Many things keep changing in our world. Most of us have turned to planting a garden. Learning a variety of medicinal herbs can expand the possibility in our gardens. Herbs are a great way to enhance your landscape and make it edible.
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We are re-learning the traditional art of the apothecary garden. The garden is a place where beauty, medicine, and bees reign.
A scientific analysis in Science Direct reported that gardening reduces stress and anxiety. It can help ward off diseases associated with inactivity, can keep your mind sharp and happy, and can help you sleep better at night. You’ll be tapping into an ancient tradition and creating habitats for birds, small animals, insects, and microorganisms. Plus, you will have the benefit of planting a medicinal herb garden. Learning to create your own herbal remedies. The benefits of gardening then become limitless!1
Planning
Before you dig in the dirt, consider making a few design sketches. Keep in mind how tall or wide a plant will grow once it’s in full bloom. As an example, plants in the mint family love to spread so make sure they have enough room to grow. If you’re enthusiastic about medicinal herbs, you may be tempted to jump right in and plant a whole garden at once. If you’re new to gardening, it’s always smart to start slowly with just a few plants to get started. By doing this you can ensure that you are successful and slowly experiment with new plants. You want to be prepared for some margin of error. By starting slow you can study how much light the plants are getting, how the soil is and how well they’re adapting to your watering schedule without feeling overcommitted. Plan wisely and consider using a garden journal.
Herbs are usually ready to plant once the threat of frost has passed. In my article on how to plan a garden I review the various tasks to consider for a successful garden.
When you are ready to plant prepare your soil beds with a light raking. Make sure to level the soil and remove any rocks or pebbles larger than a gum ball. Use your finger, the handle of a spade or rake or even a #2 pencil, indent the soil with small holes, spaced to account for their growth. Once you have placed the seeds cover them with a light coating of soil and water. You can expect sprouts within a couple of weeks.
Small Herbs for Pots or Adding in Landscape
For many of these plants you can provide them with 2 inches of space between seeds. They are also easy to incorporate into a multi-plant bed.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is part of the mint family though it doesn’t tend to spread as quickly as some varieties. It is a commonly used culinary herb in many Italian dishes. Thyme is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It is now domesticated and grows in gardens around the world. Thyme is low growing so is a good addition to the edge of a pot or garden.
There are hundreds of different varieties, but most of them are used as medicine and for food. The taste is warm and aromatic but try different varieties to see what you enjoy. As a medicinal you can take more than would be used to season a dish.
The energetics of thyme are hot and dry which is good for cold and stagnant conditions. It can help with stagnant digestion that causes bloating, belching and flatulence. Thyme is also known for stopping coughing spasms and is used as an antitussive to help with dry coughs like whooping cough.
I like to dry some at the end of the summer to have it available for making teas throughout the winter months.
Chives that are commonly grown in a garden include common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum).
The common chive will grow in small clumps of bulbs, they produce tubular blue-green leaves that grow to 10-15 inches. Due to their height they are a good addition to the middle of a pot or garden bed. It adds nice height to a garden. They will produce flowers in white, pink, purple or red depending on the variety. The leaves and flowers are edible, providing vibrant color to any dish.
Garlic chives look similar, but the leaves are flat and greener. They also grow taller and produce a white flower that is larger. As the name suggests they have a mild garlic flavor.
Chives are a nutrient-dense food. Low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Chives contain choline, an important nutrient that helps maintain the structure of cell membranes. Choline helps with mood, memory, muscle control and other brain and nervous system functions.
Basil is the common name for two distinctly different species of plants. The most used one in the United States is sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). This variety is known throughout the world as the classic ingredient for pesto.
Sweet basil is a plant that I would designate as easy to start but can be finicky to grow. It loves hot weather so be sure you are past the danger of frost before planting. Be sure to keep it moist at all times. Basil is originally from the Mediterranean so it isn’t particular about the type of soil, just that it should be moist. It can be grown in a container as well.
The other variety of basil that I have fallen in love with is holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) also known as tulsi. This variety is not commonly found in commerce, but there are a few seed companies that have it available so you can grow your own.
Tulsi has been revered as a sacred and powerful plant for over 3,000 years in Ayurveda. It is a slightly warming, pungent and aromatic herb. Similar to thyme it can support stagnant digestion. This is characterized by bloating, gas, and decreased appetite. Tulsi is an adaptogen herb used to support a person under stress. Adaptogens are used to address the negative effects of excessive stress, anxiety, depression and more.
In the book Adaptogens, Winston and Maimes refer to holy basil as a cerebral stimulant. “It can be combined with other cerebral stimulants such as rosemary, bacopa, and ginkgo to help people with menopausal cloudy thinking, poor memory, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to speed up recovery from head trauma.” – Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2007) pg. 170
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalus) strangely enough is part of the aromatic mint family. This plant won’t spread like peppermint, or spearmint that are also part of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean and thrives in harsh conditions. Rosemary can tolerate the soil drying out. Some varieties can even be shaped and used as a Christmas tree.
In recent years science has been studying the many benefits of rosemary. Even without science Shakespeare realized the benefits, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you, love, remember. And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts” (Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5).
Science has determined that rosemary is high in antioxidants which help boost cognition. Rosemary is gentle and warming, it has positive benefits for the heart, digestion, liver, and mood. An interesting study showed that taking rosemary extracts can also protect us from UV damage.
These plants can make a great addition to an indoor windowsill garden or incorporated into outdoor landscaping because they won’t take over an area.
Need Space
The following plants need special consideration but are beneficial for any medicinal garden. If you plan to put them in the ground, consider placing a barrier to block the roots from spreading.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a hybrid plant of spearmint and water mint. Although more varieties are showing up peppermint is the most common one found in garden centers. Interestingly though peppermint does not produce viable seeds so it must be propagated from root cuttings. Probably because the roots are the only way for this plant to grow it will take over any place that you plant it. Although it prefers moist soil, once it gets established it will grow almost anywhere.
Because the flavor is so widely used in candies and such it is often overlooked for the benefits it can provide. Peppermint and spearmint are often used for stomach discomfort. It has been used clinically to help people suffering from severe digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Peppermint also can soothe pain from headaches, and some have even applied it externally to ease the pain of neuropathy caused by diabetes
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is like peppermint. The taste is milder, and the chemical constituents are slightly different. Otherwise it is used much like peppermint.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is native to southern Europe. It is in the same family as mint and spreads through its root system. It produces a lot of nectar, so bees love it and it is believed to keep them from swarming.
Some records show that Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello. It has been revered for centuries for its many healing properties. Hildegard von Bingen summed it up when she wrote “Lemon balm contains within it the virtues of a dozen other plants.”
Lemon balm has a light lemony earthy flavor. It is classified as a relaxing nervine and can calm many hypersensitive nervous system issues. Continuing with the powerhouse actions it has antiviral properties soothing upper respiratory infections and lowering fevers.
There have been clinical trials looking at the benefits of lemon balm. One trial showed people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that took lemon balm extract experienced less agitation.
Yarrow (Achillea millifoleum) although it is never mentioned in the Iliad it is believed that Achilles may have used yarrow to treat his soldier’s wounds giving it the name Achillea. It grows commonly all over the world. In some areas it is considered an invasive plant. There is evidence that Neanderthals used yarrow 50,000 years ago.
Although yarrow isn’t used in any culinary ways it is a beneficial medicinal herb that adds beauty to any garden space. A major benefit that our family has experienced a few times is the styptic action. This means that it will stop blood flow on a wound. Create a simple poultice from either fresh or dried leaves and flowers and apply to a wound. It also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to help keep a wound clear of infection.
Drinking a tea made with yarrow and ginger can support healthy digestion and ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca) looks like lemon balm or peppermint. The similarities end there though, if you brush against this plant you will be sure to never forget it. The needle-like projections on the stem and leaf inject an irritating substance into skin that will leave a burning sensation.
I learned about this herb in exactly this way, by brushing against it. Once I took time to start learning about this powerhouse though I fell in love and recommend it to everyone.
Nettle is full of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Some of the nutrients include calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin K, carotenoids, and protein. Once the plant is dried or cooked the stinging projections are no longer an issue. Eating it regularly can supply you with your dietary needs of these important nutrients.
Nettle can decrease seasonal allergies. It is not known why this works, but some believe it is related to the histamine content that may down-regulate the allergic response. It has also decreased inflammatory markers which can play a role in seasonal allergies. As someone that has an allergic response to mosquito bites, I started drinking a nettle tea or infusion every day in the spring and noticed that my reaction decreased.
While working at Celestial Farms we had a rabbit experience an eye injury. We used an eye wash infusion of stinging nettle and saw marked improvement. Especially because we were able to compare it to a previous injury that was treated with allopathic medicine.
A fascinating fact about nettle, prior to the industrial revolution clothing was made from nettle fiber. Nettle stalks can be dried, and the fiber extracted and spun into cordage or thread for making cloth and clothing. Due to the inability to mechanize the process to make nettle fiber people stopped this practice after the industrial era began.
Additional Plants
Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) has many names. Although finding the plant in commerce can be a challenge it is easy to grow. It is native to the United States so you can look for a species local to your area. The blooms can be lavender, red, white, or pink. They are great for attracting pollinators.
As a medicinal bee balm is a strong anti-fungal both internally and externally. As an infusion with honey or vinegar it can provide relief from burns. There have been some scientific studies showing antibacterial activity against upper respiratory issues including Streptococcus pyogenes. For any illness always seek out medical care and express an interest in using plant medicine so you can work with a team of professionals.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) often viewed as an annoying weed this plant offers us so much as both medicine and food. This plant is another casualty of the industrial revolution. In the mid-19th century we began to revere the perfect lawn and developed a disdain for anything that would interrupt the lush green span. Consumers spend billions of dollars trying to get rid of this nutritious and supportive plant.
All parts of this plant can be used to support us. The dandelion sends the root deep into the ground pulling in vitamins and minerals. In the fall we can dig up the roots which are a nutrient dense food. Some people use roots to create a delicious dandelion root tea that makes a good substitute for coffee.
In spring the leaves are a tonic stimulating our digestion and helping our bowels move. This is important after winter when we have been eating meals that may cause stagnation. The flowers provide a bright nutritious addition to our meals. They are high in lutein which is known to support eye health.
The spring flowers are also an important source of food for honeybees. It is important to leave these so the pollinators can build strength while waiting for our fruits and vegetables to bloom.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most known species in herbal medicine, although there are 47 known species. After having lived in two different climates learning the different species is important. Lavandula angustifolia does not grow well in hot moist climates like Florida. It does however grow well in dry climates like Nevada.
Lavender is enjoyed by many for its calming floral scent. It is found in a wide variety of products including perfumes, beauty products, disinfectants, household cleaners and many DIY craft products. The flowers are used for making unique desserts and flavoring drinks.
The scent of lavender has been known for calming the mind and easing anxiety and stress. There are so many positive attributes to this herb. It has been used for treating wounds, infections, burns and bug bites. Science has discovered antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to name just a few of the positive benefits.
Chamomile comes in a few varieties, two that are similar are German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea). Then there is Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), it is similar to the others but not completely interchangeable. If you plan to grow it know which variety, you are growing so that you are using it appropriately.
German chamomile is the more popular culinary herb used for centuries to soothe the nervous system. This powerhouse herb can relieve muscle tension, promote digestion, help with inflammation, and address cold and flu symptoms. Drinking chamomile tea at night can help promote sleep.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) are packed full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are shown to decrease free radical damage to arteries and support a healthy cardiovascular system. As indicated from its name cayenne comes from the genus capsicum which includes bell peppers, chilies, and paprika. This genus has been cultivated for at least 7,000 years. Cayenne tastes hot and acrid; the bite comes from the constituent capsaicin.
The Scoville heat units are the method of measuring the bite or heat of various peppers. Bell peppers have a 0 score, cayenne’s are between 30,000 – 50,000 and habaneros are more than 100,000.
As I have explored herbalism, I learned that cayenne can stop bleeding. This was a recommended solution for an animal that had damaged a horn. Cayenne has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent infections so is a good solution for a quick remedy.
Cayenne can help with stagnant digestion. People with stagnant digestion have difficulty getting nutrients and lack vibrant energy.
As you plan a garden these plants can provide you with vibrant choices to support your kitchen and medicine cabinet. If you are new to gardening reach out to your local garden store specialist for questions. I am also happy to answer any questions just comment below.
