Medicinal Garden Plants: The 13 Plants You Need to Grow

Preppers should grow many medicinal garden plants to access natural remedies. These plants offer a range of health benefits and can be used to treat various illnesses. Let’s dive into the 13 plants you need to know and grow!

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What Are Medicinal Garden Plants?

Medicinal plants are plants used to support one’s health and are traditionally used to treat root symptoms. These herbs can be grown in various places, such as in a standard vegetable garden or vertical garden tower.

Herbs have numerous beneficial properties and have long been used as herbal remedies by many cultures worldwide. However, they may be limited to only some herbs as some medicinal plants can only grow during certain seasons.

Whether grown for practical use or simply as decorative additions to a garden, medicinal plants offer countless benefits that make them an essential part of any home landscape.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Herbs For Medicinal Purposes?

Many people have been growing their own herbs for medicinal purposes, as they are known to have numerous benefits.

First and foremost, herb gardening can be extremely therapeutic and relaxing, especially if you create a dedicated space in your garden for these plants.

Additionally, having a herb garden makes it easy to access fresh ingredients anytime, which provides a convenient supply of components for herbal medicines and teas.

Finally, by cultivating medicinal herbs in your garden, you gain control over the quality and purity of your medicine, ensuring that nothing goes into each batch except the best possible ingredients.

Having a herb garden is truly an invaluable skill to keep in touch with nature or even spend more time on self-care through relaxing. So start planting today – you will be glad you did!

How Do You Start A Medicinal Herb Garden?

Starting a medicinal herb garden can seem daunting, especially if you are new to gardening. However, with some careful planning and the right tools, it is actually quite simple.

First, it’s essential to consider your growing zone and gardening season. This will depend on where you live and what sort of growing season your area typically has. For example, suppose you are in a warmer climate where plants have longer growing seasons. In that case, you should focus on USDA growing zones that are typically warm or tropical and considered hardy perennials or partial shade.

Once you have selected a suitable growing zone, it is time to decide what kinds of herbs you would like to grow. Some good choices include basil, mint, chamomile, dill, lavender, and fennel; these herbs are hardy and generally do well in full sun with little water. Of course, there are many other options, so be sure to research the different types of plants that thrive in your particular environment and climate.

Try to get your garden started during the growing season for your particular USDA growing zones – this way, your plants will get off to a strong start right out of the gate.

Regardless of which herbs you choose to grow, they must receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Most herbs require at least six hours of full sun each day to thrive, though some may adapt to partial shade if necessary. Finally, select varieties that are known for being especially well-suited for cultivation or naturally hardier against disease or insects. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward creating a thriving medicinal herb garden!

What Are The Plants That Have Medicinal Properties?

Many plants have medicinal properties, ranging from common herbs like mint and lavender to exotic species like aloe and ginger. These plants contain various beneficial compounds that help treat everyday aches and pains to more severe conditions.

While there are many different medicinal plants, they share specific characteristics that make them easy to care for. Most require moist, well-drained soil with total sun exposure, though some can tolerate partial shade. Regular pruning or trimming will also be needed to keep them healthy and productive.

With the proper care and attention, these beautiful plants can provide various health benefits for years.

1. Aloe Vera

Finally, some herbs have long been used in traditional medicine to address issues like dry or irritated skin and eczema. Aloe vera is one commonly used herb with significant hydrating and healing benefits that can help improve the quality and appearance of your skin. Whether you seek relief from menstrual cramps or strategies for fighting stubborn infections, countless medicinal herbs can boost your health and well-being.

2. Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop is a versatile and beneficial plant known for its medicinal qualities. With its rich, earthy scent and delicate flowers, this herb is much more than just a pretty addition to the garden. It treats various ailments, from improving digestion to relieving headaches and muscular aches.

In addition, they thrives across multiple soil types and can quickly be grown in nearly any climate.

To care for this plant, it is essential to provide plenty of sunlight and water while ensuring that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Whether medicinally or simply as an elegant flowering plant, anise hyssop offers many benefits to humans and the environment.

3. Bee Balm

Bee balm is also a flowering plant with a range of beneficial qualities. Its potent properties make it an ideal treatment for various conditions, such as soothing headaches, relieving stomach cramps, and calming nausea. In addition, bee balm is particularly effective when grown in certain soil types. For optimal results, it should be planted in medium-to-loamy soil that is slightly acidic and well-drained.

To care for your plants, it is important to water regularly and provides plenty of sun exposure. You can also use fertilizer or compost to promote the growth of robust roots and gorgeous blooms.

Overall, if you want to take advantage of the healing qualities of this beautiful plant, just follow these simple tips for successful cultivation!

4. Calendula Flowers

Calendula flowers are gorgeous flowers packed with beneficial properties, including anti inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities that can help treat everything from sore throats to minor wounds. Additionally, they are perfect for growing in most soil types, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

To care for calendula flowers, it is important to pay close attention to their soil type and pH levels. While these flowers thrive in rich, neutral-pH soil, they can tolerate harder soils such as clay or sandy. To get the best results, be sure to provide plenty of aeration and nutrients by adding organic compost regularly. With proper care, your calendula flowers will flourish all season long – giving you a steady supply of healing herbs at your fingertips!

5. California Poppy

The California poppy is a versatile herb with many qualities and properties that make it useful in various applications. With its elegant orange petals and vibrant yellow centers, this vibrant flower is beautiful and effective in treating common ailments such as headaches, cramps, and stress.

In addition to its qualities, the California poppy thrives best in loamy soils rich in organic matter. To ensure optimal growth and health, it is essential to plant the flowers at the correct depth and space them carefully in your garden. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the many benefits of this fantastic herb for years to come!

6. Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea purpurea is a flowering plant with many healing components, making it an ideal treatment for many conditions. Echinacea is an incredibly potent immune stimulant that can boost immune function, relieve inflammatory conditions like sinus congestion, or soothe symptoms.

This plant also has excellent qualities that make it well-suited for different soil types. Echinacea purpurea prefers loose, sandy soil with good drainage. It grows best in full sun exposure and low humidity.

To care for this plant properly, it is vital to keep its soil evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged. Additionally, you should regularly weed around the base of the plant and feed it with a rich fertilizer at least once or twice per year. With proper care and attention, echinacea purpurea can thrive and provide practical therapeutic benefits for many years!

7. Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose is a North American flower known for its vibrant color and cheerful scent. This powerful plant contains nutrients that can be helpful for everything from skincare to immune system health and sleeplessness to inflammatory qualities that help to ease pain and reduce swelling, making it an invaluable treatment option for conditions like arthritis.

For one, it is highly adaptive, thriving in various soil types and climates, making it easy to care for and cultivate. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of feeling refreshed and revived by a beautiful blossom.

8. Fennel Seed

Fennel is a versatile herb with a wealth of beneficial properties. Its healing powers have been recognized for centuries, as it has long been used to treat various conditions, from digestive issues to respiratory ailments.

Thanks to its high nutrient content, they are also great for promoting overall health and robust growth in plants. And its strong flavor makes it an ideal ingredient in herbal teas and other DIY remedies.

To maximize the benefits, it is important to consider the soil type. This versatile herb thrives in well-drained soils with plenty of nutrients, such as those high in organic matter. To ensure optimal growth and prevent unwanted weed growth, keeping your fennel seed well-watered and properly mulched is also essential. With regular care and attention, your crops will be plentiful, and your body will reap all the benefits this amazing herb offers!

9. Holy Basil

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is one of the most well-known medicinal herbs. It is famous for its numerous qualities and properties, making it highly effective in treating various conditions.

For example, this versatile herb has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory qualities, making it ideal for reducing the symptoms of arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Also, holy basil has soothing qualities that can help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Due to its natural detoxifying properties, it can even help to rid the body of toxins and harmful chemicals.

To take full advantage of these fantastic benefits, you must choose suitable soil for your holy basil plants. Factors like soil pH and moisture content will significantly impact how well your plants can absorb and use the nutrients from the ground. Additionally, how often you water your plants and what fertilizer you use can significantly impact their health.

To care for your holy basil plants effectively, choose healthy soil with optimal aeration and drainage qualities, match this with a regular watering schedule, and use high-quality fertilizers to get all the required nutrients. With proper care, your holy basil will grow into stunning sources of healing power for years to come!

10. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb with many qualities and properties. It has been used for many centuries for various ailments, from stomach pain and sleeping problems to tension headaches and anxiety. In addition, lemon balm’s antimicrobial qualities make it an effective solution for infections, while its soothing qualities can treat irritated or inflamed skin.

Depending on the soil conditions in your garden, growing lemon balm can be easy or difficult. Finding a location with well-draining but nutrient-rich soil is best for optimal growth. Regular irrigation and fertilization are essential to healthy growth, whether you grow lemon balm directly in the ground or in pots. Additionally, pruning your plants regularly will help promote new development and prevent trampling from pests or larger animals. With proper care and attention, lemon balm can be a potent ally in helping to maintain our physical health and well-being.

11. Oregon Grape

Oregon grape is a powerful herb with many amazing qualities. Its tannins and alkaloids help with infections, arthritis, stomach problems, and skin conditions. In addition, it has potent anti inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflamed tissues and reduce pain.

They are well-suited to most types of soil, but it thrives in slightly acidic soil with good drainage.

To care for this plant, ensure you regularly water it during dry periods, keep the soil weed-free, and regularly prune it to promote vigorous growth. With proper care, these plants will continue to provide you with their valuable healing properties for years to come!

12. Peppermint

Peppermint has long been prized for its healing properties. It is believed to help treat various ailments, from headaches and nausea to digestive and respiratory problems. Furthermore, it is well-suited to many different types of soil, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to incorporate a boost of healing herbs into their landscape.

To care for peppermint effectively, it is important to use well-drained soil rich in nutrients. Planting in full sun will also encourage healthy growth, while regular pruning can help keep the plant under control. With these simple tips, you can reap all the amazing properties of this healing herb in your own backyard garden!

13. Wild Bergamot

Wild bergamot is a perennial plant for treating many conditions, including colds, fevers, headaches, and muscle aches. In addition, it is rich in many important nutrients, including calcium and Vitamins A and C. Furthermore, wild bergamot is particularly well suited to certain types of soil. For example, it grows best in light, sandy soils rich in nutrients. And lastly, caring for wild bergamot requires some basic gardening knowledge. It should be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming overgrown or unruly, and it should rarely be exposed to drought or flood conditions. Wild bergamot is invaluable to any garden or garden plot with its potent qualities and medicinal properties.

How To Grow Medicinal Herbs In a Vertical Garden Tower?

There are several ways to grow medicinal herbs in your garden, but creating a vertical garden is one of the most innovative and practical approaches in a small space.

A vertical garden tower allows you to maximize the space available for growth while preserving the health and quality of your soil by minimizing disturbance.

To start growing medicinal herbs in a vertical garden tower, begin by selecting a suitable location. Ideally, this location should be sunny, well-drained, and free from competing weeds or grasses.

Next, you will need to choose your plants based on their growth needs and preferences. Some medicinal herbs prefer cooler temperatures, while others thrive in full sun conditions.

Once you have selected your plants, set up your vertical garden tower by installing shelves to support the plants and add nutrient-rich soil using organic compost or fertilizer.

Finally, ensure to water regularly and watch for potential pests or diseases affecting your herbs’ growth.

As long as you are patient, you will soon enjoy homegrown medicinal herbs’ benefits!

Tips On How To Use Medicinal Plants

There are many medicinal plants, some wild but still edible, each with unique properties and uses. To tap into the full potential of these plants, you first need to understand how they work and learn some essential tips for using them effectively.

1. Start with the basics. Some of the most common medicinal plants include turmeric, ginger, lavender, chamomile, and aloe vera. These herbs can help to relieve pain, soothe inflammation, calm stress and anxiety, or promote sleep. So if you’re struggling with a minor illness or battling something more serious, start with one or more of these potent natural remedies.

2. Experiment with extraction methods. Depending on the plant you’re using and your specific needs, you may want to use an oil infusion, a teabag tea blend, or a tincture made from alcohol extracts. The key is to find the extraction method that suits your needs and preferences to ensure you get the maximum benefits from your chosen medicinal plant(s).

3. Balance herbs with proper nutrition and exercise habits. While herbs can be potent tools for treating various conditions, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a substitute for other healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

To ensure that your body stays strong and resilient all year round, incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily meals and regular exercise sessions like yoga or hiking in nature.

Are Herbs Better In Powder or Tea Form?

There is some debate among herbalists about whether herbs are best used in powdered or topical form.

On the one hand, some folks argue that rubbing certain potent extracts like neem oil and tamanu oil onto the skin can be more effective than consuming them in powder form. For example, these oils are known for their strong anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may work better when applied topically to an affected area.

On the other hand, others contend that herbs taken in powder form are generally more quickly and completely absorbed by the body than those applied to the skin. This is because powders can pass through mucous membranes much more quicker than ointments or liquid applications. Therefore, it may be best to take certain herbs in powder form when treating a specific health condition or ailment.

It comes down to personal preference and what you hope to achieve with your herbal remedies. When incorporating anything in your life, including herbs, always do it in moderation and consult a qualified herbalist if unsure.

Are Perennial Herbs Or Annual Herbs Better To Grow?

When it comes to gardening, there is often a lot of debate over the relative merits of perennial and annual herbs.

On the one hand, many people argue that perennial herbs have several distinct advantages. They are longer-lasting than annuals, require less constant upkeep, and produce flowers and other decorative elements earlier in the season.

However, others point out that yearly herbs typically have a more robust flavor than perennials, so they may be better suited for certain culinary dishes.

Ultimately, it comes down to your taste and the food you cook.

Why You Should Choose Natural Remedies Over Pharmaceutical Drugs?

Despite the advances in modern medicine, pharmaceutical drugs often have unwanted side effects. For example, common painkillers like ibuprofen can lead to gastrointestinal distress and stomach ulcers.

In contrast, natural remedies provide a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. For example, many herbal tinctures have been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain with little to no side effects.

Ultimately, choosing natural remedies over pharmaceutical drugs is an intelligent way to protect your health and well-being without subjecting yourself to unwanted side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best Medicinal Herbs To Have On Hand?

When it comes to medicinal herbs, there are various options to choose from. Some of the best medicinal herbs on hand include garlic, mint, ginger, and rosemary. These herbs have several medicinal benefits, from fighting colds and flu to relieving digestive issues. Additionally, these herbs are relatively easy to grow in most climates and can be dried or frozen throughout the year.

What Herbs Should You Eat Daily?

A wide variety of herbs can be found in any well-stocked medicinal garden.

For example, the mint family is the most common, which includes peppermint and spearmint. These highly aromatic plants are known for their soothing and cooling effects, making them excellent additions to teas and other remedies.

Other popular herbs include ginger and turmeric, both known for their potent anti inflammatory properties.

Certain herbs, such as parsley and ginger root, can help ease the symptoms of menstrual cramps. These herbs can help to soothe the uterus and reduce levels of inflammation, which can significantly improve comfort during PMS.

Additionally, many medicinal gardens include popular culinary herbs like rosemary and thyme, which not only have culinary uses but also may have curative properties.

Overall, there is no shortage of practical and versatile herbs that can be found in a medicinal garden; the key is simply knowing what each herb can be used to treat!

In Conclusion

A medicinal garden might be the perfect solution for preppers to quickly incorporate herbal medicine into their plan.

A small, sunny spot in your yard is all you need to get started, and you can use a vertical garden tower to make the most out of the smallest spaces.

With just a few plants, you can access healing wounds and infections – without having to leave home in an emergency. Start growing your own medicinal herbs today!