Must Have, Must Grow Wellness Herbs

When considering which herbal plants you might like to grow, you can easily become overwhelmed by all the options. Here’s a concise list of must have, must grow medicinal herbs.  

Interested in growing herbs but are short on space or new to them?  Start with a few basic but wonderful herbs and grow them in containers!  To learn how, please consider our book, Herbs in the Bathtub.  This book outlines and educates you on several basic culinary and wellness herbs, including how to grow them and use them.  To learn more, click below: 

Which are the Must Have Wellness Herbs?

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

Here is a list of some of my favorite commonly grown medicinal herbs, that is herbs that promote balance and wellness in the body.  No herb is a magic pill that will heal everything.

Also, for this list, these are herbs I consider must have, must grow wellness herbs.  You will notice that quite a few make themselves useful in the kitchen, too.  I concur with Hippocrates, and feel that our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.

This creation of this list was inspired by our original post, How to Plan and Plant a Medicinal Herb Garden.

Is this list comprehensive?  No!!

For comprehensive, check out at least five ten books from the library.  I originally started this list with the intent of giving you only five basic, grow-able herbs; as you can see, I can’t count.  Included here are the cultural requirements for each herb, and what it’s typically used for.

Online Learning

For a comprehensive online, herbal learning experience, I suggest you enroll in The Herbal Academy’s courses.  The kids and I are going through their beginner herbal course for school this semester.  We’ll be ready for the intermediate by spring, though.  The lectures are interesting, engaging and we’ve been having a lot of fun with the projects.  The bloopers on the videos are good for a laugh, too.  Hey, laughter is good medicine, too!  For more information, click below:

So, without further ado, here are Homestead Lady’s must have, must grow wellness herbs.

Wellness Herbal Terms

You’ll need to know some basic herbal vocabulary as you learn more about wellness herbs.  Remember that all herbal actions/uses are only suggestions.  Please see a qualified medical professional when necessary.

• Vulnerary – Externally helps the body to heal wounds
• Anti–microbial – helps immune system overcome pathogenic micro-organisms
• Demulcent – Mucilaginous herbs which relax, soothe and protect tissue
• Diaphoretic – Increases perspiration, dilates capillaries
• Carminative – sweet, spicy aroma, promotes expulsion of gas and soothes the stomach

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

Wellness Herbs:

#1  Calendula

• Calendula officinalis – Site – full sun to part shade – zone 3-10
• Soil- tolerant of poor soils
• Propagation – Direct sow in early spring through summer
• Sometimes called “pot marigold” because it does well in pots
• The seeds are large and easy to handle, so they’re great for kids
• Even black thumbs can grow Calendula!
• Externally it is often used as an anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, lymphatic, anti-microbial
• Taken internally, it is used for digestion, normalizing menstruation, and as an anti-spasmodic
• Also used in salves for every topical problem imaginable like:

1. Infections
2. Cuts
3. Scrapes
4. burns
5. chapping 

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#2  Cayenne

• Capsicum Annuum – Site – Full Sun – zone 9 perennial grown as an annual in most areas
• Propagation – start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost – protect from reappearing frost
• Soil – same as for peppers, around 6.5 ph
• One of herbal educator and practitioner, Dr. Christopher’s favorites!
• Externally it can warm hands and feet; may also be used to east rheumatic pains and lumbago, and for hoarseness as a gargle
• Considered anti-microbial and, although stinging, a very effective styptic!
• Often taken as a general tonic specifically for circulatory and digestive systems
• Considered a stimulant, good for the heart, arteries, blood flow, and nerves

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#3 German Chamomile

• Matricaria Recutita – Site – Full sun to part shade, reseeding annual
• Soil – Light and well drained, but will tolerate poorer soils – surprisingly tough little buggers
• Propagation – One of the few seeds that need light to germinate
• Sprinkle on soil and LIGHTLY mix with dirt in the late spring
• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial, but typically the German is used medicinally
• The flowers are often used as a nervine tonic and sleep aid
• Also considered anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, for a wide range of conditions along the digestive tract
• It is also considered a blood thinner, so never use it during pregnancy or if you take similar medications – please consult your doctor

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

 #4 Peppermint

• Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) & Mentha Piperita (peppermint) Site – Partial shade or sun – zones 5-11 but will survive lower
• Soil – Moist, well drained, alkaline
• Propagation – Take root or stem cuttings, or divide it in spring and autumn
• In summer, root stem cuttings in water
• It is very invasive in the garden, so make sure you keep it contained or grow in pots
• Considered carminative, anti-spasmodic, to combat gas and aid digestion; also considered a nervine, anti-emetic (vomiting), anti-microbial
• Spearmint is considered better for kids as it’s more mild
• Peppermint is stronger and considered better suited to adults
• Mint is used in everything from toothpaste to candy – it’s one of mankind’s favorite flavors
• Mint, combined with Elder and Yarrow make a traditional help to soothe cold/flu/fever

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

 #5 Garlic

• Allium Sativum – Site – Sunny, but tolerates partial shade
• Will grow in most zones
• Perrenial grown as an annual
• Soil – Rich, moist and well drained
• tolerates poorer soil
• Propagation – plant individual cloves
• 1 ½ inches deep in the fall for larger bulbs
• Spring planting will also produce bulbs
• Dig garlic bulbs in late summer and handle gently to avoid bruising
• Both soft-neck and hard-neck varieties will store in a cool, dry place – braid and hang
• Use fresh, dried, roasted or infused in oil or vinegar
• Traidtionally considered an anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-biotic, suited to soothe the the heart and nervous system – traditionally used to kill everything from a sinus infection to ring worm!

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#6 Echinacea

• Echinacea Angustifolia (one variety, but there are several) – Site – Full sun –any zone – wide range of soils and sites
• Very drought tolerant – do not overwater
• Propogation – seeds may require some chill – spotty germination
• Won’t usually flower until second year, but you harvest one to two-year-old roots for medicinal use
• An at risk plant due to popularity so give it a go – plant some next spring!
• Angustifolia typically used, but Purpurea also can be used, as immune stimulant
• Considered anti-microbial, anti-catarrhal (prevents inflammation of nose and throat)
• As with most dosages, plan for 10-14 days on, 7 days off – or as prescribed by your holistic practitioner

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#7 Yarrow

• Achillea Millefolium – Site – full sun – zones 3-10-ish – Soil – any, but prefers well drained
• Propagation – from seed or divide roots in spring; it can self sow – be careful
• Considered one of the best diaphoretic herbs; also vaso-dilator and that may have diuretic properties
• Used to soothe the tummy, and is also as an astringent and an anti-inflammatory
• Externally used as a styptic

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#8 Dandelion

• Taraxacum officinale – Site and Soil – will grow pretty much anywhere
• Propagation – Try and get it NOT to grow, I dare you
• The root is a general tonic and used as a liver tonic, hepatic (cleanses the liver), increases bile flow, anti-rheumatic, and may help dump metabolic waste
• Root can help relieve skin problems, may lower blood cholesterol and can be a mild laxative
• The leaf can be a mild diuretic, and considered a great natural source of potassium which avoids potassium depletion
• Leaves are commonly used raw in salads but are a bitter herb

To learn to make your own Dandelion Candy Cough Drops – click here

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

#9 Black Elder

• Sambucus Nigra (There are several varieties) – Site full sun to part shade – zones 4-9 – Soil with good organic content and drainage
• They are prolific, heavy bearing, easy to grow sprawling bushes that can grow to 15’ but can be pruned to 8’
• Need a pollinator to set fruit, so plan to plant at least two
• Berries are high vitamin C, good for jams, tea, natural dye
• Whole plant a nearly complete pharmacy!
• Leaves are often used externally and are considered vulnerary and emollient; internally, leaves are thought to be purgative, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic
• Flowers prepared cold are thought to be diuretic and cooling; prepared warm they are considered diaphoretic and gently stimulating
• Berries are thought to be diaphoretic, diuretic, aperient (mild laxative)
• Herbal preparation to support healing for colds, flus, fever, bruises, wounds, sinusitis, hayfever, etc, etc.

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

*Photo credit for calendula: Kelly Biscotti and her great article on Growing Calendula in your Garden.

*Photo credit for elder berry and chamomile: Kathie at Homespun Seasonal Living – an absolute treasure of a website and I encourage you to visit.

Uses for Wellness Herbs:

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

1. Calendula I use in almost every salve I make.  It’s great in lip balm, too.  Fresh petals are beautiful in salads.
2. Cayenne is so easy to incorporate into Mexican dishes.  I encapsulate it in my “multi-herbal-vitamin” and take a bit every day.
3. Chamomile I put in many of my infusions or teas – especially for my kids.  It is also wonderful in potpourri and salad.
4. Peppermint is one I use in a lot of my kid’s tinctures to improve flavor, and for tummy upset.  I also throw it into green and fruit salads, into smoothies and ice cream.  When an herb grows so abundantly, I feel like that’s God’s way of saying I should eat a lot of it!
5. Garlic is one I may even over use!  Dehydrated, infused and strained in olive oil, it’s considered healing for ear infections.  Roasted and added to flatbread with fresh rosemary, it’s a household favorite.  In Russia, I used to eat it raw.  Oi.
6. Echinacea is so great to grow, and a dehydrator makes drying the roots so much easier.  To learn to process echinacea root and flower, please visit this link from Hopeful Holistic.
7. Yarrow is a wonderful bedding plant with its lovely flowers, and slightly apple-scented leaves.  I grow it for both the humans and the livestock at my house.
8. Dandelion is great because it grows.  The roots do best in a dehydrator, as well.  Greens, though, should be eaten fresh and with a nice vinaigrette.  Try Dandelion flower jello or cookie.
9. Elder berries are a soothing cough syrup.  Make an infusion and add some raw honey – you’re kids will be pretending they have a sore throat just to get some.

Other Medicinal Herbs to Consider:

Bear in mind that these conclusions are NOT endorsed by the CDC or any other medical body.

If you ask five herbalists their opinion on the best herb, you’ll get fifteen answers.  So, the more research the merrier!

• Comfrey, also known as “Knitbone”
• Fennel
• Mullein
• Marshmallow
• Oregon Grape Root
• Sage

Not necessarily to grow but to have:

• Goldenseal
• Ginger (have to be grown indoors if you want to try it)
• Nettle (can grow it in most places, just have to learn to handle it)
• Reishi and/or Shitaake mushroom (can be grown indoors, but you must learn the process)
• Usnea lichen
• Kelp and/or Bladderwrack

Things to Do With These Plants

There are so many things you can do with these medicinal plants.  Let me use just one herbal writer as an example.  Devon Young writes at Nitty Gritty Mama and she is an excellent herbalist – I highly recommend her site.  Just from her articles alone, here are three things to do with herbal plants:

1. Make a basic salve – easy peasy, anyone can do this with these instructions.
2. You can also make a perfect infused oil every time – Devon will show you how.
3. And, just for fun, use herbs in your homemade sodas – no, I’m not kidding, just see here.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, so have fun figuring out what to do first!

Resources for more Information on Wellness Herbs:

• • The ABC Herbal, by Steven Horne – a short, sweet family herbal
  • Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, by Rosemary Gladstar – this one lives in my kitchen
  • Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, by Rosemary Gladstar – a little simpler than the above and more growing info but I honestly recommend both.
  • The Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook, by James Green – This is a great one in general but it also has growth tables in the back for planning your own garden – read our review of that book by clicking here.
  • Making Plant Medicine, by Richo Cech – owner of Horizon Herbs – kind of a cosmic guy but very knowledgeable and down to earth.
  • The Complete Book of Herbs, by Lesley Bremness – my first herb book and one of which I’m still very fond – Great recipes for food, crafts, lotions, oils, etc.
  • Growing and Using Herbs Successfully, by Betty Jacobs
  • Herbal Antibiotics, by Stephen Harrod Buhner – short and to the point
  • Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, by Janet Zand – Great family resource book that breaks down ailments, conventional treatments, dietary helps, nutritional supplements, herbal treatments, homeopathics, acupressure, general recommendations, prevention.