Since the dawn of time, humans have sought healing from plants, and many of today’s modern medicines are made using ingredients that are derived from shrubs, herbs and trees. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your very own medicinal garden where you can pick what you need when you need it? Here’s how to do it.
For beginners, keep things simple
You don’t have to have a big backyard to grow a garden, in fact, you could even use a small space like an apartment balcony or patio. Then, the next time you need something for natural healing, instead of buying online and waiting for it to arrive (or driving), you’ll just have to walk a few steps and harvest.
There are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of plants that have medicinal value, but when starting a medicinal herb garden for the first time it is wise to keep things simple. Then, once you’ve experienced success, you’ll likely be inspired to continue. While growing your own medicinal herbs may seem difficult, you really don’t have to be a skilled gardener to grow a few basic medicinal herbs successfully.
Where to grow your medicinal garden
Most medicinal herbs are easy to grow and do very well in containers. You can combine different herbs into one container with soil, so you’ll probably need just two or three containers to get started.
If you do have space outside, the design for your garden might be a simple raised bed that’s devoted to your medicinal herbs, or you can even add them directly to your landscape. Certain herbs add an especially attractive feature, such as valerian, echinacea and yarrow, which are gorgeous in an already existing flower bed. Many medicinal plants make great companions to vegetables and can be added to the corners of a vegetable garden too. Calendula, basil and thyme are particularly ideal.
Yet another option is to create a garden using a ladder. All you have to do is place an old wooden ladder over soil and plant a single herb in each wrung. It makes weeding easier, and allows the plants to reach their full potential.
Good soil is key
Herbs don’t require extremely rich soil, but good soil is important as it’s what nourishes your plants, just like food nourishes your body. Be sure to use organic soil, and you may also want to add compost and/or aged manure.
What to grow
If you aren’t sure which herbs to plant, most public libraries and bookstores offer a number of excellent herbals that will help you to decide which are the most suitable for your climate region and your needs. Local nurseries are another great source.
You can save time and money by stocking your medicinal garden with five basic medicinal herbs that are known to treat common health issues like inflammation, minor cuts, colds and flu, pain, infections, muscle spasms, anxiety, insomnia and digestive ailments. Those herbs include echinacea, peppermint, chamomile, yarrow and lemon balm, which are safe and effective when used to make a tea, salve or poultice.
1. Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most popular medicinal herbs as a super immune booster that’s famous for fighting colds. In Germany, extracts, tinctures, ointments, salves and other preparations of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia are commonly used to strengthen the immune system against some certain bacterial and viral invaders, uses backed by extensive research over the last several decades.
The most commonly used medicinal variety is Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower which works by boosting white blood cell production and has even been used to fight cancer. A general infection-fighter, it can be used internally or topically to treat anything from bronchitis to acne. Both plants and seeds are widely available at nurseries and seed houses. It does well in well-drained garden soil and tolerates up to half shade as well as being remarkably drought-resistant. Growing echinacea also creates a beautiful display of color, especially when planted among shorter perennials where the purple, pink and white flowers stand above other foliage.
Echinacea should be watered regularly until it’s well established. After that, it will rarely need watering. Be careful not to overwater which is actually a bigger concern. Harvest the leaves or flowers right after they start to bloom, cutting each stem where the first set of leaves grown.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is a famous digestive aid, and peppermint leaf tea has traditionally been used to relieve indigestion, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, nervous tension and even colds. It was mentioned as a stomach aid in the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest surviving medical text in the world that’s, believed to date from the 16th century BCE.
Peppermint is best grown in containers as it can be so invasive. It does well in moist, well-drained soil and partial sun — avoid full, direct sun, though it actually seems to thrive best with neglect. To ensure a lengthy harvest, keep the flowers pinched back but don’t pick any leaves before the herb is 10 to 12 inches high, or you’ll weaken the plant. The leaves are at their best just prior to flowering when the level of essential oils is at its peak.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is one of the most common herbal teas around, often used to promote a sense of calm or a gentle sleep aid. It can also help to ease digestive problems, and has even been used to wash out wounds. The pharmacopeias of 26 nations have approved it to treat infection, inflammation, colic, muscle spasms and tension. The herb is rich in antioxidants that play a key role in lowering inflammation that can lead to illness, disease and cell damage.
German chamomile is easily grown from seed, with flowers typically appearing within six weeks of planting. It does best in cooler climates, as it’s not fond of intense sun. It prefers soil that is well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic. During the few weeks when it blooms, you can make several pickings and then simply spread the flowers in a warm, dark place to dry.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow contains a number of beneficial compounds. Interestingly, its generic name, Achillea, comes from the Achilles legend that says he used a poultice of the plant to stop the bleeding of his soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan War. Scientists have since discovered that one of the more than 120 chemical components in yarrow is an alkaloid called achilleine which is responsible for stanching blood flow. Other components have been found to help lower inflammation, reduce spasms and relieve pain. It’s also said to help calm anxiety and promote better digestion.
Yarrow is very easy to grow as it requires virtually no care and remains pest-free. It’s also winter hardy in Zones 3 through 9. You can grow them from seed or propagation, by dividing the roots in spring or fall. It does best in moderately rich soil and full sun. When in bloom, harvest the stalks and hang them to dry.
5. Lemon balm
Lemon balm has been a popular herb for more than 2,000 years. It’s a favorite with bees, and it’s traditionally been used for treating a cold or reducing of fever by inducing sweating. It can also help calm the digestive tract, ease cramping and headaches and address insomnia too. In fact, the German government considers it an official treatment for insomnia related to gastrointestinal spasms and nervous conditions.
It prefers a cooler habitat with fertile, moist soil and is easy to grow from seeds. As it loses a lot of the scent when it’s dried, it’s better to use the fresh leaves to make a tea.
— Susan Patterson