10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (2024)

Herbs

Written By Kelly Keating

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (1)

What do you grow in your garden? If the answer is not medicinal herbs, you're missing out on some amazing health benefits! Medicinal herbs are plants that have been used for centuries to help heal a variety of ailments. Our list consists of easy-to-grow medicinal herbs. You will learn about the category of the herb as well as its medicinal qualities and growing tips. Today we're going to learn about the 10 best medicinal herbs for the garden.

The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.

What is an Herb?

An herb is a plant that can be used for medicinal purposes. Some common herbs you probably already are familiar with are basil, rosemary, and thyme. Herbs can be annuals, perennials, or biennials.

In herbal medicine in order to make use of the particular benefits of an herb, it must first be dried then ground into a fine powder, or made into tea.

Herbs can help to strengthen your immune system and offer some wonderful health benefits. Using plants as medicine is becoming very popular in today's society.

Planting medicinal herbs can be a full-fulfilling and relaxing experience.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (2)

Categories of Medicinal Herbs

There are four main categories of medicinal herbs, and they each promote different properties. Below I will identify these qualities and how to use them for your own personal needs:

Bitter

Bitter is a category of herbs that are used to make medicine. Bitter herbs often help with digestion, as well as mental clarity and focus.

Vulnerary

Vulnerary is another type of medicinal herb. These herbs are often used for wounds, burns, and other skin-related treatments.

Astringent

Astringent herbs are often used to treat wounds, as well as reducing inflammation and soreness.

This category is one of the most popular medicinal herbs because they are known to be very effective at healing wounds.

Nervine

Nervine herbs are best for relieving pain and stress. They are great for relaxing the nervous system.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (3)

List of Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow

The best herbal plants are those that you grow in your own garden. It's a great way to save money and feel like you're giving back to nature at the same time! These 10 medicinal herbs are easy to grow and will make you feel better than ever before. I believe that if you are just starting your herb garden, these are medicinal herb garden must-haves.

Peppermint

Peppermint is thought to be a stimulant, a carminative, and an antispasmodic.

Peppermint is a perennial. It has thin, dark green leaves that grow in pairs. Its stem has a purplish color. Its flowers are white or pink. What makes peppermint distinct are the clusters of leaves that stick up from a central stem.

The peppermint plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has long been associated with medicinal properties, as it was used by the ancient Greeks for its soothing effects on digestion.

It has a cool flavor with slightly sweet overtones.

Peppermint is a popular medicinal herb and one of the best healing herbs to grow.

It spreads out near the surface rather than growing tall. It usually reaches about 12-18 inches in height.

Peppermint is grown for its flowers, leaves, and oils that are used as a stabilizer in pharmaceuticals and toothpastes.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (4)

Category: Nervine

Uses: Peppermint is said to help with digestive problems, such as bloating and gas. It also helps people who suffer from indigestion. The mint leaves are often used for tea or chewing to help settle stomachaches.

It's thought that peppermint has a calming effect. Some of the uses of peppermint are to help people with insomnia or to promote a good night's sleep.

Peppermint may also have some benefits for those who suffer from arthritis. It can be used as an analgesic to soothe the pain of sore muscles or aching backs.

This herb is also used as a natural antibiotic, so it has been applied topically to wounds that need it.

Some people believe that chewing on some mint leaves can improve their mood and lift them out of feelings of depression. Peppermint tea is sometimes used as an alternative for those who are trying to cut back on coffee, which has caffeine in it.

Parts used: leaf and flower

A dried leaf is often used in teas. The leaves have used either whole or chopped up fresh from the plant for cooking purposes.

The flowers are often used in teas as well and can be consumed either fresh or dried. They are also sometimes eaten raw, though this is not a common practice among many people who use peppermint for its medicinal purposes because it tastes somewhat stronger than the leaves do.

Peppermint is also commonly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy.

Growing tips: Peppermint is a perennial herb. The plant will grow new shoots from underground rhizomes every season and be able to keep its leaves green year-round, so it can take some cold weather.

Peppermint is not an extremely fussy plant, so it can be planted in a variety of soils as long as the soil drains well. It prefers moist to slightly dry conditions and should never become too wet.

Peppermint needs full sun or partial shade to stay healthy and thrive. If you don't want to plant it in the ground fear that it may become too invasive and take over your garden it can also be planted in pots or containers.

The leaves can be harvested anytime, but it is best to harvest them towards the end of summer when they are at their peak.

Peppermint is very easy and inexpensive to grow. It's one of the most popular plants in a herb garden, which means that it can be an attractive addition or centerpiece for any landscape design theme.

Calendula

Calendulas are usually orange, yellow, or red in color. The flowers of calendula are known for being bright, cheerful colors making them perfect plants to place near your front porch or on the edge of walkways where you are likely to see them every day. They also attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Calendula is a plant that can be found in many gardens and flowerbeds.

Calendula looks like a daisy and is often called "poor man's saffron" because of its intense, orange color. In addition, it is sometimes referred to as the "pot marigold" because it is a member of the same genus.

The name calendula comes from the Latin words "calendar" and "lunar," which was a reference to the plant's blossoming in late spring and early summer, corresponding with seasonal renewal.

Calendula, like most medicinal herbs, can be used for many different purposes - including culinary and cosmetic uses!

Calendula flowers are edible and can be used to make tea or added to salads. The plant is also high in carotenoids which helps prevent cancer.

The flowers of the calendula can be dried and used to cook with, or as tea.

The leaves of the plant are also edible in small quantities but tend to be very bitter.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (5)

Category: Vulnerary

Uses: Calendula is used to help prevent cancerous cells from growing. There are many benefits to using Calendula. When consumed on a regular basis it has been shown to reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and diarrhea.

It also helps soothe skin conditions when applied topically and reduces inflammation from burns or other injuries. It has also been used in treating eczema, helping soothe and heal dry skin.

Parts used: flower

The flowers are the most commonly used part of the plant. It can be eaten raw or cooked, but cooking diminishes its nutritional content significantly.

The flowers are usually dried and then brewed into a tea. The flowers should be dried at temperatures below 160°F for best results.

Calendula flowers also make a great addition to salads or other dishes.

Growing tips: It is considered annual in most regions. It is considered part of the Asteraceae family. Calendula likes to grow in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade.

It prefers well-drained soil that has either a low or high pH level (pH levels are between 0 and 14 with the higher numbers being more acidic). It can be grown from seeds easily. The seeds can be planted indoors in late winter and taken outdoors once the risk of frost has passed in springtime.

It blooms early in the year and can be harvested in April or May. Calendula’s flowers will be sticky with resin and should be picked every two to three days so they can have a longer lifespan. Unfortunately, Calendula has a short lifespan. It's a little more time-consuming to grow than some other medicinal herbs on this list because it requires deadheading (removing spent blooms).

The leaves are usually picked at the same time as the flowers and can also be used fresh or dried for tea-making purposes.

It is not drought tolerant, so it must be watered frequently during periods of hot weather in order to thrive.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (6)

Yarrow

Yarrow is a medicinal herb that is native to North America but can grow in almost any climate.

The plant grows up to six feet tall and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are small but white or sometimes pink in color.

It likes a shady spot that is moist with well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds easily (they can also go directly into the ground).

Its folk name is "nosebleed" because it refers to its emergency styptic properties.

Yarrow can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (7)

Category: Astringent

Uses: Yarrow can be used as an antiseptic for cuts and wounds or to help with congestion related to colds and flu. It can also help with muscle cramps and help to reduce fevers. Yarrow may also be helpful if someone has vomiting or diarrhea due to stomach bugs such as the norovirus, E Coli, salmonella, shigella.

It is also used to treat kidney stones and other digestive tract problems.

Yarrow has many insect-repellent properties as well.

Parts used: leaf and flower

Yarrow leaves can be picked in summer when they are at their best and dried for use during the off-season.

However, if you have a plant that flowers throughout the year, pick one or two handfuls of fresh leaves to dry out on cookie sheets with good air circulation. After drying them thoroughly, store them in an airtight container in a dark place.

Dried yarrow flowers are good for making infusions, teas, tinctures, or capsules. You can also dry them to make herbal wine.

It can be brewed into a tea for diarrhea or made into an infusion for coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sore throats (it is also good at removing excess mucus).

The flowers are a source of oil that can be used in soaps or lotions as well as the leaves which can be eaten raw with salad or cooked by boiling them into teas.

Growing tips: It is a perennial that does best in full sun. Yarrow likes to have moist soil and an area with good drainage, so avoid planting it near ponds or streams. Keep the weeds out of your yarrow plant as they will compete for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight which can cause them to die prematurely.

Yarrow needs good air circulation so make sure to not plant them too closely together. You can also scatter some dried, chopped yarrow leaves around the base of your plants to keep mosquitoes away during warmer months or add them as a natural pest deterrent in your garden and/or home.

Be careful when planting yarrow though as it can be invasive and take over your garden.

Harvest from a yarrow plant sparingly, and once you harvest it, it will stop producing new leaves. When you harvest too much from your yarrow clump or start to see the outer edges of the clump dying out, then that means they are near death so it's time for them to be replaced with fresh ones!

Remember to cut back the plants after flowering for a healthy plant and increased production.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a medicinal herb that is found in colder climates, but it is possible to grow them indoors or outdoors.

The leaves of lemon balm look like those of mint, (it is related to the mint family) but they are much softer and less hairy. Lemon balm has a deep yellow-green color. The leaves are oval in shape and have serrated edges. The leaves can grow up to two inches long.

Lemon balm leaves have a sharp, lemony flavor to them which is pleasant and refreshing.

It is also known as mint balm, balm, or common balm.

It attracts bees and is also thought to repel mosquitos because of its strong lemon flavor.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (8)

Category: Nervine

Uses: Lemon balm is used for digestive troubles and cold and flu relief. It has been known as ‘nature’s cough drop' because of its ability to soothe sore throats caused by coughing due to colds and flu.

The smell of lemon balm can also be soothing for those with anxiety or nervous disorders. It has been found to be mood-elevating.

It is also used for itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The leaves can be used as an antiseptic or decongestant on cuts and burns.

It also helps to reduce tension headaches.

Possible Side Effects: Lemon balm shouldn't be used by people who are taking sedatives or heart drugs because it can increase the effects of these medications. Some people may experience dizziness when they take too much.

It is also not recommended if you have epilepsy.

Additionally, pregnant women should avoid using this herb for any reason.

Parts used: leaves and the aerial part

The parts of lemon balm that are used are the leaves and the aerial part.

It can be used as an herbal tea that provides relief for anxiety, headaches, sore throat, coughs, cold symptoms and digestive issues such as heartburn.

Lemon balm tea is made by boiling the leaves in water. It is great for making herbal tea because it has a zesty citrus taste to it!

It also can be used as a garnish for dishes or added to salads and green smoothies.

Lemon balm can also be made into extracts.

Lemon balm also comes in the form of an ointment, which has been applied for muscle soreness and pain relief.


Growing tips: Lemon balm is grown from seed. It is a fast-growing perennial herb. It is best to plant lemon balm in the fall or early spring. It will grow and thrive throughout the summer, but it may begin showing signs of dying back at some point during winter (the leaves will turn a lighter green).

It prefers full sun but can grow in partial shade as well, and it thrives best when planted in moist soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Lemon balm should be watered regularly during dry spells to prevent wilting. It needs regular pruning to keep the plant healthy.

Since it is a member of the mint family, you must consider where you plant lemon balm as it can become invasive. As a result, you may want to grow lemon balm in a container.

Harvest the leaves for tea. Cut them with scissors and put them in a jar or other airtight container until ready to use. When harvesting, only take what you need so that the plant will continue growing (leaves can be frozen).

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort has a large yellow flower that resembles a lily and smells like soap, with clusters of leaves at the bottom.

It is native to Europe but has been introduced throughout the world and in the United States, it grows wild in many states from Maine southwards.

It grows up to two feet tall and spreads through the ground by way of runners, which makes it easy to divide when necessary.

The herb St. John's wort blooms around the time of the feast of Saint John, giving it its name.

St. John's worst is extremely powerful and should be used very carefully as it can interact with several medications.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (9)

Category: Nervine

Uses: St. John's wort is used as a treatment for depression and anxiety, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It should be taken with caution, as it can cause mania or worsen bipolar disorder in some cases (especially if there are other risk factors present).

The active component in St. John's wort is hypericin, which influences serotonin levels in the brain that can help to lift mood and counteract feelings of hopelessness or despair.

It has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Parts used: primarily the bud and flower but also the leaf

St. John's Wort can be used as an oil or tincture. It is best to use the parts of St. John’s wort externally on wounds, cuts, and burns in a diluted form (usually one part vinegar to three parts water).

It can also be made into tea. It should be steeped for at least five minutes and drunk without milk or sugar. St John's Wort is typically used alone, but you can mix it with other medicinal plants such as nettle and comfrey if desired. The benefits of St. John's Wort are most potent when made into a tea.

Growing tips: This herb is a hardy perennial and will tolerate a variety of climates.

St. John's wort prefers full sun but can grow well in partial shade as well, thriving best when planted in moist soil that has been enriched with organic matter. It needs regular pruning to keep it healthy.

Plant St. John's Wort in the spring about two months before the first frost.

St. John's wort does not need to be replanted every year but will benefit from dividing it up and planting half of a plant each season.

The best time to harvest this herb is in the morning on an overcast day when it would be exposed.

St. John's wort can be harvested by either using scissors, snipping near the base of the plant in a downward motion so as not to harm other plants with flying stems or flowering heads, or you can simply snap off branches at their joints and hang them upside down indoors to dry overnight before storing for later use.

Thyme

Thyme is a herb that has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

The leaves are small, have a bit of fuzz on the edge, and can be either deep green or gray-green in color.

Thyme has a strong pine smell to it that is slightly reminiscent of mint but not quite as potent. It's best grown in zones five through eight outside and indoors year-round where temperatures don't drop.

Thyme is often a medicinal garden favorite among gardeners.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (10)

Category : Astringent

Uses: Thyme is a good choice for stomach issues, including indigestion and diarrhea, because it's antispasmodic. It also has antibacterial properties that can help with colds and the flu as well as topical infections on your skin like eczema or athlete's foot. It is a powerful disinfectant and you might even see it as the active ingredient in more natural cleaning products.

Parts used: Leaf and flower

The flowers of thyme can be steeped as a medicinal herbal tea or added to salads. Thyme leaves are edible and can be eaten raw in salad dressings, soups, dips, sauces, etc., but they're also often cooked with other ingredients prior to eating.

A tea made from thyme leaves can be drunk as needed for indigestion relief or to soothe a sore throat. To make tea, place one teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in a cup and cover with boiling water. Steep for five minutes, strain out the herbs, then enjoy!

The benefits of thyme are increased with the dosage.

Growing tips: Thyme is a perennial in zones five through eight.

Thyme is easy to grow from seed and can be grown indoors or outdoors with a sunny location. Plant thyme seeds directly into the garden as soon as it's warm.

Thyme likes dry, sunny conditions with well-drained soil so that it does not become waterlogged or overgrown.

Harvest thyme anytime you need it. Pinch or cut the stems of thyme just before flowering to loosen its upright habit and encourage branching.

Borage

Borage is an annual herb that has a hairy stem with toothed oval leaves growing from its creeping rhizomes. The plant bears blue flowers that are said to have a cucumber-like flavor.

It is also known as starflower.

A member of the Boraginaceae family, it is native to the Mediterranean region, borage now grows wild in Eurasia and North America. It was introduced into English gardens by Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II.

The plant was traditionally grown by peasants.

Borage is a flowering plant that attracts honeybees and butterflies and it said to grow up to 2 feet tall.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (11)

Category: Astringent

Uses: Borage is often used on the skin, as an emollient and astringent lotion to heal cuts and wounds.

Borage is also used externally on hair (as a rinse or conditioner), nails, scalp; internally it can help with dry coughs if taken in small doses over time.

Borage is also a mild sedative, which can help those with insomnia.

It increases resilience to stress and is helpful for those who are overly sensitive or prone to anxiety and depression by supporting the adrenals.

Cautions: Borage tastes soapy or bitter to some people and should not be taken by pregnant women because it stimulates the uterus too much; borage may cause gas in others.

Parts used: Leaf and flower

Borage leaves are used as green in salads or cooked. The flowers of borage can be eaten raw, pickled, and added to wine. Borage flowers can also be used in salads or as a garnish for fruit dishes, especially those containing strawberries. Borage is edible raw, but it's better steamed with lemon juice before serving because otherwise, its taste may not please everyone.

Borage oil is used as an ingredient in cosmetics, body care products, and cooking.

Growing tips: Borage is a hardy annual that is a fast-growing plant that can be grown from seed or by division of roots. It prefers the sun to shade and is often found on sunny banks and slopes. It grows well in moist soil and lime-free alkaline conditions.

Borage is supposed to improve tomatoes by attracting bees to the garden. It is also said to be helpful for tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers by giving them a substance that inhibits soil-borne diseases.

Borage can also help vine crops by improving their ability to resist insect attacks.

It is best picked before the plant starts going to seed because it becomes bitter when flowering occurs.

Holy Basil

Holy basil is a tender perennial that has leaves shaped like the fingers of a hand.

It is native to the Eastern Himalayas and India.

Other common names for this plant include Tulsi, sacred Tulasi, or tulsi leaves. It also goes by "Ocimum sanctum," which means “sacred herb” in Latin.

Holy basil has a very strong, spicy flavor. It has a clove-like aroma and a flavor that's pungent, sweet, peppery hot.

Holy basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is also becoming popular with Western herbalists.

The plant can be dried or frozen to preserve its medicinal properties.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (12)

Category : Nervine

Uses: Holy Basil is used as medicine for dyspepsia, asthma, anorexia nervosa, inflammation, allergies, and diabetes.

Benefits of holy basil include helping with digestion, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and nausea.

Holy basil has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties as well as antimicrobial effects against a range of microbial pathogens including E-coli, MRSA, "Streptococcus pyogenes", Staphyloccocus pneumonia," Pseudomonas aeruginosa".

It is an adaptogen, as well, which means that it "minimizes the adverse effects of stress on the body and generally increases tolerance to both physical and mental challenges."

In addition, holy basil is a vasodilator--it dilates or widens blood vessels. This can help lower high blood pressure and improve circulation.

Parts used: Leaf and flower

The leaves are also dried and used in potpourri or tea.

One can use it as a tea, in capsules or tablets, put it into soups and sauces, chew on the leaves fresh from the plant.

Many people find that holy basil works best when they take supplements containing concentrated extracts of this herb with other herbs for an extended period (at least three months).

Growing tips: This plant likes full sun and prefers to grow in moist soil. The best time to plant holy basil is in the springtime because it thrives on heat and sun.

It can be planted in a pot, or it can grow wild like basil tends to do so well!

The leaves are grown for use as medicine rather than just decoration. It should be harvested when fully matured but before the flower buds emerge; otherwise it will become too tough to chew on.

Do not harvest more than three-fourths of the plant's foliage at a given time, as this may cause it to wither or die from shock; and don't cut into its stems.

Instead, gently pluck off individual leaves.

Skullcap

Skullcap is a plant in the mint family. It has broad leaves and stems that smell kind of like menthol, especially when you rub them between your fingers.

It is a perennial plant with large, coarse leaves and purple flowers that grow in clusters at the top of its stalk.

The flowers are a little bit smaller than the leaves. They are shaped kind of like an upside-down cup and are a pale violet color. Skullcap flowers are not fragrant.

The name skullcap is thought to come from the shape of its flower, which has been likened to a skull cap with horns on it!

It is also known as Scutellaria lateriflora, and it is native to North America.

Skullcap likes to grow near streams or wet areas of forests during moist seasons and can grow to be about two or three feet tall.

Skullcap is also sometimes referred to as "Mad Dog" or "devil weed." But these are just folk names and don't really have any meaning.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (13)

Category: Nervine

Uses: The Skullcap plant is known to be quite popular among herbalists because of its relaxing properties. It's also been used to help relieve pain from headaches and migraines.

Skullcap is a plant that has been used for many years in different parts of the world to combat anxiety and other stress. It's known to reduce anxiety and depression in adults but is also safe for children too.

It has also been shown to help with stomach cramps and other muscle pain due to its sedative and antispasmodic effects.

Parts used: Leaf and flower

The leaves of the skullcap are used in a variety of ways including dried for tea, fresh as an herbal infusion, and cooked into soups.

To make a tea with the herb skullcap you should macerate fresh leaves in boiling water.

Skullcap is a very bitter-tasting herb, with an earthy flavor.

Growing tips: The skullcap plant is a perennial that grows in moist, rich soil. It needs plenty of sun and does well when planted with other herbs such as peppermint or lemon balm which are beneficial to its growth. The flowers bloom around the time of late summer into autumn (between July-September).

It is best to plant during the late summer or early autumn. To grow skullcap from seed, sow the seeds on fertile soil and cover them with a thin layer of compost. Water them well after planting to keep the ground moist but not soggy. Be sure plants have enough light and space for fresh air circulation. If you are planting it in a container, then do so before spring arrives. If you're growing in containers then plant them about one inch below the surface of your potting mix or garden bed.

If you are harvesting skullcap for its leaves then harvest them in late summer or early autumn when the plant is flowering. Cut off mature, healthy stems at ground level and leave enough foliage to protect new growth. If you want flowers for their seeds, collect seed heads from plants that have gone past their prime - usually after they have died.

Comfrey

Comfrey is a botanical herb belonging to the borage family. It has historically been used as both an herbal medicine and for cooking, mostly in salads or soups.

It is a perennial plant with large, coarse leaves and purple flowers that grow in clusters at the top of its stalk. The stems are long and rather thick, purplish in color. It has a triangular cross-section with the angles pointing downwards.

Comfrey is native to Europe and Western Asia. It can be found at the edge of fields, in meadows, on roadsides, and by streams. The British Isles are one of its most common habitats.

The name comfrey comes from Latin meaning "to soothe".

Some common names for comfrey are knitbone and motherwort.

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (14)

Category : Astringent

Uses: Comfrey is excellent for healing broken and fractured bones. Contains allantoin which stimulates the production of cells responsible for forming collagen, connective tissue, cartilage, and bones.

One of the world's great herbs, comfrey has been used for centuries to heal wounds quickly and naturally.

It is important to note that you should not use it on dirty wounds or broken skin.

Parts used: Leaf and flower

The leaves of comfrey are used in poultices and ointments.

For a simple poultice, just tear off some leaves from the stem and mash them up into a pulp. Place this on your wound; it will heal quickly! It will help draw out any pus from an infected wound.

Growing tips: Comfrey is a perennial herb. It loves full sun to partial shade. It is easy to grow and adapts well. It is best to sow comfrey in the early spring. Comfrey will grow in a variety of soil types, but it needs organic matter (manure or compost) to do well.

Space at least three feet apart - comfrey can get quite large!

If you're planting more than one plant, space them so that they will grow together nicely as a hedge or border plant. If grown indoors, this is not necessary and it may be better to pot each individual plant separately.

Rotate the plant every couple of years and divide up clumps after two or three years to keep them healthy. Comfrey is easy to propagate by division, cuttings, or root pieces.

When propagating, divide or transplant plants into nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and partial shade. They prefer moist but well-drained soils that are not too acidic nor alkaline.

It will grow from 18 inches tall all the way up to six feet tall when mature.

Comfrey can be planted near roses and any other plants that have shallow roots, its leaves are great for enriching the soil as well. You can also plant around your potatoes to stop them from being eaten by bugs when they sprout out of the ground!

The best time to harvest comfrey is early spring. The leaves should be harvested before they become large enough to start flowering. Gently pull the leaves off of the stem, be careful not to break them! You can divide the plant in fall or winter, but it will also self-seed quite easily and you may have some unwanted volunteers popping up from seedlings next year.


Top medicinal herbs to grow

There are many medicinal herbs that can be grown in your own garden. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to grow the plants or want a more complex herbalist garden, these 10 best medicinal plants will help improve your health and wellness. A great way to introduce yourself to growing medicinal herbs is by starting small; this means choosing one plant at first instead of planting all four corners with different types of herbals. You can then add more as needed, but only choose what you need so they’ll be easier to maintain!You may want to bookmark this medicinal herb gardenlist so you'll always have a reference of what is good for what ailment. Your family will thank you!

You Might Also Like...

Herbs to Plant in Fall for a Flavorful Home Garden

Banish the Blight: Conquering Black Spots on Basil

Rocket to Success: The Best Arugula Companion Plants

Cultivate Success: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Parsley Indoors

Get the Truth: Does Soaking Seeds Before Planting Really Improve Germination Rates?

The Must-Know Guide to Germinating Seeds with Paper Towels

Growing Basil From Cuttings: An Easy and Fun Guide

How Often to Water Mint: The Ultimate Guide

Mint Companion Plants: Friends and Foes

Herbs

Kelly Keating

Hey there, meet Kelly Keating - a passionate gardener who loves to share her experiences and tips with the world. Her blog posts on Gardener Basics are packed with valuable insights on how to care for your garden, regardless of whether you're new to gardening or an old hand. Want to learn more about Kelly's journey in gardening and her published work in top gardening publications like Today, Homes & Gardens, House Digest, Daily Express, and Ferry-Morse. Check out her full bio!

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews (2024)

FAQs

10 Best Medicinal Herbs for the Garden — Gardening, Herbs, Plants, and Product Reviews? ›

Some examples include aloe vera, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties; eucalyptus, which is used as an antiseptic; peppermint, which is used to treat stomach aches; and rosemary, which is used to improve memory and concentration.

What plant is known for healing? ›

Some examples include aloe vera, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties; eucalyptus, which is used as an antiseptic; peppermint, which is used to treat stomach aches; and rosemary, which is used to improve memory and concentration.

What is the king of healing herbs? ›

Basil is known as the “king” of herbs and used around the world for its healing and flavor-enhancing benefits. Add fresh basil to a summer salad, caprese or blend a fresh basil pesto at home to serve with chicken and greens for a flavorful meal.

What is the king of herbs medicine? ›

Basil - the king of herbs, the all-purpose plant. Bursting with flavor, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and a trusted cure for many ailments. Worshipped as a saint in India, venerated as guardian of the dead in ancient Egypt.

What herbs clean you out? ›

Herbs that Help Cleanse the Body during Drug and Alcohol Detox
  • Milk Thistle. Milk thistle supports liver health and restoration. ...
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar either in a tablet or in liquid form is a remedy for many things. ...
  • Ibogaine. ...
  • Kudzu Root. ...
  • Valerian Root. ...
  • Ginseng. ...
  • Astragalus. ...
  • Burdock Root.

Which herb gives you the most energy? ›

The 10 Best Herbs to Boost Energy and Focus
  1. Ginseng. Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement, well known for its energy-boosting properties. ...
  2. Sage. Research shows that sage (Salvia) may have impressive cognitive-enhancing effects in adults. ...
  3. Guarana. ...
  4. Bacopa monnieri. ...
  5. Peppermint. ...
  6. Rosemary. ...
  7. Rhodiola rosea. ...
  8. Ashwagandha.
Oct 5, 2020

What herbs should you eat everyday? ›

10 of the healthiest herbs and spices and their health benefits
  • Turmeric.
  • Ginger.
  • Cumin.
  • Peppermint.
  • Echinacea.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Chili powder.
  • Parsley.
Jun 30, 2021

What is the number one herb in the world? ›

The infographic above shows that, surprisingly, cumin is the most popular spice in the world, and coriander (or cilantro) is the most commonly used herb.

What are the 5 medicinal plants? ›

Medicinal plants like aloe, turmeric, tulsi, pepper, elachi and ginger are commonly used in a number of Ayurvedic home remedies and are considered to be the best aid among fighting ailments related to throat and skin.

What are the seven medicinal plants? ›

Name and number of tree medicinal plants :
  • Amlaki. Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
  • Haritaki. Terminalia chebula Retz.
  • Arjuna. Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.
  • Ashoka. Saraca indica Linn.
  • Neem. Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
  • Bohera. Terminalia belerica Roxb.
  • Gamar. Gmelina arborea Roxb.
  • Bel. Aegle marmelos Corr.

What is the most powerful spiritual flower? ›

1. Lotus Flower. Jahnavi Harrison explains how the lotus is a plant that, for those educated in an eastern spiritual context, evokes layers of meaning and narrative.

What's the most powerful herb on the earth? ›

Turmeric is certainly the most powerful herb on the planet. It is from the ginger family that is primarily grown in India, China and Indonesia. It contains various compounds with medicinal properties. For example, turmeric contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes.

What is the miracle herb? ›

Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.

What is the most universal herb? ›

The infographic above shows that, surprisingly, cumin is the most popular spice in the world, and coriander (or cilantro) is the most commonly used herb.

What is the most potent form of herbs? ›

Dried powdered extracts

THE PROS: “Dried powdered extracts are by far the most potent herbal preparation—they're even stronger than liquid extracts,” says Dr. Rawls. They are also easy to take and portable, making them the most versatile option.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6167

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.