The Backyard Medicine Cabinet: Growing Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden

From L: Lavender, lemon balm, marshmallow. Public domain

“I think everyone should have a medicinal garden in their backyard,” says herbalist Nicole Apelian, who also sells a seed kit in her online store. Here, she recommends her favorite, beginner-friendly herbs to grow. Whether you start with one or plan a full garden, be sure to “study your plants,” she says, “so you know which parts are best used for medicine and what time of year to harvest them.”

From L: Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea. Public Domain

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Good For: Externally for rashes, soothing skin, encouraging collagen production

Quick Fix: Rub calendula oil into your skin to both soothe and protect.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Good For: Immune stimulant, antifungal (Note: Those with an underlying autoimmune condition need to be careful using echinacea as it may be too immuno-stimulatory.)

Quick Fix: Slice echinacea roots and simmer in water for 30 minutes. Drink at the first sign of a cold.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Good For: Helps with sleep and calms the nervous system

Quick Fix: Add chamomile leaves and/or flowers to your bath to help relax sore muscles.

From L: Lavender, lemon balm, marshmallow. Public domain

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Good For: Calming anxiety

Quick Fix: Place a pouch of lavender under your pillow for a more restful sleep.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Good For: HSV, anxiety, looped thinking, helps cognitive function

Quick Fix: Steep 1 tablespoon fresh chopped leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink as needed for anxiety relief.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Good For: Digestive and gut issues; the mucilage forms a protective layer in the gut

Quick Fix: Cover marshmallow roots with cold water and let its mucilage extract for a few hours. Drink as needed to soothe and protect your digestive tract.

Yarrow Public domain

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Good For: Antibacterial, fever reducer, helps stop bleeding

Quick Fix: Place fresh yarrow leaves on a wound to help stop bleeding fast.

Best Practices

Planting

“These herbs all grow well in full sun. Most garden stores sell starts, or you can ask your neighbor if they have any to split—they all split well except for lavender. Note that lemon balm is in the mint family and likes to spread, so you may want it as a potted plant.”

Drying

“I like to process my herbs as soon as I’ve picked them. Never dry on high heat. Many plants air-dry well on your counter or in the sun using a large basket or spread out on cookie sheets. A dehydrator on low heat works well for roots and berries.”

Storing

“I store most of my herbs in glass jars in a dark cupboard until I’m ready to make them into medicine.”

Find more information on Apelian’s wellness blog, NicoleApelian.com, and online shop, NicolesApothecary.com.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a trusted professional for personal medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment.

This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.