I am working on developing a physic garden inspired by the Chelsea Physic Garden. Both my kitchen and physic gardens come from European inspiration dating back to the 1600-1700 monastic gardens. I am also very inspired by the field of ethnobotany.
Read more about physic gardens here.
Read more about ethnobotany here.
Below is a list of herbs that I either currently grow, plan to begin growing next spring, or collect on nature walks with a field guide. I pulled information that I will need during my herb garden creations. I am not an herbalist. I just read numerous books and made notes based on my personal selection of plants. As always, pay close attention to safety issues associated with each plant. If considering medicinal herbs in your home, please consult an herbalist or naturopath for additional opinions. All of the information below comes directly from the resources. I did not add any personal anecdotes to it since I am not a qualified herbalist or health practitioner.
Resources:
- From Earth to Herbalist – An Earth-Conscious Guide to Medicinal Plants by Gregory L. Tilford
- Herbs by Leslie Bremness
- Herbal Remedies by Kathleen Fisher
- The Whole Herb by Barbara Pleasant
- Your Backyard Herb Garden by Miranda Smith
- The Natural History of Medicinal Plants by Judith Sumner
ALOE
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Gel from inside the leaves; for external use only
Medicinal Uses: Works as a topical antibiotic to prevent infection, an antifungal to prevent skin irritations, and increases blood flow to the affected area to promote fast healing. Use to treat eczema, burns, cuts, diaper rash, toothpaste, shingles, wrinkles, stretch marks, dry skin, sunburn, insect bites, frost-bite, acne, and canker sores.
Instructions: Cut off part of a leaf and, using a small knife, peel off the thin skin. Squeeze the gel into a jar use within 6 hours. If using in other recipe (toothpaste, hair wash, lotion), ensure myrrh is added to preserve it.
How to Grow: One of the easiest houseplants to grow in a sunny window. If grown outside from spring to autumn, place in location that receives half day sun or partial shade from other plants. It must be potted indoors for winter, since it cannot handle temperatures below 40°F. Aloe is undemanding but generous watering will keep the leaves full of gel. The plant will make dozens of offsets that you can dig out to share with friends.
Safety: While aloe is completely safe when used externally, never use aloe internally. Aloe juice found in health food stores designed for internal use is made from plant cells found just beneath the outer covering of the leaf, not the gel. Internal use can cause painful cramps and diarrhea.
ANGELICA
Category: Perennial or Annual; Sometimes called Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis).
Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, and roots
Medicinal Uses: Heartburn, increase libido, menstrual cramps, respiratory problems; relaxes the windpipe making it soothing for cold, flu, or bronchitis; eases pain of arthritis; antifungal activity is used to treat digestive candidiasis (in tincture or tea form); infusions made into foot baths can inhibit athlete’s foot fungus or infusion can be cooled and used in vaginal douche.
Instructions: Infusion/Decoction: 1-3 tsp of dried herb or seed per 1 cup of water. Take 1-2 times per day.
How to Grow: Tall 4’ carrot-look-a-like plant; Prefers mostly shade and moist conditions; Stems are bold and leaves have three parts; Midsummer flowers are greenish white umbels with honey-like fragrance; This plant is a monocarp, which means once it flowers and produces seeds, it dies. You can keep it alive year to year by removing flower heads and never letting it go to seed. If you do let it seed, it will self sow, giving you an ongoing supply of new plants in the garden.
Safety: Fresh roots are poisonous, so dry them thoroughly before using. Dry for at least 2 months, or until the roots break easily. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not forage in wild unless certain it is not the highly poisonous water hemlock.
ANISE
Category: Annual
Parts Used: Seed
Medicinal Uses: Soothe aching joints, upset stomach, digestion, persistent coughs; aids in good breath; increases breastmilk supply.
Instructions: Infusion: 1 tsp seeds in 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 min. Sweeten with honey to weaken licorice flavor. Can be chopped into salads or roll crushed seeds in bread dough prior to baking.
How to Grow: Slow-growing; difficult to transplant so self sow in late spring in sunny, well-drained spot. Add lime to acidic soil; mature size is 18 to 24”. In late summer, after the flowers fade and stems begin to turn yellow, cut the seed heads and hang them in small bunches to dry. Enclosing the bunches in paper bags makes the seeds easier to gather. One well-grown plant will produce about 2 TBL of dried seeds. To destroy any insects luring in the harvested seeds, freeze them for a few days before storing them in airtight glass jars in cool, dark place. Store for 1 year.
ARNICA
Category: Perennial; for external use only
Parts Used: All aboveground parts of the flowering plant
Medicinal Uses: Tissue injuries such as sprains, bruises, closed fractures, ligament injuries, and hyper extended muscles and tendons; Oils (mostly from flowers) are readily absorbed through the skin and work quickly to dilate peripheral capillaries, allowing for increased circulation of lymph and blood in areas where injury is causing congestion of fluids.
Instructions: Use fresh or dried flowers to make infused oil to rub on areas. Purchase creams, gels, ointments in health food store.
How to Grow: One of the first flowers to emerge in early spring; Prefers cooler climates, higher elevations, and shady conditions; grows 10-20” tall.
Safety: Can be dangerous if swallowed due to diuretic properties and it also contains helenalin, which can cause heart palpitations and coma.
BAY
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Soothe aching joints as well as an upset stomach;
Instructions: To dry leaves, place them between pages in a heavy book, and leave them for 2 to 3 weeks. Store in airtight glass container.
How to Grow: Evergreen; As a shrubby tree, it grows well as a house plant; Grows 3-4 feet tall in containers but can grow twice that outside in warmer climates. Best to grow in temps above 40 degrees. Prefers partial shade
BEE BALM (MONARDA)
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: All aboveground parts
Medicinal Uses: High thymol content gives in strong antibacterial properties; Eases sore mouth, throat, candida infections, fungus; Is diaphoretic (makes you sweat) so it cleanses the body of waste materials via the skin; aids in colds and coughs; A fresh poultice or salve is an excellent first-aid dressing for cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and other wounds.
Instructions: Hang flowers to dry; dehydrate leaves.
How to Grow: Easy to grow and sets out new growth that can be propagated into root cutting; Enhances growth of tomatoes and peppers.
BETONY
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Relieves headache brought on by tension and also contains tannins that can ease throat irritations and diarrhea.
Instructions: Harvest leaves before plant blooms in early July. Cut stems several inches above soil line and strip leaves off. Hang upside down to air dry.
How to Grow: Grows 2-3 feet tall; Blooms pinkish purple flowers in midsummer; Start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost and transplant outdoors; Or direct sow in garden 1-2 weeks before last frost. Divide plants every 3rd year. Makes a nice border plant.
Safety: Avoid excessive internal use due to possibility of an upset stomach.
BORAGE
Category: Annual
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Medicinal Uses: Folklore claims eating borage brings on courage. This tale is traced back to Celtic warriors who drank borage-flavored wine before battle.
Instructions: Harvest young leaves for their cucumber-like flavor; Use flowers as garnish; Does not preserve well but makes nicely flavored herbal vinegar
How to Grow: Sow 6-8 weeks prior to last frost; Full sun, cooler weather plant; Plant will strengthen the pest and disease resistance of plants growing around it.
Safety: Cook with small amounts because leaves contain a compound that could be toxic to the liver if consumed in very large amounts.
BURDOCK
Category: biennial
Parts Used: Mainly the root but can use entire plant.
Medicinal Uses: Known as a blood purifier. I does not directly clean the blood, but gently stimulates the liver to function more efficiently, thus helping the organ with its burdensome job of filtering waste materials from the blood, making new red blood cells, and producing bile, enzymes, and other constituents critical to metabolic processes of nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Highly nutritious, containing large amounts of iron, a vast array of minerals, and Vit A, C, D, and E. Also used as a long term treatment for eczema, oily-flaky scalp, and is also recognized for its antioxidant qualities.
Instructions: Slice root and add to salads (it has a pleasing taste), tincture or root tea can be used liberally.
How to Grow: First year it emerges as a rosette of large, irregular, basal leaves. The second year produces a think, heavily leafed stalk that can grow to 10 feet tall. You do not need to grow it in your garden if you can easily find it along roadsides, fields, etc. Harvest in fall for optimal medicinal use.
Safety: None
CALENDULA
Category: Annual
Parts Used: Flowers, harvested when newly opened
Medicinal Uses: Skin problems, including acne and speedy healing of wounds and burns. Combats bacteria, fungus infections, viruses, and inflammation. Effective on ulcers in the form of tea.
Instructions:For internal use (ulcers): 2tsp flowers per 1 cup of water. add a bit of lemon balm, lemon juice, meadowsweet, chamomile for taste.
For external use: acne-use calendula cream; dry skin, rashes, burns, bruises, fungal infections-cream or make your own salve; cuts-make an infusion using 2-3 tsp of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, and apply it with a compress; other uses-steep 2 tsp of dried flower petals in 1 cup of water, strain, and use as a mouthwash or gargle for a sore throat, tonsillitis, and canker sores in your mouth.
How to Grow:Grow up to 2' tall, makes a nice border. Prefers cooler weather. If you cut back the flowers regularly, you will encourage even more flowers.
Safety: None.
CATNIP
Category: Perennial
Parts Used:Flowering tops and, less powerfully, leaves
Medicinal Uses: Helps with sleep, has a calming effect, upset stomach, menstrual cramps. Prevents cataracts. High magnesium and manganese.
Instructions: Leaves reach max potency just before flowering. Mild sedative, stomach soother, cataract prevention- brew 2 tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of water; Cut the stems to within 5" of ground and hang in small bunches to dry.
How to Grow: 3' tall. easy to grow. Root stem cuttings or nurture seedlings to keep plant strong.
Safety: Avoid planting in an area where you do not want cats.
CHAMOMILE
Category: Annual
Parts Used: Flower heads, fresh or dried
Medicinal Uses: The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies.
External Use: An infusion of Chamomile flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made into a salve for use on hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. Applied externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns, and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and softening the skin. Tea is used as a liquid feed and plant tonic, effective against a number of plant diseases. The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.
Instructions: Relaxing tea: 1c boiling water to 2tsp dried flowers. Steep for 10 min.
How to Grow: Sow directly into ground in early spring. If planted sparingly in a vegetable garden, chamomile will aid in the growth of most plants.
DANDELION
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Entire plant including roots
Medicinal Uses: Rich in vitamins, A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium. Leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine produced by the body making it useful in treating liver problems and high blood pressure. Root acts as a mild laxative and may improve digestion.
Instructions: Add to salads, smoothies, juicing, teas, and sandwiches
Dried leaf infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto dried leaf and steep for 5 - 10 minute
Dried root decoction: 1/2 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Place root into boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain and drink
Leaf tincture (1:5) in 30% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily
Root tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily
How to Grow: Grows wild in most yards, so there is no need to plant in your garden. Ensure the harvest location has not been treated or sprayed with chemicals.
Safety: Eating dandelion as food is safe. Consult a natural doctor before taking herbal supplements or giving supplements to children.
ECHINACEA
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Root
Medicinal Uses: Purple coneflower is variety most commonly used for medicinal use. Boosts immune system and wards off colds by increasing the number of white blood cells. This also makes it beneficial for autoimmune diseases treatment. In some parts of Europe, Echinacea is taken in an IV supplemental treatment for some forms of cancer. External use: treat conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, hemorrhoids, soothe insect bites, UV radiation skin damage, bee stings, and skin wounds.
Instructions: Take 3 times per day as tea or extract. If making tincture at home, use alcohol base for adults and glycerin base for children. A slight tingling of the tongue represents a good tincture.
How to Grow: Sow directly in soil in early spring. Makes a nice ornamental perennial border plant. Takes 2-3 years for roots to be ready for harvest. 1 plant dug up in late autumn after tops have died back will provide ample material for a large batch of tincture.
ELDERBERRY
Category: Tree/Shrub
Parts Used: Flower and berries
Medicinal Uses: Antiviral properties are used to treat the flu. It prevents the flu virus from attaching to our cells, which shortens the severity and duration of the flu. Also used for kidney and urinary problems by removing excess water from the body.
Instructions: Dry flowers and use in tea and in homemade syrups.
How to Grow: Easy to grow. Plant bush in early spring. Can tolerate most soil conditions but not drought. Plants require consistent watering. Harvest flowers once they are all opened. Berries are ready to be picked when they are rich dark purple/black. Harvest period is during mid-August to mid-September.
ELECAMPANE
Category: Perennial Shrub
Parts Used: Root
Medicinal Uses: Take 3 times a day for bronchial or lung congestion. Also useful for coughs.
Instructions: Mix 10 drops of liquid extract in with 1 TBL of juice concentrate for a better taste. To prepare, scrub roots and remove any corky or woody sections. Then cut the roots into shreds before drying them in the oven. When dry to almost point of crispness, store the shredded root in airtight jars. For tea, steep 15 minutes.
How to Grow: Prefers partial shade and moist soil. Takes 2 years for roots to mature. Harvest in autumn.
Safety: Elecampane is contraindicated in pregnant and breast-feeding patients. Use cautiously in patients with a history of atopy, in those prone to contact dermatitis, or in those who are hypersensitive to the Asteraceae family (common herbs include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies).
FENNEL
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Seeds
Medicinal Uses: Contains phytoestrogens, which can aid in menstrual discomfort and menopause; aids in colds and coughs. Can be made into a syrup to treat colic. Reduces indigestion and bloating. Increases breastmilk supply. Seeds eaten raw can improve eyesight.
Instructions: 1 tsp of seeds steeped for 10 min in 1 cup of water for a mild tea.
How to Grow: 4’ tall perennial. Sow seeds directly into ground in spring when ground is warm, and thin plants to 12-18”. Plants can also be propagated by division in the spring. To harvest seeds, cut the stems when the seeds begin to dry to brown and hang them to dry in paper bags. Prune in late autumn. Do not plant near dill. Self seed plant if not cut after flowering.
Safety: Avoid when pregnant
FEVERFEW
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Whole leaf
Medicinal Uses: Contains natural blood thinners. Used to treat migraines and arthritis inflammation. Can be more effective than aspirin for swollen joints.
Instructions: Standardized dose is 250mg per day. Preserve in alcohol-based extract. In season, finely chop leaves and barely cover with honey. Take 1 tsp of mixture daily.
How to Grow: Easy to grow both inside and outside. Pretty daisy-like flowers. Best time to harvest leaves is early summer, just as blossom buds begin to form. Can bloom a second time in the fall if cut down after blossoms fade in summer. Deters many insects in the garden, like aphids.
Safety: Avoid when pregnant because feverfew can affects the body’s prostaglandin production and can cause miscarriage and/or bleeding. Can cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis.
GARLIC
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Bulb
Medicinal Uses: Fights fungus, bacteria, and viral infections. Can be used as an antibiotic replacement. Effective against ear infections. Thins blood so good for regulating blood pressure. Sulfur compounds in garlic are the secret to the antiviral properties.
Instructions: Most effective when eaten raw. Can make a heavily diluted poultice for bottoms of feet to treat colds.
How to Grow: Plant cloves in fall, pointed side up, and about 4” deep in fertile, sun-drenched soil. The first tops that appear in spring are edible but for larger bulbs, leave the tops uncut and let the plants grow until they begin to yellow. Then, dig up the bulbs and allow to dry in a warm, airy place for a few weeks. Once cured, they can be stored up to a few months at room temperature.
Safety: Avoid direct contact with skin.
GOLDENROD
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: leaves and flowers
Medicinal Uses: Goldenrod has powerful immune boosting properties and is very ant-inflammatory and antiseptic, used also as a diuretic. Helps greatly in the relief of upper respiratory infections due to colds, flu or viruses aiding in running nose symptoms and mucus membrane buildup. Goldenrod is filled with bioflavonoids useful in strengthening veins and weak capillaries, which makes it a good choice for varicose vein sufferers. It's anti-fungal properties makes it useful as a soothing, gentle douche which also eases colic and flatulence. As a tea, Goldenrod lowers blood pressure naturally, helps inflammation, muscle spasm and restless leg syndrome. The tea infusion is also used topically for the relief of arthritis symptoms, eczema and skin irritations
Instructions: Steep 2 tsp dried herb in 8oz water for 10 minutes.
How to Grow: No need to grow in your garden since it grows widely in the mid-Atlantic area in woods and fields.
Safety: Goldenrod should not be used internally if you have low blood pressure, are pregnant or breast feeding, or have kidney or heart function problems. Use caution if you are on high blood pressure medication and consult with a qualified physician before ingesting this herb.
HAWTHORN
Category: Perennial Shrub
Parts Used: Stem, leaves, and fruit
Medicinal Uses: When berries are made into a decoction, it can be used as a gargle for sore throats. Boosts performance of the heart and helps with cardiovascular health. Hypertrophy, a sign of heart failure, can be prevented with hawthorn. Blood thinning abilities aid in reducing blood pressure. The berries possess a potent and effective astringent effect, which is effective at treating diarrhea and dysentery. Helps relax nervous system (stress, anxiety, restlessness. Helpful to women in menopause, reducing night sweats.
Instructions: The dosage used by the majority of patients is about 80 to 300 mg of the herbal hawthorn extract in the form of capsules or in tablet form, with dosage 2 - 3 times daily. The herbal extract in the tincture form at four to five ml doses is also taken thrice a day by some patients. The suggested dosage for the traditional berry preparations is to take at least four to five grams daily during the treatment period. The results take some time to become manifest and the remedy could take one to two months to show maximum effect, and the herbal extracts are only meant for long term treatment strategies.
How to Grow: Cultivation of the hawthorn trees is usually undertaken using cuttings, while the hawthorn seeds take upwards of eighteen months to germinate in plantations. In plantations, harvesting of the flowering tops is carried out during the late spring, while the hawthorn berries are usually gathered in the late summer to the early autumn each year.
HOREHOUND
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: any aerial part, including flowers.
Medicinal Uses: Soothes coughs. Active ingredient, marrubin, increases bronchial secretions, making coughs less persistent and more productive. Has a laxative effect, so no more than 2 cups of tea per day. Can also aid in indigestion.
Instructions: Infuse 2 tsp dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes, strain, and add honey. Take tea 1 TBL at a time.
How to Grow: Vigorous grower. Plant in full sun safe from high winds. Self seeds. Does not bloom until second year. Look for small clusters of white flowers under the leaves in midsummer and cut stems as soon as flowers begin to open. If you put some leaves in milk, and leave it out in a small dish, it will attract and kill flies.
HORSERADISH
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Tops and Roots
Medicinal Uses: Clears stuff nose. Volatile oils have been found to block the bacterial growth that causes dental plague. Rich in Vit C, sulfur, and potassium. Stimulates digestion. Antibiotic properties. Often used as a tonic for a tired or deranged system. It is known as a successful vermifuge, helping to kill and expel worms from the system. It is an important immune stimulate which is used in herbal formulas to increase the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. It is also a known antioxidant, helping to counteract the bad effects of stress and pollution in the environment. Horseradish is known to be a specific tonic for the spleen and most especially the liver, which it helps to detoxify and stimulate.
Instructions: As an antibiotic, take ½ to 1 tsp of grated root 3 times a day to clear respiratory or urinary infections. Or, start with ¼ tsp of freshly grated root and hold it in your mouth until all the taste is gone to clear sinus infections. For urinary infections, mix 3-4 TBL of fresh grated room with apple cider vinegar and honey to taste. Take the whole amount throughout the day.
How to Grow: Set out dormant roots in early spring, placed 12” apart. Harvest is early summer. Plants die back in late fall, which is the best time to dig up roots. Small pieces of the root left in soil will sprout the following spring and grow new plants.
Safety: Ingesting too much can cause vomiting or sweating. Should not be taken internally with hypothyroidism.
HYSSOP
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: young leaves and flowers
Medicinal Uses: Used as a gargle for sore throats. Externally, Hyssop leaves can be made into an Ointment or pounded into a poultice - add tea or water, and maybe some oatmeal to reach desired consistency. This can be used for treating, cuts, scrapes, bruises, cold sores, herpes sores, and to heal scars.
Instructions: Has a bitter taste. For gargling tea, at 1 tsp of flowers and young leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep until lukewarm before straining. Mint improves the taste of the tea. To make a Hyssop compress, use one ounce of herb to 1 pint of boiling water. Let it steep for up to 30 minutes, covered, then cool, soak a clean cloth in it and apply.
How to Grow: Grows to 3’ tall. Beautiful plant with tiny tubular blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Attracts beneficial insects and repels unwanted insects. Grows the best when at least 3 plants are grown together in clumps. To gather for medicine, clip off the step tips holding newly opened flowers and dry them in warm oven. Every few years, dig up hyssop in early spring, cut away the old, woody crown and discard. Promptly replant the healthy young stems found emerging from the base of the plant with a few roots attached.
LAVENDER
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves and blossoms
Medicinal Uses: External use only. Use to treat insect bites and small abrasions.
Instructions: Dry and make oils for external use.
How to Grow: Use root cuttings to form new plants. Wait to trim back until early spring to better protect the plant from the cold. Replace plants every 5 years.
Safety: Not to be taken internally.
LEMON BALM
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Lemon Balm is anti-viral, so the tea is great to drink if you’re feeling under the weather. The hot tea brings on a sweat that is good for relieving colds, flus and fevers and an anti-viral agent has been found that combats mumps, cold sores and other viruses. James Duke mentions that Lemon Balm can help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Shingles, due to the anti-viral action. One of Lemon Balm’s key medicinal qualities is as a tranquilizer. It calms a nervous stomach, colic, or heart spasms. The leaves are reputed to also lower blood pressure. It is very gentle, although effective, so is often suggested for children and babies. Tea has been shown to inhibit the division of tumor cells. Anti-histamine action is useful to treat eczema and headaches. Through research, Lemon Balm has clearly demonstrated the ability to impact the limbic system of the brain and “protect” the brain from the powerful stimuli of the body and should be part of any ADHD formula. Useful in treatment of genital and oral herpes.
Instructions: Take tea, extract or capsule 3 times daily for 3-4 weeks. Steep a tea for headaches and colds.
How to Grow: Grows to 48” and attracts bees. Very fragrant. Self sows if not trimmed.
LEMON VERBENA
Category: Perennial Shrub
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Tea made from dried lemon verbena can be mildly sedative if taken at night with a spoonful of honey added. It's also good for congestion and can ease indigestion but long term use or high doses can irritate the stomach. An infusion of the leaves can be added to your bath water to help calm and soothe the senses; the same infusion is also reputed to help clean the teeth. A compress of the leaves can help to reduce puffiness around the eyes. It can also be used for anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension and stress.
Instructions: Follow traditional recipes for teas, infusions, or compresses.
How to Grow: Great indoor herb. Has a clean, citrus scent. Lemon verbena prefers full sun, a lot of water, and a rich, free-draining soil which retains some moisture but doesn't become soggy. Best propagated by cuttings taken in the summer. Place cuttings in the shade until mature.
Safety: Prolonged use or large internal doses can cause gastric irritation. It can also irritate sensitive skin.
LOVAGE
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: All parts including root
Medicinal Uses: Has diuretic properties and is a remedy for kidney stones. Easier to grow than celery but tastes similar. Used to thought of as a cure-all for every ailment. Modern times use it to increase urination to flush out kidneys and bladder. Most potent part is root.
Instructions: For diuretic infusion, use 2 tsp dried root per 1 cup of water. Stems taste great blanched for 1 min and eaten like asparagus.
How to Grow: Grows 6’ tall including flowers within 5 years. Plants are large and ideal for rear of garden. Due to its statuesque size and solid green leaves, it looks great as a backdrop in the perennial flower garden, and is indeed often used for that purpose. It can also be grown in a large pot, or tub on the balcony. And in a couple of years, you never need to buy celery or parsley again. It can take partial shade and does better in soil that is fairly fertile and not too dry. If you have a longer growing season, simply direct seed it outside. Or, start seeds indoors about 6 weeks ahead for transplanting. Germination takes about ten to twelve days. Lovage seeds need to be fairly fresh, and to make sure you get one good plant, sow at least 4 seeds in a pot. When you move the plant to the garden keep it well watered for the first couple weeks, and feed with a natural fertilizer. The first year you won't see its full growth - it will only reach about 2 feet - but you can begin to harvest at 1' - 0 tall. Lovage is a perennial which dies back to the ground in winter.
MARJORAM
Category: Annual
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Alleviates indigestion, headaches, sinus congestion, and stress. Great for cooking as well. It is a gently fragrant, calming herb that does have mild antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. Unsweetened tea can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle. Externally, Marjoram leaves can be ground into a paste (add hot tea or water, and a little oatmeal for consistency purposes, if desired), and used for the pain of rheumatism and for sprains. The leaves can be made into an oil for relief of toothache pain - drop a few drops of the oil on the affected tooth. Leaves can also be placed in cheesecloth or a coffee filter and placed under the tap for a fragrant and refreshing bath that is believed good for the skin
Instructions: Take 1-2 cups of tea per day for the therapeutic benefits.
How to Grow: Can be grown as perennial and is an evergreen. Part of the oregano family. From seed, sow indoors six weeks before last frost; or direct sow in fall; or winter sow in cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Propagates well through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. Propagates well through rootball division. 8 to 14 day germination period. Grows to height of 24-36”. Space plants 15-18” apart.
Safety: Avoid long term use.
MEADOWSWEET
Category: Perennial Shrub
Parts Used: Stem, leaves, and flowers
Medicinal Uses: Used to treat fevers and heartburn. Almond-scented. Contains salicylic acid.
Instructions: 2 TBL dried whole herb per 1 c boiling water.
How to Grow: 7’ bloom. Partial shade, moist soil. Maybe use as front yard backdrop or garden backdrop. “Flore Pleno” grows to only 3’ tall. Add lime to soil. Can look good combined with shrub roses. It gives them a strong background and will enjoy the growing conditions that the roses need.
MINT
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Used to calm the stomach, ease vomiting, heartburn, and bad breath. Add to toothpaste. Used to aid improve foul tasting herbs.
Instructions: Oven dry for culinary use. Hang dry for external use.
How to Grow: Direct sow and let it go. Very easy to grow and is invasive.
Safety: Avoid when pregnant due to possible cramping and contractions. Avoid use of excessive peppermint oil in diffusers with children as the menthol vapors can cause choking.
OREGANO
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Means “joy of the mountains.” Remarkably rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, regulate blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. Taking oil of oregano in small doses is incredibly effective on strengthening the immune system. Certain antioxidants counteract naturally occurring carcinogens that we might ingest. Oil of oregano helps in the reduction of tooth pain. In fact, when poured into the cavity of the tooth, it acts as an analgesic. Oil of oregano is also a powerful fungicide and can be used to treat fungus and yeast infections, especially systemic, chronic, or recurrent fungus infection and yeast infection caused by Candida albicans intestinal yeast overgrowth (Candidiasis). Oregano can also help alleviate intestinal disorders commonly associated with Candidiasis including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, and a number of intestinal parasite and bacterial infections. When sprayed, oregano cleans the air, kill fleas, and kills bugs on plants.
Instructions: High medicinal doses may be toxic but oregano is always safe when consumed with regular meals. It is not recommended to preserve as an extract for internal consumption. It is recommended to buy oil of oregano from a trusted resource for daily use.
How to Grow: Needs mulch over winter to survive. Can also grow well inside if in sunny, south-facing window. Direct sow after last frost or sow indoors 6 weeks prior to last frost.
Safety: Large amounts of medicinal oregano can be toxic.
PARSLEY
Category: Biennial
Parts Used: Aerial parts
Medicinal Uses: Regarded as nutritional vice herbal. High it Vit A, C, and iron. Also high in calcium, boron and fluorine for healthy bones.
Instructions:
How to Grow: Cool weather herb. Leave in ground through winter and see if plant recovers. Seeds are hard to germinate and must be direct sowed in the ground. If transplanting is required, transplant when plant is young and be quick about it.
ROSE
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Hips and petals
Medicinal Uses: Great for drying and using for aromatics. Rose hips are high in Vit C, B, E, and K. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips have been shown to be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis. Scientists in Denmark reported that patients who daily consumed standardized rose hip powder (made from dog rose) experienced significantly less joint stiffness and pain, and an improved general well-being and mood after 3 to 4 months of treatment. The use of rose hip powder also enabled the patients to considerably reduce their standard pain medication. Contain high levels of antioxidant flavonoids with known anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain carotenoid pigments, plant sterols, tocotrienols and a very high level of anthocyanins, catechins and other polyphenolics, known phytochemicals to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The rose hips of Dog Rose are a traditional diuretic and laxative. They are useful in the treatment of influenza-like infections, diarrhea, and various urinary tract disorders.
Instructions: Cut hips open with sharp knife, remove seeds, and dry in warm oven.
How to Grow: Buy starter plants or grow from seed if you are patient and can offer a greenhouse-like environment for the growing plants. You can also grow new plants from stem cuttings. Plants need at least 6 hours of sun daily. Make wonderful ornamental plants for landscaping. Trim back dead heads in the winter to encourage new growth in the spring.
Safety: No side effects are known when rose hips are used in the normal designated amounts.
ROSEMARY
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Stimulates thinking. Also has preservative-like properties, which makes it useful for preserving meats. Rich in antioxidants. Relieves arthritic inflammation and prevent formation of tumors. Inhale sage for asthma.
Instructions: Best way to consume is via food or small amounts in tea. Easiest to dry by hanging branches in small bunches. To treat depression, add 3 drops of essential oil to 1 TBL of massage oil. Make a strong tea as a hair rinse.
How to Grow: Root stem cuttings to propagate new plants. Keep indoors through winter if plant is young.
Safety: Large amounts (more than 1 TBL chopped fresh leaves) can irritate the stomach and may cause kidney problems.
SAGE
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Has antibiotic properties, and sage tea is recommended as a cure-all for the “I think I may be coming down with something.” Rich in Vit A, C, and contains numerous antioxidants. Use for sore throats, irritated gums, and mouth sores. Women use sage for painful menstrual periods and to correct excessive milk flow during nursing.
Instructions: Make strong decoction.
How to Grow: Gather leaves in early summer, just before the plant blooms. During plant’s first year, pinch stems back 2-3 times to encourage strong branching. Root stem cuttings for more plants.
Safety: Avoid if pregnant.
ST. JOHN’S WORT
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Tops and flowers
Medicinal Uses: Used to treat depression at 900mg per day. Hypericin and hyperforin act on chemical messengers in the nervous system that regulate mood. Also used to treat anxiety, cough, digestion, bronchial problems, diarrhea, menstrual problems, fatigue, flu, gout, insomnia, irritability, and ulcers. As an anti-depressant, it may take some time when used regularly to have any noticeable effects. Externally used as ointment for bruises, wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, sunburn, varicose veins, sciatica, and nerve pain.
Instructions: Follow instructions for liquid extract. Must store in amber glass since light will deactivate the chemical components that make it medicinally effective. Make external oil for rubbing on skin. A Tea can be made for any of the above symptoms using the leaves or flowers, and the dosage should be 1-2 cups morning and night until the symptoms retreat. Capsules can also be made from the flowers or leaves after drying and pulverizing into a powder. Flowers make a great yellow dye.
How to Grow: Yellow, 5-petaled wild-growing herb that grows to 2’. Use a plant guide to find it in the wild. It not native or endangered, so it’s safe to cultivate in the wild. Hold a leaf up to strong light and look for dark dots, which are oil glands. Great for edge of walkway or lawn. Self seeder. To harvest, cut off the top 3rd of the plant and use top plus flowers.
Safety: A study has shown that it may interfere with some of the drugs used in cases of HIV and immune suppressants used in transplant patients. Side effects are also reported, including photosensitivity and a mild nauseated feeling that usually corrects itself after a few weeks of taking the medication. Lastly, in some people a rise in blood pressure after taking the herb has been reported, and there is one study that suggests that it might interfere with birth control pills, although there have been no reports of unplanned births associated with its use.
SALAD BURNET
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Is a tonic herb, a diuretic and contains vitamin C. It is an astringent and an infusion can be used as a cleansing agent on the skin and to treat eczema, burns and wounds and prevent infection .Use as a poultice on wounds to stop bleeding. It helps to clear the blood vessels and can be used to treat Arteriosclerosis. Can also be taken internally to treat heavy menstruation and uterine hemorrhage. Great for salads and sandwiches.
Instructions: Must be consumed fresh. Use the leaves to make infusions to drink as tonic and diuretic or make a decoction using 1/4 c of fresh leaves per 1 cup of water.
How to Grow: Easy to grow with one plant being plenty for a family. Makes a good pot plant either indoors or outdoors. Requires sun or partial shade. Takes 2 months to grow to harvest size. Has pink-spiked flowers. Cut back throughout the season to extend crop. Plants more than 3 years old may be dug up, root mass cut in halves or quarters with sharp knife, and immediately replanted in early spring. To save the seeds to replant, wait until flower tops are nearly dry. Then cut off the seed pod with a length of stem. Tie these pods onto bundles and hang them upside down inside a brown paper bag. As the seeds dry, they will collect in the bag and can be stored.
THYME
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Rich source of antioxidant. Used for psychological problems. Safe to use as tea (in small amounts) or cooking but not to be preserved as an extract or capsule. Externally, it has antiseptic properties, and can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs. Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages.
Instructions: For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice by mashing the leaves into a paste. Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled three times a day, with the inflammation normally disappearing in two to five days.
How to Grow: Thyme is best cultivated in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil. It is generally planted in the spring, and thereafter grows as a perennial. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well. The plants can take deep freezes and are found growing wild on mountain highlands.
Safety: The essential oil of Thyme (Thymol) can cause adverse reactions if taken in it's pure form, so use Thyme-based medications sparingly. If taken in a tea, drink only once or twice per day, and if used on the skin, be aware that it may cause irritation.
VALERIAN
Category: Perennial
Parts Used: Root
Medicinal Uses: Contains compounds known as valepotriates. These active ingredients reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Must be taken daily for results.
Instructions: Can take as tea or liquid but it tastes bad, so capsules are preferred. Standardized doses are important. 300-600mg one hour before bedtime. Make liquid extract if desired.
How to Grow: 5’ tall, partial shade plant. Blooms pink flowers in early summer. Best if purchased plants, since seeds are poor germinators. Plants reach full size after 2 years. After that, dig up and divide clumps every 3-4 years to avoid overcrowding. Harvest roots in autumn. Dry thin root slices.
Safety: Side effects are rare.
