Our love for herbal medicine began unexpectedly back in 2014 when we stumbled upon the world of herbs and their incredible health benefits. At first, we relied on purchasing bulk dried herbs online. We started mixing and making our own herbal tea blends. Those teas changed our lives for better! It truly opened our eyes to the magic of plant medicine.
However, there was always a lingering curiosity about how those herbs were actually grown and processed.
In 2021, we were building our current garden and we took the leap and decided to start growing our very first medicinal plants ourselves. Since then, our garden has flourished, and our list of herbs has expanded every year. Our once “mini” apothecary has grown into something extraordinary, it’s now brimming with goodness!
Creating a medicinal garden is not just a gardening project; it’s a journey into wellness! Growing your own medicinal herbs offers so many benefits, both for your health and well being, as well as building a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard!
There’s something truly magical about nurturing these plants and witnessing their transformation from seedlings to powerful remedies. We hope you feel inspired to start growing your own magic too!
Why you should start growing a medicinal garden?
Connection to nature
One of the most rewarding aspects of growing a medicinal garden is the deep connection it fosters with nature. Tending to plants, observing their growth, and appreciating their unique qualities allows us to slow down and engage with the natural world. This connection can provide a sense of peace and grounding in our often busy lives.
Access to fresh remedies
Having a medicinal garden means you have easy access to fresh herbs that can be used to support your health. Many of these plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, and their potency is often highest when harvested fresh.
From soothing teas to homemade salves, the possibilities are endless.
Sustainability
Growing your own medicinal herbs reduces reliance on store bought products, many of which may contain additives or preservatives. It promotes sustainability by minimizing packaging waste and the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
It empowers you to take charge of your health naturally.
Educational opportunities
Gardening is a fantastic way to learn about plant biology, ecology, and herbal medicine. It encourages curiosity and experimentation, allowing you to explore various growing techniques, harvesting methods, and uses for your herbs.
This knowledge can be shared with family and friends, enriching your community.
Creating a medicinal garden is a wonderful way to cultivate plants that can offer health benefits.
You have a variety of options for growing medicinal plants. Below, you’ll find a list of 15 of some of our favourite medicinal plants, along with tips on how to grow each one.
Lavender
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings.
Harvest: Cut flowers when in full bloom.
Benefits: Known for its calming properties, lavender is often used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It can help improve sleep quality and relieve headaches.
Uses: Lavender can be brewed into tea, used in sachets, or made into essential oils for aromatherapy.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Harvest: Pick leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Benefits: Tulsi is considered a sacred herb in Ayurveda and is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress. It also supports immune function and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Uses: Tulsi leaves can be used fresh in teas, salads, or as a garnish. They can also be dried for long-term storage.
Catnip
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor soil.
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry; avoid overwatering.
Harvest: Cut stems back after flowering for best flavour.
Benefits: Catnip is not just for cats! This herb has a mild sedative effect on humans and can help alleviate insomnia and anxiety. It also aids in digestion.
Uses: Brew catnip leaves into a calming tea or use them in herbal pillows for relaxation.
Lemon Balm
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Watering: Regular watering to keep soil moist.
Harvest: Snip leaves as needed; can be dried for tea.
Benefits: Lemon balm is known for its uplifting aroma and is often used to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help with digestive issues and promote restful sleep.
Uses: Lemon balm can be enjoyed in teas, used in culinary dishes, or infused into oils.
Borage
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Watering: Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly in between.
Harvest: Pick leaves and flowers when young for culinary uses.
Benefits: Borage is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is beneficial for skin health and reducing inflammation. It’s also considered a mood enhancer.
Uses: The leaves and flowers can be added to salads, drinks, or used in skin care preparations.
Echinacea
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently.
Harvest: Harvest flowers in full bloom for medicinal use.
Benefits: Echinacea is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, often used to prevent or reduce the duration of colds and flu.
Uses: Echinacea can be made into tinctures, teas, or capsules.
Calendula
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Harvest: Pick flowers as they open for use in ointments.
Benefits: Calendula is famous for its skin-healing properties. It helps soothe cuts, burns, and irritations due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities.
Uses: The flowers can be infused into oils or made into salves for topical application.
Peppermint
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
Watering: Regularly water to keep soil moist.
Harvest: Cut stems just before flowers bloom.
Benefits: Peppermint is a popular herb for digestive health, helping to relieve bloating and discomfort. It also has a cooling effect that can reduce headaches.
Uses: Peppermint leaves can be used fresh in teas, desserts, or as flavoring in dishes.
Thyme
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil.
Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings.
Harvest: Snip leaves anytime for culinary use.
Benefits: Thyme is not only a culinary herb but also has antimicrobial properties. It can be used to support respiratory health.
Uses: Fresh or dried thyme can be added to soups, stews, or brewed into herbal infusions.
Ginger
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Partial shade.
Soil: Rich, loamy soil; keep moist.
Watering: Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
Harvest: Dig up rhizomes after the leaves die back.
Benefits: Ginger is well-known for its ability to alleviate nausea and support digestive health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Uses: Ginger can be used fresh in teas, smoothies, and cooking.
Turmeric
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, rich soil.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
Harvest: Harvest rhizomes in fall after the leaves yellow.
Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It supports joint health and overall wellness.
Uses: Turmeric can be added to food, smoothies, or made into golden milk.
Ashwagandha
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil.
Watering: Water during dry spells; drought-tolerant once established.
Harvest: Harvest roots after 150-180 days.
Benefits: As an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps the body manage stress. It also supports cognitive function and overall vitality.
Uses: The root can be made into a powder for smoothies or brewed as a tea.
Nettle
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun or part shade
Soil: It can thrive in well drained soil or even poor soil
Watering: Keep soil moist.
Harvest: Cut back the stems after they flower for better flavour.
Benefits: Nettle can help with calmness, sleep, and digestion.
Uses: You can make tea or use leaves in herbal pillows for relaxation.
Moringa
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor quality.
Watering: Water regularly during dry periods.
Harvest: Pick leaves and pods when young.
Benefits: Moringa is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It supports energy levels, immune function, and overall health.
Uses: Moringa leaves can be used fresh in salads, dried for powder, or made into tea.
Gotu Kola
Growing tips:
Sunlight: Partial shade.
Soil: Moist, rich soil.
Watering: Keep consistently moist.
Harvest: Snip leaves as needed for fresh use.
Benefits: Gotu kola is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties and is often used to support mental clarity and memory.
Uses: The leaves can be consumed fresh in salads or steeped for tea.
Benefits: Gotu kola is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties and is often used to support mental clarity and memory.
Uses: The leaves can be consumed fresh in salads or steeped for tea.
Growing a medicinal garden is a fulfilling endeavour that connects us to nature while providing us with valuable resources for health and wellness. The herbs listed above are just a few examples of the many plants that can enrich your garden and your life. Each flower and herb build biodiversity, by enlisting new friendly pollinators into your garden. By cultivating these herbs, you not only empower yourself with natural remedies but also foster a deeper appreciation for the healing power of nature.
So, why not start your own medicinal garden today? Embrace the journey of learning, growing, and healing, one plant at a time!
