I first became interested in herbal medicine several years ago. My dad had gotten an infection in his hand from a cut and the doctors were having a very difficult time treating it. They had tried ointments and antibiotics and were beginning to talk about some sort of surgery. I did what I have always done in these situations. Went home and researched the crap out of infections and how to treat them. In the course of my research, I discovered that melaleuca oil was being used very successfully to treat MRSA in the UK. A little more reading and I discovered the healing benefits of calendula.
I always have melaleuca oil on hand. I use it for everything! And for some reason I had some dried calendula flowers in the house as well. So I made a calendula tea bath to soak his hand in, then rubbed melaleuca oil into the infected area. Within a few days it started looking better and within a couple of weeks it was almost completely healed. That was enough for me. Herbal medicine became my new passion.
I've been growing my own medicinal herb garden ever since.
Now, I am not a medical doctor. I am not giving you medical advice. There are times when a doctor is absolutely necessary. And please do not use any herbs unless you have grown it yourself from seed or 100% sure of what you have and where it came from. Many herbal medicine "experts" actually aren't!
Before using any of these for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor and/or an actual expert in herbal medicine.
Okay...my top picks for your medicinal herb garden. I chose these because of their uses and because they are easy to grow.
1. Calendula: Of course, calendula tops my list. After my experience with my dad, I make sure to always have some on hand. It has antifungal, antiseptic, and healing properties. And it's pretty yellow-orange flowers make a nice addition to your landscape. It is an annual, which means you have to replant every year. But it will bloom all season long, giving you a nice crop of flowers to dry.
2. Peppermint: Peppermint tea is my go-to when I'm feeling a bit bloated. And peppermint oil is one of the ingredients in the oil blend I use to soothe my sore muscles when I've overdone it in the garden!
This is an extremely easy to grow herb. In fact, you might want to grow it in a container instead of directly in your garden as it can get out of control very quickly!
3. Rosemary: I love rosemary for its flavor. I frequently use it in my cooking. But it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help treat indigestion and research shows that the aroma from rosemary can improve a person's concentration and mood. Rosemary has been used to relieve headaches, upset stomachs, and menstrual cramps.
4. Basil: Again, most of us know basil from our kitchens. But it also has medicinal uses. Basil is good for digestion and has been used to relieve nausea and acid reflux. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may also help manage depression and anxiety.
Consumption of basil could also result in slow release of sugar in the blood, which is beneficial for diabetics. The essential oil present in basil also helps cut down triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which is a persistent risk factor amongst diabetics.
5. Cilantro: Most people associate cilantro with Mexican food, not medicine. But cilantro may help rid the body of heavy metals, lower anxiety, improve sleep, lower blood sugar levels, prevent urinary tract infections, aid digestion, and may even protect against food poisoning.
6. Catnip: It's not just for cats! Catnip tea has been used to treat anxiety, indigestion, insomnia, and gastrointestinal upsets including cramping and gas.
7. Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is one of the few perennial herbs so be aware that when you plant it, it will come back year after year. Lemon balm is used to relieve stress and help you relax. Applied topically, it has been shown to treat cold sores. It has also been used to treat indigestion and relieve nausea.
8. Feverfew: Feverfew is an anti-inflammatory which has been used to treat arthritis and migraines. This is another perennial herb so plant it where you want to keep it!
9. Thyme: Another common kitchen herb you may not realize also has medicinal uses. Thyme has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Thyme tea can be used to soothe coughs and sore throats. Thyme is also packed with vitamin C and has been used to help prevent colds and flu. It's antiseptic properties make it a useful disinfectant for your home. And if you have pets, you may have noticed thyme oil (thymol) as an ingredient in their flea and tick repellent.
10. Oregano: Oregano has some pretty potent benefits. It is rich in antioxidants. It has antibacterial properties. It may also protect against some viruses. People have used oregano for centuries to treat asthma, diarrhea, and indigestion. It may also help treat diabetes by improving insulin resistance. Other possible uses include treatment of croup, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, headaches, ringworm and psoriasis.
Baba (my grandmother) used herbs from her back yard to treat an infection on my arm. I used herbs to treat my dad's infection. People have been using herbal medicine for centuries. The more you know, the more prepared you will be in the event of a situation where medical help is not readily available. Start by learning how to use these 10 herbs. Once you're ready to expand your knowledge, I recommend you start by reading The Big Book of Backyard Medicine: The Ultimate Guide to Home-Grown Herbal Remedies.
Happy planting!
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