14 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow in Your Backyard
Updated: May 25, 2020
Here's an A to Z guide to the medicinal herbs that relieve common ailments like indigestion, stress, anxiety, sunburn, headaches, coughs, colds and more.
Basil
This medicinal herb can help with flatulence, lack of appetite, cuts and scrapes. Harvest the young leaves of this annual plant as needed.
Chamomile
Use the flower heads of this medicinal herb for infusions and salves to relieve conditions such as indigestion and colic, anxiety and tension, and skin inflammations and irritations. Here are more home remedies for indigestion you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Echinacea
If you suffer from a cold or the flu, try this medicinal herb to ease the severity of your symptoms. It also helps provide relief to your immune system.
Find out more simple habits that naturally boost your immune system.
Feverfew
Use the leaves and flowers of this medicinal herb for teas; chew leaves to ease headache pain (including migraines). It’s also been shown to be one of the most effective natural remedies for arthritis, as well as a treatment for various skin conditions.
Johnny-jump-up
With anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal herb is a good home remedy for eczema and skin blemishes, as well as to help loosen phlegm.
Check out these foods that naturally fight inflammation.
Lavender
Is there anything lavender can’t do? Even smelling this medicinal herb has been shown to calm and relax. It also eases pain, and when applied to cuts and bruises functions as an antiseptic.
Find out how to use breathing techniques to control chronic pain.
Lemon balm
A relative of mint, lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb that helps relieve anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, flatulence and an upset stomach.
Check out more herbal remedies for stress.
Marigold
Good for easing sunburn, acne, and blemishes, this medicinal herb also soothes ulcers and digestive problems.
Parsley
Don’t think of it as decorative on your plate; this medicinal herb is loaded with nutrients as well as healing powers to help with flatulence and bad breath. Read more about the surprising health benefits of parsley.
Peppermint
If you have digestion issues or gas, sipping tea made of this medicinal herb might provide relief. It’s also been shown to help soothe headaches.
Find out the most common types of headaches—and the best ways to cure them.
Rosemary
This medicinal herb helps memory and concentration, improves mood—and sweetens breath.
These are the best vitamins and supplements for memory.
Sage
Sage’s genus name, Salvia, means “to heal,” reflecting its early use as a medicinal, not culinary, herb. It can help provide relief for mouth and throat inflammations.
Discover more home remedies for a sore throat.
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.
Here are more old-time home remedies that really work.
St. John’s wort
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from mild to moderate depression; she may suggest St. John’s wort. The glossy leaves and yellow flowers are this medicinal herb’s active parts.
Now that you’re familiar with these popular medicinal herbs, check out 50 of the best natural remedies.
