How to Grow a Medicinal Herb Garden

Long before the existence of little blue pills, yellow capsules or creams in a tube, herbs were medicines used in the form of tinctures, teas, salves and poultices. The Native American shamans gathered wild plants for their treatments while the Europeans planted gardens of medicinal herbs used by healers and magicians. Modern drug companies have successfully used the ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs to create clinically supported successes such as quinine and digitalis.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden
• Herb plants

1. Cultivate the herb rosemary from a young plant instead of waiting on the slow-growing seeds. The leaves and flowers of this 6 foot tall medicinal herb are used in a hair infusion that adds luster and helps alleviate dandruff.

2. Plant basil and use it as an insect repellent or an infusion to alleviate headaches. Wait until the ground is warm so the seeds germinate easily. Select a shady location in the garden and pinch off to make the plant bushier.

3. Select the hardy perennial chamomile for its medicinal use and aroma. Plant in well-drained soil and use as an infusion or tea for insomnia and stomachaches.

4. Plant comfrey in semi-shade near the basil. This hardy, large-leaved perennial grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is used in wound poultices or to mend broken bones.

5. Consider the rose bed as a medicinal herb garden if using garlic as a companion plant. Rose water is medicinal as a skin and face treatment and garlic has antiseptic and stimulant properties. Many people take garlic to maintain low blood pressure.

6. Sip a cup of tea made from lemon balm to relax or help with eliminating a headache. Buy perennial plants instead of sowing seeds and place in a semi-shady area of the garden toward the back. Lemon balm can grow to 4 feet tall and attracts bees.

7. Repel insects by growing pyrethrum in the medicinal herb garden. This plant needs rich, heavy soil and does well with seed sowing or root division.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow a medicinal herbal garden for gardening pleasure as well as medicinal use.
• Consult with a physician before beginning an herbal medicine treatment.
• Do not use adult doses of herbal medicinals on children.