15 Medicinal Plants to Grow

A medicinal herb garden is easy to grow, are usually natural insect repellers, and contain amazing properties. My. list of 15 medicinal plants to grow are so easy to grow that sometimes you have to keep a tight rein on them to prevent them from taking over. The essential oils found in herbs help them to resist pests, so you won’t need to worry about having your crop eaten by insects or animals. 

1. Basil is a tasty kitchen spice that is also a superstar in the world of healing herbs. It is naturally antiseptic and also has some powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful for a wide variety of problems ranging from topical treatment of scrapes and cuts to ingestion for the treatment of digestive problems.

2. Chamomile is flavorful and soothing. A cup of chamomile tea can settle your tummy and/or help you sleep. It is also an excellent addition to salves for treatment of skin inflammation.

3. Echinacea helps boost the immune system by activating your white blood cells. This helps your body deflect colds and flu and fight infection.

4. Feverfew is helpful for reducing fever and relieving headaches. This is accomplished by chewing the leaves. You can also make a tea with the herb that will help relieve arthritis pain.

5. Ginseng is also an excellent liver tonic and has been shown to have a positive effect on stamina, cholesterol levels, and repairing lung damage.

6. Johny-Jump-Up has anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal herb is good for eczema and skin blemishes as well as to help loosen phlegm.

7. Lavender has deeply calming properties. It is excellent for aromatherapy and for tea. It also has strong antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and is a good addition to salves and ointments.

8. Lemon Balm also helps calm the tummy and promote rest and relaxation. It is a bit more powerful than chamomile and can help relieve pain and discomfort. It is also a good appetite stimulant.

9. Marigold is good for sunburn, acne, and blemishes, this medicinal herb also soothes ulcers and digestive problems.

10. Milk Thistle has been clinically proven to help cleanse and strengthen the liver.

11. Peppermint contains the well-known medicinal ingredient, menthol. It is good for soothing irritated skin, calming and settling the stomach and soothing bloating and stomach pain.

12. Parsley has very high chlorophyll content, so when consumed fresh it is an excellent source of enzymes that help promote good gut health. Additionally, chewing fresh parsley is an effective remedy for bad breath. The high ironcontent in parsley can help relieve fatigue. Parsley tea is a good remedy for bladder and/or kidney infection, upset stomach and flatulence.

13. Rosemary has relaxing and tummy settling properties, and it also helps clearphlegm when you have a cold or flu. Drinking Rosemary tea can reduce headache pain and improve memory. This may be because it helps increase circulation. Overall, it is beneficial to the central nervous system and the circulatory
system.

14. Sage has powerful astringent and antibacterial properties. It is very good for soothing inflammation of the mouth, gums and throat. Drinking a cup of sage tea can help soothe mouth ulcers.

15. Thyme contains a strong antiseptic ingredient called thymol, which is used in many antiseptic commercial products. Thyme is an excellent choice for treating fungal infections and wounds.

Container Gardening

If you don't have a lot of space, or are an apartment dweller, try container gardening. Out of these 15, the best choices for container gardening are marigold, basil, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, johnny jump up, parsley, and lemon balm.

It works well to pair more than one herb in a large pot too, if you choose to try your hand at that.