Herbalism is one of the oldest forms of medicine, and it is still practiced today.
There are many different types of herbs that can be grown in your garden for medicinal use.
In this blog post, we will discuss 11 of the most popular herbs to grow for medicinal purposes.
We will also provide information on how to grow these herbs and what theirmedicinal usesare!
In this article
How many types of herbs are there?
There are an endless amount of types of herbs that can be grown in your garden for medicinal use.
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and health conditions.
Each herb has its own unique therapeutic properties and health benefits.
What are the most used herbs in cooking?
The most used herbs in cooking includebasil, oregano, rosemary and thyme.
What are the benefits of growing your own medicinal herbs?
What are the best medicinal herbs for beginners?
The best medicinal herbs for beginners are lavender, chamomile and peppermint.
These three types of plants can be grown easily at home without any special training or equipment required.
They also have many health benefits that are beneficial to your everyday life.
What is the best time of year to grow medicinal herbs?
What is the oldest herb?
The oldest herb is garlic, which has been used for medicinal purposes for over 5000 years.
Characteristics: The basilplant is an annual that growsto a height of about 24 inches.
It has fragrant leaves and blooms in the summer months.
What does Basil look like?
Basil has green leaves that are about two inches long.
The leaves are oval-shaped and have a pointed tip.
The plant blooms in the summer months, and the flowers are small and white.
Basil can also be used to treat fever, asthma, and sinus infections.
Culinary Uses:The leaves are used to flavor many dishes, including pastas and salads.
Bay Leaves
Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis
Description: Bay Leaves are a spice used in cooking.
The leaf is green and has a bitter taste.
Growing tips:Bay leaves can be grown indoors or outside in USDA zones eight through 11.
They require full sun and well-drained soil.
What does Bay Leaves look like?
The bay leaf is an evergreen tree that grows to a height of about 20 feet.
It has dark green, shiny leaves that are two to three inches long and one inch wide.
They can also help with indigestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices.
Culinary Uses: The leaves are added whole to soups, stews and sauces for flavor.
Bee Balm
Scientific Name:Monarda didyma
Description: Bee Balm is aperennial herbthat is native to North America.
Characteristics: The bee balm plant is a perennial that grows to a height of about three feet.
It has fragrant leaves and blooms in the summer months with clusters of red, purple or pink flowers.
Growing tips: Bee balm can be grown indoors or outside in USDA zones four through nine.
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
It requires well-drained soil.
What does bee balm look like?
The bee balm plant is a perennial that grows to a height of about three feet.
It has fragrant leaves and blooms in the summer months with clusters of red, purple or pink flowers.
The plant can also be used to reduce inflammation.
The flowers can also be used to make tea.
Borage
Scientific Name:Borago officinalis
Description: Borage is anannual herb that is native to the Mediterranean region.
The plant has hairy leaves andblue flowersthat bloom in the summer months.
Characteristics: The borage plant is an annual that grows to a height of about two feet.
It has hairy leaves and blue flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Growing tips: Borage can be grown indoors or outside in USDA zones four through nine.
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
It requires well-drained soil and does not like wet conditions.
What does borage look like?
The borage plant is an annual that grows to a height of about two feet.
It has hairy leaves and blue flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Medicinal Use: Borage is used to treat anxiety, stress and depression.
The plant can also be used to improve memory function and cognitive performance.
Culinary Uses:The leaves can be added fresh to salads, soups or tea.
They can also be dried and stored for later use.
It has brightflowers in shades of yellow and orange, making it an attractive addition to any garden.
Growing tips:
Calendula is a very easy plant to grow.
Calendula prefers soil that drains well and is slightly alkaline with plenty of nitrogen-rich compost added.
What does calendula look like?
They are typically about two inches across and have five petals.
The flowers grow on tall stalks above the plants foliage.
They can be made into a salve or ointment to treat skin irritations such as eczema or dryness.
Because calendula has anti-inflammatory properties it may also help to reduce swelling and pain.
It is thought to help calm the gut and support digestion.
Additionally, calendula may have anti-microbial properties which could make it useful for fighting infection.
The plants petals are also dried and used to create a dye.
The tubular flowers are purple, blue or white and bloom from June to September.
It is native to Europe and Asia but can be grown in most parts of the United States.
Calamint prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
It grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added.
you’ve got the option to start calamint from seed or propagate by division in early spring.
What does calamint look like?
The flowers range in color from purple to white or blue and have a minty aroma.
you’ve got the option to also make your own tea by steeping the leaves in hot water.
Theflowers are white or lavenderand bloom from June to September.
It is native to Europe and Asia but can be grown in most parts of the United States.
Catnip prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
It grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added.
you could start catnip from seed or propagate by division in early spring.
What does catnip look like?
Catnip is a perennial herb that has opposite leaves and white or lavender flowers.
Medicinal uses:
Catnip is most commonly used as a sedative and antispasmodic.
Externally, catnip can be used as a topical treatment for bruises, cuts and wounds.
It is also commonly used to make tea.
Caraway
Scientific Name: Carum carvi
Caraway is a biennial herb that growsup to two feet tall.
The leaves are feathery and the flowers are small and white.
Caraway is used medicinally to relieve digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and cramps.
It can also be used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Caraway seeds should be sown in autumn or spring.
Start them indoors, then transplant the seedlings outdoors after they have reached a height of about six inches.
Caraway is used medicinally to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
It can also be applied topically to relieve muscle aches and pains brought on by overexertion.
Caraway seeds are used in a wide variety of dishes, including soups and stews.
They can also be used to flavor breads, cakes, cookies and other baked goods.
Chamomile
Scientific Name:Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is an annual herb that grows to about two feet tall.
The flowers are small and daisy-like, with a yellow center and white petals.
Chamomile does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Chamomile can also be used as a topical treatment for skin irritations such as eczema and sunburn.
Chamomile flowers are used to flavor tea, jam, syrup and wine.
It is popular in France and is used to season eggs, fish, and poultry.
Chervil also makes a tasty addition to salads.
It can be grown from seed or transplanted once it is established.
Chervil is used to treat respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma.
It is also a detoxifier and can be used to relieve digestive problems.
Chervil is used to season eggs, fish, poultry, and salads.
Chives
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Description: Chives are a cold-hardy perennial that grow in clumps.
They produce pink flowers and have long, thin leaves with a mild onion flavor.
Growing tips:Chivesare easy to grow, and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
How to Harvest: Cut the leaves with scissors above the soil level for culinary use.
Theyre also high in vitamin C and potassium.
Culinary Uses: Chives are a great addition to salads, eggs, potato dishes and more.
The stems are erect with feathery foliage on top of them.
They grow from the roots in clusters and can reach a height of 70 cm.
The leaves are divided into three leaflets, they are pinnate and have a strong aniseed scent.
Its flowers are small white umbels that appear in the summer.
Cicely likes a moist soil in partial shade.
It can be grown from seed or root division.
Uses: The leaves and flowers of cicely are edible and have a sweet aniseed flavour.
They are used to flavour food, as well as being made into teas and tinctures for medicinal use.
The plant is also supposed to help with weight loss!
Medicinal uses: It is used as a diuretic, antiseptic and disinfectant.
The leaves are crushed to make a poultice for wounds.
The leaves, flower and seeds help assist digestion as well as increasing appetite.
It can also be used for bloating and flatulence because of its anti-spasmodic action.
The leaves and seeds are both used medicinally.
It is also used in teas and tinctures.
Medicinal uses:Cilantro is a culinary herb that has many medicinal properties.
It is effective in treating diarrhea, indigestion, and heartburn.
Cilantro can also be used as a natural insect repellent.
Leaves treat digestive disorders, lower blood sugar, improve skin health.
Seeds can help with sleep issues or insomnia.
Culinary Uses:The leaves of cilantro can be used fresh or dried.
It is best to use the whole plant, including stems and roots.
Cilantro imparts a very strong flavor when used in cooking so it should only be used sparingly.
Seeds are typically ground into a powder or added whole to dishes like curries and sauces for extra flavor.
As the name suggests, it has a strong flavor that can be overpowering in large quantities.
But used sparingly, culantro can add a delicious peppery taste to salsas, soups and stews.
Growing tips: Culantro is a fast-growing herb that does well in full sun or partial shade.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought.
Culantro is also one of the most medicinal herbs out there.
Its high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, making it a powerful immune-booster.
Its also used to treat indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
The leaves are chewed raw or steeped into tea to help with arthritis or fever.
Culantro is also thought to be helpful in treating diabetes and other blood sugar issues.
Culinary Uses: Culantro can be used in place of coriander to liven up salsas, soups and stews.
It also goes well with fish, egg dishes and vegetables.
Dill is also highly effective in helping to relieve gastrointestinal distress such as colic, indigestion and flatulence.
Fennel
Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Description: Fennel is a hardy perennial that grows in clumps.
It produces yellow flowers and has long, thin leaves with a licorice flavor.
Growing Tips:Fennel prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
The seeds can also be used in baking.
It has feathery leaves and a strong mint flavor.
Growing Tips: Feverfew prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
The leaves can also be used in salads or as an herb seasoning.
It has also been found effective in reducing the severity of migraines.
It produces small purple flowers and has long, thin leaves with a strong garlic flavor.
Growing tips: Garlic can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Its a popular ingredient in Italian, French and Chinese cuisine.
Traditional Uses: Garlic has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
It grows well in temperate climates with full sun or partial shade.
Growing Tips: Germander prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Ginger
Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale
Description: Ginger is a hardy perennial that grows in tropical climates.
It has long, thin leaves and produces small yellow flowers.
Growing Tips: Ginger can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Its a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine.
Traditional Uses: Ginger has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
It has long, thin leaves and produces small white flowers.
Growing Tips: Ginseng can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Its a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine.
Traditional Uses:Ginseng has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a spicy, pungent herb that has many medicinal benefits.
It is excellent for clearing the sinuses and lungs, and it helps to digest food.
Horseradish can also be used as a topical treatment for skin irritations.
To grow horseradish, you will need rich soil and plenty of sunlight.
Medicinal uses:Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that has many medicinal benefits.
It is excellent for soothing the mind and body, and it helps to promote restful sleep.
Lavender can also be used as a topical treatment for skin irritations.
Culinary Uses:Lavender has a very distinct taste.
Use lavender sparingly when cooking, or it can easily overpower.
Herbal tea: Lavender is great for making herbal teas.
Just add fresh or dried lavender flowers to hot water and steep until the aroma is released.
you could also buy pre-made lavender tea bags at the grocery store.
Healthy Recipes:Lavender Lemonade, Lavender Honey Butter, Blueberry and lavender muffins
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Lemon Balm
Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
Growing tips:Lemon balmdoes best in full sun to partial shade.
It prefers rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of between six and seven.
Medicinal uses:Lemon balmis a great herb for treating anxiety and stress.
Culinary Uses:Lemon balm has a lemony flavor that goes well with sweet and savory dishes.
Add it to teas, smoothies, salad dressings, or pestos.
Herbal tea:Lemon balm is a great herb for making herbal teas.
Just add fresh or dried lemon balm leaves to hot water and steep until the aroma is released.
It can be grown indoors as long as it gets at least four hours of sunlight each day.
You should fertilize lemon verbena once a year byspreading compostaround the base of the plant.
Medicinal uses: Lemon verbena is a great herb for treating anxiety, stress, and tension headaches.
It can also be used to treat upset stomachs and indigestion.
Culinary Uses: Lemon verbena has a lemony-citrus flavor that goes well with sweet and savory dishes.
Add it to teas, smoothies, salad dressings or pestos.
Herbal tea: Lemon verbena is a great herb for making herbal teas.
Just add fresh or dried lemon balm leaves to hot water and steep until the aroma is released.
Healthy Recipes: Lemon Verbena Pancakes, Lemon Verbena Ice Cream, Lemon Verbena Scones
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It can be grown indoors, but it needs at least four hours of sunlight each day.
You should fertilize lemongrass once a year by spreading compost around the base of the plant.
Medicinal uses: Lemongrass is a great herb for treating anxiety and stress, as well as indigestion.
It can also be used to treat headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Culinary Uses:Lemongrass has a lemony-citrus flavor that goes well with sweet and savory dishes.
Add it to teas, smoothies, salad dressings or pestos.
Herbal tea:Lemongrass is a great herb for making herbal teas.
Just add fresh or dried lemon balm leaves to hot water and steep until the aroma is released.
Healthy Recipes:Lemongrass Tea Latte, Lemongrass and Ginger Tea, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
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Its a ground cover plant, so it does not need pruning or staking.
Lungwort also acts as a general tonic for the entire body.
Lungwort can be made into an infusion or tea from its leaves or flowers.
It may be sweetened with sugar or honey to improve the taste.
The flowers are pink to lilac in color.
It is also used as a sleep aid.
Caution: Do not take marjoram if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Growing tips: Marjoram grows best in full sun and will tolerate light shade.
It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of between five and eight.
Culinary Uses: Marjoram is used in many Italian dishes, such as pasta sauces and pizzas.
It does best in partial shade but will grow in full sun if it has plenty of water.
Mint is such a popular herb that its known to take over if youre not careful!
Medicinal uses: Mint is a great herb to use for digestive issues.
It can help soothe an upset stomach, ease cramps, and calm nausea.
Its also helpful for relieving respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus congestion.
Related:29+ Different Types Of Mint Plants With Pictures (Identification Guide)
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The flowers are white or pink, and the fruit is a blackberry-like berry.
Myrtle has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb.
Myrtle prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
It grows best in well-drained soil and does not require a lot of water.
Myrtle berries are edible and have a sweet, tart flavor.
They can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and sauces.
The flowers are purple and it bears fruits which are black.
This herb grows in the Mediterranean region.
It can be used to treat stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting etc.
Culinary Uses:Oregano is used in Italian, Greek and Turkish cuisines.
It is a main ingredient in pizza and pasta sauces.
The leaves and stems are used medicinally for a variety of purposes.
Parsley can be taken internally or applied externally to the skin.
Growing tips: Parsley prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
It can be grown from seed or transplanted.
Parsley tea is often used to help increase milk flow in lactating women.
The leaves have a serrated edge and the stems have purple spots on them.
The flowers are small and purple, and the fruits are black.
Peppermint has a strong, minty smell and a sweet, refreshing taste.
It is also used to treat headaches, muscle pain, and chest colds.
Cultivation: Peppermint grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Use a planting medium such as compost or peat moss mixed with sand and perlite.
Water regularly and fertilize every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract.
Harvesting: Peppermint leaves are ready to harvest when they reach three inches in height.
Hang upside down in a dry, dark place to cure for two weeks.
Strip the leaves from the stems and store in an airtight container.
Culinary Uses:Peppermint is used to flavor candy, ice cream, tea, and other drinks.
It can be grown indoors, but it needs at least four hours of sunlight each day.
You should fertilize rosemary once a year by spreading compost or worm castings around the base of the plant.
It can also help with asthma and memory loss.
Culinary Uses: Rosemary is a popular herb for flavoring meats, vegetables and soups.
It also helps with menopausal symptoms and memory loss.
Thisherb can be grown indoors or outdoorsin a well-drained location where it will receive plenty of sun.
If youre growing sage indoors, youll need to keep your plant near a sunny window.
Growing tips: Sage is generally grown from cuttings or seeds.
When growing indoors, use a potting mix thats designed for cacti or succulent plants.
It is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region, but now grows all over the world.
The British have long made a tea from spearmint to help relieve morning sickness in pregnant women.
Spearmint is considered an antispasmodic and carminative herb that can help relieve stomach cramps, gas and bloating.
It can also be used externally as a compress for sore muscles.
Spearmint is frequently added to chewing gum and breath mints because it aids digestion and freshens the breath.
It is also a popular herb for aromatherapy, and is said to be uplifting and refreshing.
Spearmint leaves can be enjoyed fresh in salads or added to cooked dishes.
The essential oil of spearmint is used in many commercial products, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and candy.
Seeds per gram: Approx.
Germination temperature: Approx.
21-27 degrees Celsius (70-81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Days to germination: Approx.
Harvest time: 50 days after planting the seedlings out in the garden bed.
Culinary Uses: Stevia is used to make tea or as a sweetener in place of sugar.
Tansy
Scientific Name: Tanacetum vulgare
Tansy is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family.
It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, as well as cooking and textile dying.
Its use has declined due to toxicity concerns.
It can be consumed by adding its leaves or flowers to salads and soups.
However, if used for long periods it can cause stomach upset.
Pregnant women should avoid its use because it may be harmful to the fetus.
The plant is toxic and can be fatal if consumed in large amounts.
Tansy can be grown from seed or cuttings.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
The leaves and flowers can be added to salads, soups and meat dishes.
The leaves and flowers can be used to make teas, tinctures, and extracts.
Medicinal Use: This herb is commonly used to treat various digestive problems.
It works as a diuretic, laxative and carminative.
Tarragon can be grown from seed or from cuttings.
Storage tips: Tarragon is best stored in a cool, dark place.
It can also be used in salads or as a garnish for soups and stews.
The leaves are small and opposite.
The flowers are pink, tubular and grow in clusters.
Thyme is a very versatile herb with many medicinal uses.
It can be used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma and congestion.
It can also be used to treat digestive problems such as indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting.
Additionally, thyme is a good antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Culinary Uses: Thyme is a popular herb in both Mediterranean and French cuisine.
Its a root similar to ginger, and it is what gives curry powder its distinctive yellow color.
Its also been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Growing tips: Turmeric is a tropical plant, so it needs warm weather to grow well.
It can be used in place of sage and thyme when making stuffing or poultry dishes.
Winter savory is also used to treat malaria, fevers and headaches.
Growing tips: Winter savory likes full sun and well-drained soil.
It can be grown from seed or propagated by division in the spring.
Wormwood is also thought to help stimulate digestion.
Growing tips: Wormwood prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Medicinal uses: Wormwood is a popular alternative medicine for digestive problems, including anorexia and indigestion.
It has been used to treat liver disease and malaria as well.
Growing tips:Yarrow grows in most conditions and is drought tolerant.
It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Culinary Uses: Yarrow leaves can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
Conclusion
Herbs are a great way to improve your health and well-being.
There are many different types of herbs, each with their own unique properties.
By learning about the different types of herbs, you might choose the right ones for you.
-Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.
Today, they are still popular among people who want to improve their health naturally.
Herbs can be taken in many forms, including capsules, teas, tinctures, and essential oils.
-There are many benefits to using herbs.
They can help boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and improve your overall health.
Herbs also have other benefits such as reducing stress levels and improving sleep quality.
