquitos and other pests. Lemongrass is known to help alleviate digestive complaints, has antibacterial properties and is helpful in lowering stress levels.
Lemongrass will grow best in zones 9-10.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is a sacred plant in India and can be grown in harsh, dry conditions. Tulsi is known for its immune-boosting properties, respiratory benefits and its ability to reduce stress levels.
Tulsi can be grown and harvested year-round in frost-free areas, zones 10-11, where it acts like a perennial, living up to 4 years. In colder climates, tulsi can be grown as an annual plant, or can be planted in containers and be brought indoors in the colder months.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena is another of my favorite herbs that makes a delicious medicinal tea.
As the name implies, the plant has a lovely lemon aroma. Lemon Verbena is known to be rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds, making it useful in reducing inflammation in the body as well as oxidative stress. It’s known to help with digestive issues such as gas, and bronchitis, as well as with diarrhea and constipation and also in reducing stress.
Lemon Verbena will grow in sunny areas but prefers some afternoon shade/dappled light in hotter areas. It’s a perennial in warmer climes, but will go dormant in colder areas and grows in USDA zones 8-11.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha × Piperita) grows best in moist shaded areas and is suited for cool areas in the mountains, although it’ll also adapt to warmer locations. Peppermint has long been used for its ability to regulate stomach issues such as indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation as well as for its benefits for the respiratory tract.
Peppermint is a hardy plant that quickly spreads in a moist area with rich soil.
Comfrey
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also known as knit-back is a powerhouse of a plant with many uses, both for your health and for your garden. Comfrey is used on the skin to treat wounds and reduce inflammation caused by broken bones or sprains.
The roots and leaves of comfrey produce allantoin, which helps new skin cells develop, making it a useful first aid plant to have in your garden.
Comfrey grows in moist areas in Europe and some parts of Asia. It has many functions, such as its ability to mine minerals from the subsoil, thanks to its long tap root and is used as biomass, mulch or to make liquid fertilizers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Growing your own medicinal herbs is a powerful thing to do. Not only does it help give you and your family autonomy, but helps you keep your health and wellness in your own hands and not in those of big pharmaceutical companies.
Whilst this list is only the tip of the iceberg, I hope it has inspired you to consider growing some medicinal herbs in your home, wherever in the world you are and however much space you have at your disposal.
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