Use Your Garden for Herbal Medicine and Home Remedies to Support Wellness
Gardening can be more than a hobby it can also be a gateway to wellness. By cultivating specific plants known for their medicinal properties, you can create a garden that is beautiful and supports your health. Below are six themed seed collections designed to address various aspects of health and wellness. Each selection includes medicinal plants that can be easily grown at home, providing natural remedies right from your garden.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Immunity Boost Garden
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Echinacea (Purple Coneflower), Elderberry (Sambucus), Garlic Chives, Kale (Lacinato or Siberian), Turmeric
Strengthening your immune system starts in the garden. Echinacea is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, often used to ward off colds. Elderberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune response. Garlic chives add flavor and antiviral and antibacterial benefits. Kale is a nutrient-dense green, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Rounding out this collection, turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a powerful immunity ally in your garden.
Gardening Tips: Plant echinacea and elderberry in full sun, with well-drained soil. Kale thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for spring and fall gardens. Garlic chives and turmeric prefer warm, sunny spots, with turmeric benefiting from rich, moist soil. These seeds and plants for herbal medicine can be grown on the patio in containers, too.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Stress Relief Sanctuary
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Passionflower
Imagine stepping into a garden that soothes your senses and calms your mind. Lavender and chamomile are well-known for their calming effects, often used in teas and aromatherapy. Lemon balm is another fragrant herb that promotes relaxation, while valerian and passionflower are traditional remedies for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Gardening Tips: Lavender and chamomile thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Lemon balm and valerian prefer partial shade and moist soil. Passionflower, with its beautiful blooms, can be trained to climb trellises, adding both beauty and serenity to your space. Are you growing in a small space? Grow a container garden for health! You can plant these stress relieving seeds and plants in containers. Valerian needs a large container to accommodate its root system. Passionflower is a vining plant that needs support, like a trellis.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Detox & Cleanse Collection
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Dandelion Greens, Beetroot, Cilantro, Milk Thistle, Fennel
Support your body’s natural detoxification processes with this collection. Dandelion greens are excellent for liver health and act as a diuretic. Beetroot is rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow and liver function. Cilantro is renowned for its ability to bind heavy metals, aiding in their removal from the body. Milk thistle has long been used to support liver health, and fennel is known for its digestive and detoxifying properties.
Gardening Tips: Dandelion and cilantro are hardy and can grow in various conditions, but they prefer full sun. Beetroot requires well-drained soil, while milk thistle thrives in poor soils and full sun. Fennel can be grown in pots or directly in the garden, preferring rich, moist soil. If you are short on garden space, these plants and seeds can be grown in a container garden.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Gut Health Greens
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Spinach, Arugula, Asparagus, Mint, Ginger
A healthy gut is key to overall wellness. Spinach and arugula are leafy greens rich in fiber and nutrients that support digestive health. Asparagus acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Mint is soothing to the digestive tract and can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Ginger is widely known for its ability to combat nausea and inflammation in the gut.
Gardening Tips: Spinach and arugula thrive in cooler temperatures and need regular watering. Asparagus requires patience, as it takes a few years to establish, but it will produce for decades. Mint is best grown in containers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Ginger prefers a warm, shaded spot with well-drained soil. Other than asparagus, these medicinal plants can all be grown indoors and on the patio.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Energy & Vitality Mix
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Ginseng, Beet Greens, Wheatgrass, Matcha Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Ashwagandha
Boost your energy levels naturally with this mix of adaptogens and superfoods. Ginseng is famous for its ability to enhance energy and reduce fatigue. Beet greens are packed with nutrients that support stamina and endurance. Wheatgrass is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, offering a natural energy boost. Matcha green tea is rich in antioxidants and provides a sustained energy lift without the crash you often get from high sugar content and energy drinks. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and maintain vitality.
Gardening Tips: Ginseng requires shaded, forest-like conditions and well-drained soil. Beet greens and wheatgrass are easy to grow and can be harvested quickly. Matcha green tea plants need a warm climate, acidic and well-draining soil, and plenty of water. Ashwagandha thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. You can grow this healthy garden in containers and even indoors with proper care.
Herbal Medicine Garden: Skin Health Haven
Seeds and Plants to Grow: Calendula, Aloe Vera, Evening Primrose, Borage, Sunflower (for oil)
Cultivate glowing skin naturally with this selection of skin-friendly plants. Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, often used in creams and salves. Aloe Vera is a popular remedy for burns and skin irritations. Evening Primrose oil is rich in essential fatty acids, beneficial for skin health. Borage oil is also excellent for the skin, known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Sunflower seeds produce oil that is rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects and nourishes the skin.
Gardening Tips: Calendula and borage prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Aloe Vera thrives in containers with well-drained, sandy soil. Evening Primrose can grow in various conditions but prefers full sun. Sunflowers are easy to grow in sunny spots and will reward you with seeds that can be pressed for oil. For easy harvesting, you can grow this collection in containers. We suggest a dwarf sunflower variety, if you’ll be growing a medicinal container garden.
Safety Advisory - Please Note
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbs or plants medicinally. The benefits mentioned are based on traditional uses and scientific research, but individual results may vary. For more detailed growing advice, refer to trusted sources like the From Seed to Spoon app, which offers more insights into growing medicinal plants for health.
From Seed to Spoon: Grow for Health
Download the app for recommendations on medicinal plants to grow for: Bone & Joint Health, Brain & Memory Boosting, GI Issues, Mental Health, Weight Loss, and much more.
Herbal Medicine Garden FAQs
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine refers to the use of plants or plant-based substances to treat various health conditions or to promote overall well-being. It involves utilizing different parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, roots, oils, or seeds, for their therapeutic properties. These natural remedies have been used for thousands of years across various cultures and are often a cornerstone of traditional healing systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbal medicines are typically available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and topical applications.
What are medicinal plants?
Medicinal plants are specific species of flora that contain compounds beneficial for health. These plants have been identified and used for their healing properties, which may include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, or adaptogenic effects. Some well-known medicinal plants include echinacea for immune support, aloe vera for skin healing, and ginseng for energy enhancement. The active components of these plants are often extracted and used in dietary supplements or herbal remedies to support various aspects of health.
How do you make herbal medicines?
Making herbal medicines can involve several methods depending on the intended use and the plant material. Common methods include:
- Infusions (Teas): Steeping leaves, flowers, or soft plant parts in hot water to extract their medicinal properties. This is a common method for herbs like chamomile and peppermint.
- Tinctures: Extracting plant compounds using alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are potent and have a long shelf life, making them a popular choice for herbs like echinacea and valerian.
- Salves and Ointments: These are made by infusing oils with medicinal herbs and then mixing them with beeswax to create a topical application. Calendula and comfrey are often used in salves for skin healing.
- Capsules and Powders: Dried and ground herbs can be encapsulated or used as a powder to take internally. Turmeric and ginger are commonly used in this form for their anti-inflammatory properties.
It's important to follow specific guidelines for each method to ensure the safety and efficacy of the herbal remedy. Additionally, always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, as interactions may occur.
Remember, the information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies. The benefits mentioned are based on traditional uses and scientific research, but individual results may vary. For more detailed information, please refer to additional reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.
