What Medicinal Herbs to Grow: A Guide for Beginners and Enthusiasts

What Medicinal Herbs to Grow? Find out in the post below. 

Today is the first official day of our season on our farm in the Charlevoix region of Quebec. While we’ve been preparing, organizing, shopping and tinkering for a few weeks as well as daydreaming and planning all winter, today we officially get started in the greenhouse and plant our first seed trays. As we do I think back to the time we spent deciding which plants fit best for our farm. As a newbie to herbs at the time (in many ways we still are - see more about us) it was an exciting though daunting exercise.  There are so many herbs out there with interesting stories, qualities and appearances. I wanted to grow them all.  

In the end we settled on a little over a dozen herbs to grow commercially and each year we drop a few and add a few. We also have a small field near our greenhouse we call the ‘Experimental Field’ where we try out new herbs that piqued our curiosity. 

If you’re anything like me and get excited about Spring to get a garden going and like to see all aspects of the growing process of the foods you consume you may have thought at one point or another of introducing some medicinal herbs into your garden this year.  If this is new to you, this is a resource to help you along your journey. Growing medicinal herbs can be both enjoyable and highly rewarding.  We grow about 5 acres each year, so we should know ;)!

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top medicinal herbs you can grow at home, how to care for them, and the various benefits they offer.

Choosing Medicinal Herbs Based on Your Situation

Before diving into which herbs to grow, it's essential to consider your growing space, available sunlight, and climate. While many medicinal herbs are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of environments, there are a few considerations that will help you make the best choice for your particular garden.

Space Considerations

Some medicinal herbs, like those in the mint family (like peppermint and spearmint), are notorious for their tendency to spread aggressively. If you don’t have a large garden or if you’re worried about herbs overtaking your space, it’s best to plant these types in containers or raised beds. For example, wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) can be particularly difficult to remove once established (maybe you already have a patch that you have been trying to get rid of), and nettles (Urtica dioica) can spread and also create an uncomfortable harvest experience if it ends up in the wrong area of your garden or if you don’t notice in time to stave it off.

Sunlight and Location

Most herbs need full sunlight to thrive, so it’s important to select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, certain herbs, like chamomile or mint, can tolerate partial shade. Keep in mind that herbs such as rosemary and oregano prefer full sun and well-drained soil to grow successfully, while others, like lemon balm or nettle, may tolerate more shade and moisture.

Climate and Latitude

Not all medicinal herbs are suited to every climate. Some herbs are better suited for cold weather, while others thrive in hot, dry conditions. For instance, herbs like lavender and sage do well in warm, sunny areas, whereas echinacea and chamomile can tolerate cooler climates and are ideal for northern gardeners. Be mindful of your region’s growing season and average temperatures. For colder climates, you might want to opt for hardy perennial herbs, while warm climates will support heat-loving plants like basil and rosemary.

By considering the growing conditions of your space and your local climate, you can select the best herbs that will thrive in your garden.

Why Grow Medicinal Herbs?

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about growing your own medicinal herbs. Aside from the satisfaction of nurturing plants from seed to harvest, there are plenty of reasons to grow herbs for medicinal purposes at home:

• Health Benefits: Fresh herbs likely retain more of their medicinal properties than store-bought versions. With your own garden, you have easy access to natural remedies for everything from digestive issues to stress relief.
  
  

• Cost-Effective: Instead of buying expensive supplements or herbal teas, growing your own herbs can save you money in the long run. I felt I needed to include this one but again if you’re anything like me this endeavor will likely not, at least not in the short-term, be a money-saver. My gardens tend to ‘require’ many many purchases to continue to expand, improve and beautify and before long my budget is, well, long gone.
  
  

• Sustainability: Growing your own herbs is an eco-friendly practice not to mention a highly enjoyable one where you have another opportunity to connect with nature. So many studies have confirmed that being in nature is a healthy activity unto itself that your pursuit of growing medicinal herbs alone will already likely be improving your mood and health.
  
  

• Quality Control: Homegrown herbs are free from pesticides and synthetic chemicals and other unknowns, ensuring you’re using the purest possible ingredients in your wellness routines.
  
  

Top Medicinal Herbs to Grow

If you're just starting your herbal garden, there are a few key plants that are easy to grow and offer a variety of health benefits. Here are the top medicinal herbs to consider planting in your garden:

1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Medicinal Uses

Peppermint is known to ease digestive issues, such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea. It also works wonders for relieving headaches and tension.

How to Grow

Peppermint is incredibly easy to grow, thriving in partial shade to full sun. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. Be cautious—mint is an aggressive grower, so it’s best to plant it in a contained space, like a pot, to prevent it from overtaking your garden.  As most mints don’t go to seed you purchase peppermint in a plant form, so no germination stage required.

Harvesting and Using

Cut the leaves before the plant flowers for maximum potency. Fresh or dried leaves can be used to brew a soothing tea or create tinctures. You can also add mint leaves to smoothies or desserts like ice cream.

2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Medicinal Uses

Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects. It can promote restful sleep, reduce anxiety, and soothe digestive discomfort. Chamomile is also great for calming inflamed skin and can be used in herbal baths.

How to Grow

Chamomile grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It’s easy to grow from seed, but be sure to keep the soil moist during the germination process. Chamomile is a hardy annual and may need to be reseeded each year or it may reseed itself.  We plant enough in case it doesn’t and have the pleasant surprise when it does reseed of another patch of chamomile in our fields.

Harvesting and Using

Harvest chamomile flowers when they’re in full bloom, typically in early summer. Dry the flowers and use them in teas, tinctures, or skin creams. Chamomile tea is a popular remedy for insomnia and stress. Once you harvest, chamomile will continue to bloom all summer long.  We harvest chamomile about twice a week through the summer months, harvesting by hand using herb rakes, though in small amounts scissors will do the trick.

3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Medicinal Uses

Echinacea is best known for boosting the immune system and helping to fight off infections like colds and flu. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful for reducing pain and swelling.

How to Grow

Echinacea is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively easy to grow from seed and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Echinacea plants attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which makes them a great addition to any garden.

Harvesting and Using

Harvest the flowers and roots for medicinal use, typically in the fall after the plant has finished blooming. The roots can be used to make tinctures, while the flowers can be dried and used in teas. The root of echinacea is typically best left in the ground for two or three seasons, so this one is an investment.  That said, echinacea is truly the star of our farm. The large purple flowers of Echinacea purpurea do not fail to impress. Plant these on borders or around your house for aesthetic reasons and harvest as needed. As all the parts of this plant are medicinal and it will survive even the coldest of winters this one is a top recommendation despite requiring a little more time to get it established.

4. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Medicinal Uses

Tulsi, also known as holy basil is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to balance the body and mind. It is considered an adaptogen, and it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Tulsi can also support respiratory health and digestive function.

How to Grow

Tulsi thrives in warm climates and full sunlight. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering, but it does not like to be waterlogged. In cooler climates, consider growing it in pots and bringing it indoors during the winter.

Harvesting and Using

Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth. You can use fresh or dried leaves to make tea, create tinctures, or add them to smoothies and culinary dishes. Tulsi is often consumed as an immune-boosting tea. On our farm, this is one of the few plants we grow as annual as it will not survive the Quebec winters. It is a large bushy beautiful plant.  Harvest when the flowers are at their peak. Relatively easy to grow and a small amount produces a lot of herb so you’ll have plenty leftover to share or use dried through the winter. 

5. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Medicinal Uses

Nettle is a powerful herb often used to relieve allergies, support kidney health, and reduce inflammation. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium, making it beneficial for overall wellness.

How to Grow

Nettle can spread quickly, so be sure to plant it in a contained area or a raised bed. It prefers moist, rich soil and partial to full sunlight. While nettle is a perennial, it can be aggressive, so keep it trimmed back if you’re worried about it overtaking your garden.

Harvesting and Using

Wear gloves when harvesting nettle to avoid irritation from its stinging hairs. Harvest before the plants go to seed. Use the leaves in herbal teas, tinctures, or make nettle soups, pizza! and smoothies. Nettle leaves should be cooked or dried before consumption to neutralize their stinging properties. Be sure to cook or dry before consuming and to cover yourself when harvesting. While harvesting can be a bit difficult due to the stinging nature this is one of favorite herbs on the farm for its versatility.

How to Grow Medicinal Herbs in Your Garden

After deciding what medicinal herbs to grow, you'll need to think about how to grow them. Planting a medicinal herb garden doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few essential tips for getting started:

• Location

• Most medicinal herbs require plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  
  

• Soil

• Most herbs prefer well-drained soil, so ensure your garden beds or pots have good drainage. You can improve soil quality by adding compost or organic matter.

• Watering

•  Herbs are often drought-tolerant, but they still need regular watering, especially in dry climates. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

• Spacing

• Give your herbs enough room to grow. If you’re growing mint or other invasive plants, consider planting them in containers to prevent them from spreading.

• Fertilization

• Most medicinal herbs will not need additional fertility and some studies have even shown that the potency of herbs can increase based on stress on the plant.  That said, tulsi and nettle of the above list will do well with a little extra fertility and moisture. 

• Ground Preparation

• For roots you’ll also want to make sure that you prepare your soil so the roots can grow long and deep.  Rocks or compacted soil are going to limit all plants but particularly the growth of roots. 

Harvesting and Storing Medicinal Herbs

To maximize the medicinal properties of your herbs, proper harvesting and storage are essential.

When to Harvest

The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. This is when the plants have the highest concentration of essential oils and nutrients.

Drying

Many herbs can be dried for later use. Hang the herbs upside down in a cool, dry place, or use a dehydrator to speed up the process.

Storage

Store dried herbs in glass jars or airtight containers to protect them from light, air, and moisture. For longer shelf life, freezing some herbs—like basil or rosemary—can preserve their flavor and potency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Medicinal Herbs

Growing medicinal herbs is relatively straightforward, but even seasoned gardeners can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overwatering: Many herbs, such as lavender and thyme, prefer dry conditions and can suffer from root rot if overwatered.
  
  

• Poor Soil: Herbs need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If your soil is too heavy or compacted, amend it with organic matter.
  
  

• Not Harvesting at the Right Time: Waiting too long to harvest your herbs can result in a loss of potency or quality. Be sure to harvest your herbs at the right time for maximum medicinal benefit.
  
  

Conclusion

Growing medicinal herbs at home is a fantastic way to enhance your health and well-being. By cultivating a small herb garden, you can enjoy the many benefits of natural remedies right at your fingertips. Whether you choose to grow calming chamomile or immune-boosting echinacea, or perhaps a powerful adaptogen like tulsi, there’s an herb for every need. Start small, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the healing power of nature’s medicine!

Have Questions? Reach out.  Happy to offer our advice.  We also grow a wide variety of herbs grown and dried on our farm, all certified Organic.  Take a look and let us know what you think we should grow next.

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