Top 10 Medicinal Herbs: Kings, Queens, and Sacred Healers
From ancient temples to modern apothecaries, medicinal herbs have played a vital role in supporting health and healing. Across cultures and centuries, some herbs have earned legendary titles like the most powerful healing herb, the king of healing herbs, and even the herb Jesus used. Others have quietly nourished bodies and minds through daily use.
Whether you’re just beginning your herbal journey or are deep into the practice, this guide highlights ten of the most celebrated medicinal herbs—each with its own story, benefits, and place in the herbal pantheon.
1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
The Most Powerful Healing Herb
If one herb deserves the title of “most powerful healing herb,” it’s turmeric. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for milennia, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's been shown to support joint health, digestion, immunity, and even brain function.
Turmeric is warming and pungent, making it a common addition to teas, tinctures, and golden milk. Its ability to reduce systemic inflammation has made it popular for chronic conditions such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and digestive imbalances.
Try it: Add fresh or powdered turmeric to broths, herbal teas, or a warm glass of plant-based milk with black pepper (which enhances absorption).
2. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
The Queen of Medicinal Herbs
Also known as holy basil, tulsi is called "The Incomparable One" in Sanskrit. This sacred plant has been used is revered as the queen of herbs for good reason. Tulsi is a powerful adaptogen, helping the body respond to stress and restore balance.
It supports the immune system, respiratory tract, digestion, and emotional wellbeing. With its sweet, slightly peppery flavor and calming effect on the nervous system, tulsi is a beloved staple in herbal teas and tinctures.
Farm Note: We grow Rama tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) at La Ferme A Ciel Sur Mer for its uplifting aroma and medicinal potency.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
The King of Healing Herbs
Garlic has long been considered the king of healing herbs. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese healers recognized its potent antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits. Garlic stimulates the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and helps fight infections of all kinds.
Raw garlic has the strongest effect, thanks to allicin, its active compound. But even cooked, garlic retains many of its healthful properties. It’s particularly valuable during cold and flu season, or as a daily tonic for heart and circulatory health.
Did you know? Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, prescribed garlic for a variety of ailments, including fatigue and poor digestion.
4. Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)
The Herb Jesus Used
Frankincense isn’t technically an herb—it’s a resin—but it holds a sacred place in healing traditions. Brought as a gift to the newborn Jesus, frankincense was prized in ancient Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures for its spiritual and medicinal uses.
Modern herbalists turn to frankincense (Boswellia) for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially in treating arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory bowel conditions. It’s also used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and deepen meditation. Hyssop is another biblical herb mentioned in the bible.
Use it mindfully: Frankincense is often taken as capsules or resin-based tinctures; it also features in salves and essential oil blends. There is discussion of whether the full healing power of frankincense can be pulled into the oil. Resin may be the best path.
5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
The Gentle Healer
Chamomile is often overlooked because of its gentle nature—but don’t underestimate this herb’s power. It’s one of the most effective medicinal plants for calming the nervous system, soothing digestive upset, and reducing inflammation.
It’s safe for children and elders, and it shines in cases of anxiety, insomnia, colic, or stress-induced tension. Topically, chamomile can help with rashes, wounds, and eye irritation.
Drink it daily: A cup of freshly brewed chamomile tea is a simple, effective way to bring calm and support to your day.
6. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
The Immune Defender
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is one of the best-known herbal remedies for immune support. Native to North America and used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, echinacea stimulates immune activity, especially during acute infections like colds, flu, and upper respiratory ailments.
While it’s not recommended for long-term daily use, echinacea is incredibly effective at the first signs of illness and can help shorten the duration of symptoms.
Garden bonus: Echinacea is also a beautiful pollinator plant, drawing bees and butterflies while enriching your apothecary.
7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The Best Overall Herb for Digestion
Ginger is warming, stimulating, and effective across many systems of the body. It's best known for easing nausea, improving circulation, and relieving indigestion and bloating. Herbalists rely on ginger for motion sickness, menstrual cramps, and even joint pain.
Its spicy, aromatic profile makes it a great base for herbal teas, especially in cold seasons. Fresh ginger root is more potent than dried, though both forms are effective.
Herbal tip: Pair ginger with honey and lemon for a soothing tea that supports digestion, immunity, and mood.
8. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
The Nourishing Powerhouse
Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, making it a deeply nourishing herb. Often called a “tonic,” nettle strengthens and supports the whole body, particularly the kidneys, liver, adrenals, and circulatory system.
It’s also known to help with seasonal allergies, thanks to its natural antihistamine effect. Drink it as a strong infusion for long-term vitality.
Farm fresh: At La Ferme A Ciel Sur Mer, nettle is one of our favorite herbs.
9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
The Warrior’s Herb
Legend says that Achilles carried yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds—hence its Latin name Achillea. Yarrow is a powerful wound healer, fever reducer, and menstrual balancer. Its astringent and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for topical use on cuts and scrapes.
Internally, yarrow helps regulate blood flow and reduce fevers. It's a go-to herb for colds, flus, and menstrual cramps.
Use in the field: Yarrow is a must-have in any herbal first aid kit.
10. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
The Nervous System Ally
Skullcap is a standout nervine herb for soothing frazzled nerves, calming anxiety, and supporting restorative sleep. Unlike gentler herbs like chamomile or lemon balm, skullcap is particularly helpful for those dealing with overwhelm, circular thinking, or acute emotional stress.
It acts as both a relaxing and toning herb for the nervous system, making it a favorite among herbalists for conditions like insomnia, tension headaches, or nervous exhaustion.
How to use it: Skullcap is most effective as a tincture or strong infusion. It pairs well with passionflower or tulsi in calming blends.
Closing Thoughts: Honoring the Wisdom of the Plants
These top 10 medicinal herbs each carry a unique strength—whether it’s turmeric’s bold anti-inflammatory action, tulsi’s nurturing adaptogenic support, or garlic’s time-tested healing power. Some herbs are strong and fiery; others are subtle and soft. Together, they form a rich tapestry of natural medicine that continues to support human health across time and tradition.
At La Ferme A Ciel Sur Mer, we honor these plants not just for what they do, but for who they are. Their stories, rooted in myth, medicine, and daily ritual, remind us of the deep connection between people and plants.
Whether you’re sipping chamomile tea under the stars or harvesting nettle in the spring sun, may these herbs guide and ground you.