14 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow in Your Backyard

13 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow

Here’s an A to Z guide to medicinal herbs that may help relieve common ailments like indigestion, stress, anxiety, sunburn, headaches, coughs, colds, and more.

Basil

Basil is a medicinal herb that may help with lack of appetite, cuts, and scrapes, as well as flatulence. A report published in 2016 in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, notes that basil, as well as parsley and spearmint, are traditional Persian medicines used to treat flatulence (intestinal gas). While it is not well studied, it can’t hurt to try it. Harvest the young leaves of this annual plant as needed. Here are the best herbs for your home garden.

Chamomile

Use the flower heads of this medicinal herb for infusions and salves to relieve indigestion and colic, anxiety and tension, and skin inflammations and irritations. “With its apple-like scent, chamomile is both calming and uplifting,” says Jeanette Jacknin, MD, a holistic dermatologist in Solana Beach, California, and author of  Smart Medicine for Your Skin. “It is said to help heal the skin by reducing dryness, itching, redness, and sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. Chamomile is included in many topicals for irritated itching problems including bug bites and contact dermatitis.”

Echinacea

Taking echinacea while you’re well may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold, according to some research. A review of studies published in 2015 in JAMA noted that the evidence was mixed, with some studies showing a benefit and others not so much. Overall, echinacea may be associated with a small reduction in the risk of colds, but the “overall evidence for clinically relevant treatment effects is weak,” the authors concluded.

Feverfew

You can use the leaves and flowers of this medicinal herb for teas, or chew the leaves to ease headache pain. Research, including a Cochrane review published in 2015, have examined the daisy-like herb’s ability to help prevent migraines. Some research has shown no benefit of feverfew for migraine prevention compared with a placebo. However, the 2015 review suggested that over a 2-month period it might prevent 1 migraine compared with a placebo, although more research is needed. It may provide relief for arthritis, and reduce redness, as well as pain and inflammation for a variety of rashes such as contact dermatitis, insect bites, and rosacea, says Dr. Jacknin. Here are the herbs that could help keep your brain healthy.

Johnny-jump-up

With antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal herb is good for eczema and acne. “It’s also used to help treat wounds and itching, and ease diaper rash,” says Dr. Jacknin. “But large doses may cause skin irritations, nausea, and vomiting, so always start with a small amount of lotion on just one part of the affected area.”

Lavender

Even smelling this medicinal herb may help you feel calm and relaxed. It also may ease pain and when applied to cuts and bruises functions as an antiseptic. “Lavender can be added to the bath or sprayed on bedsheets, used in aromatherapy or mixed into carrier oils and other lotions,” says Dr. Jacknin. “It’s reported to be a helpful aid for rapid healing and  soothing if a diluted amount is applied directly on acne, burns, and insect bites. If you have low blood pressure, though, don’t use it in the bath as lavender oil lowers blood pressure as it helps to relax.”

Lemon Balm

A relative of mint, lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb that may help relieve anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, flatulence, and an upset stomach. It also speeds the healing of cold sores. Don’t miss these insider tips to save money on gardening.

Marigold

Medicinal herbs that have multiple uses are more bang for your buck. Marigold is one herb that may not only be good for sunburn, acne, and blemishes but also may soothe ulcers and digestive problems. “Marigold, or Calendula, is one of the best all-around skin remedies, good for minor cuts and burns, insect bites, dry skin, and acne,” says Dr. Jacknin. “Calendula tea can be used as an astringent facial rinse two or three times a day for acne. Many preparations are available over-the-counter as salves, creams, and lotions.”

Parsley

Don’t think of it as decorative on your plate; this medicinal herb has nutrients and may help prevent flatulence and bad breath.

Peppermint

If you have digestion or gas, sipping tea made of this medicinal herb might provide relief. It also may help soothe headaches.

Rosemary

Medicinal herbs like rosemary may help memory and concentration, improve mood—and sweeten breath. These are the surprising reasons gardening is one of the healthiest things you can do.

Sage

Sage’s genus name, Salvia, means “to heal,” reflecting its early use as a medicinal, not culinary, herb. Although there have been a few studies suggesting sage for sore throat, mood, memory, and blood cholesterol levels, the plant has not been clearly shown to be helpful for any health condition, notes the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Thyme

The active principle in thyme, thymol, is a strong antiseptic. If you suffer from coughs, congestion, indigestion, or gas, consider using this medicinal herb. These vitamins and herbs can help boost your sex drive.