I love growing herbs in my backyard. I have calendula growing next to my tomatoes, echinacea in my flower borders, and camomile under my fruit trees.
Herbs are among the most valuable plants of humanity. Used for their medicinal, culinary, and beauty, their benefits are endless.
When I was younger, my grandma would whip up tea for any ailment her grandchildren might be experiencing. Sore throat? She had a tea for that. Upset tummy? She had a tea for that! It didn’t matter what the problem was; she had the cure.
In today’s world, many of the uses our ancestors discovered have been forgotten or ignored. Yet, many of these cures can be available in your backyard!
While many consider these herbs safe, they can interact with medications and require cautious use. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.
This article will teach you which herbs are essential to plant to help heal and protect against illness.
1. Yarrow
Yarrow grows in meadows and the sides of roads in many parts of the world. Its Latin name, Achillea Millefolium, comes from the ancient Greek warrior. During the war against the Trojans, Achilles treated the wounds of the Greeks with yarrow.
Yarrow grows well in US hardiness zones 3-9 and is a perennial that will return year after year. It comes in many different colors that are perfect to plant in borders.
Please be aware that yarrow is toxic to cats and dogs, so if growing it in a home with pets, take extra precautions to keep them safe.
Yarrow has many applications, including treating colds, fevers, and toothaches. In addition, it can treat wounds and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yarrow is an important herb to include in any backyard pharmacy.
Drying yarrow for use is straightforward and similar to how we harvest lavender.
2. Lavender
Every backyard pharmacy needs to have lavender. English Lavender is hardy in US zones 5-9, while Spanish Lavender is hardy in US zones 7-9. It thrives in arid soil and does not do well in high-humidity areas—plant in areas with good drainage.
We plant lavender throughout the garden. Not only does it bring in the beneficial pollinators that help our vegetables thrive, but when dried and made into sachets, it will deter moths from closets and clothing.
People have long used lavender for its soothing properties. In aromatherapy, lavender is used for its ability to relieve headaches and stress.
Read our blog on harvesting lavender for a complete guide to drying and storing this herb.
3. Calendula
Calendula is a native plant to Europe and the Mediterranean and an excellent plant to add to your backyard pharmacy collection. In the US, it is typically grown as an annual and is relatively easy to grow from seed. It prefers cooler temperatures and needs well draining soil. It is an early summer flower and will die off once the hot summer sun sets in.
Calendula has been cultivated for its culinary, ornamental, and medicinal purposes. It has been used as an antiseptic and as a treatment for wounds and burns.
As a salve, it can be applied to heal eczema and recently skin inflammation in people with breast cancer during radiation therapy.
4. Chamomile
Chamomile is a versatile and popular herb that is native to Europe and western Asia but has been naturalized in many other regions of the world. It is widely grown for its medicinal properties, which include calming the nerves, reducing inflammation, and promoting digestion.
Chamomile is also used in skincare products and as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Chamomile can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is an annual herb that can be grown from seed or transplanted seedlings.
To harvest chamomile, wait until the flowers are fully open and the petals are slightly curved back. Pick the flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too high in the sky. To dry chamomile, spread the flowers out on a screen or paper towel in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store the dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Chamomile tea is a popular way to consume the herb for its medicinal properties. To make tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in 8 ounces of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Chamomile can also be used topically as a poultice or in skincare products like lotions and creams.
5. Chicory
Chicory grows in open fields, along train tracks, and wasteland. It grows as a self-seeding perennial in US Zones 3-10. Chicory likes a sunny area with well-draining soil.
Chicory is used as a coffee substitute and can be used to treat indigestion and is known for its natural pain relieving properties.
To harvest chicory, wait until after your first frost. The cold will trigger the plant to release some stored starches into inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic which is excellent for gut health. You can then harvest the leaves with a pair of sharp scissors. You can also pick them by hand, but take care not to damage the plant’s root system.
Lay the leaves out on a drying rack and let thoroughly dry. They can then be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The leaves will retain their medicinal properties for up to a year.
6. Marshmallow
The marshmallow’s habitat ranges from Europe, Western Asia, and Africa. It can be found in marshy, brackish waters as well as grassy banks near saltwater oceans and seas.
In the backyard, they can grow in partial sun to full sun and benefit from moist soil.
The marshmallow plant has been used for years in the traditional medical world. The plant contains mucilage, a thick gooey substance that is excellent in soothing the mucous membrane in the body.
Medicinally, the marshmallow plant can be used to treat sore throats, coughs, and stomach ulcers.
To harvest marshmallows for medicinal uses, you will want to dig up the root after the plant has died back in the fall. Look for a mature plant with thick root growth.
You will then need to clean and dry the root. Cut the root into small pieces, about 1″, and let it dry on a drying rack until completely dry. Use a dehydrator or oven set to low to speed up the drying process.
Once the root is dried, you can steep it to make an herbal tea or grind it up to use in capsules or ointments.
7. California Poppy
The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)is native to open grasslands and likes poor, well draining soil. It looks beautiful growing in wildflower meadows and backyard gardens alike.
An important flower to pollinators, the California Poppy is known for its sedative properties.
Historically it has been used in tinctures to treat anxiety, mild depression, pain and insomnia.
The best luck I’ve had in planting California Poppy is by winter sowing the seeds. The plant does not like to be replanted, so take care to not disturb the plant’s roots when transferring.
To harvest and dry the plant for use:
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Cut the aerial parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. It’s important to avoid damaging the roots and to leave some of the plant intact to allow for regrowth.
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Drying: Once you’ve harvested the California poppy, spread the plant material out onto a drying rack in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. It’s important to avoid overheating or moisture build-up, as this can cause the plant to spoil. Once the plant material is completely dry, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use it.
8. Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) gets its name from opening its flowers in the early evening. Evening primrose is found growing in fields, roadsides, and along train tracks.
Long regarded as a weed, there is now a pharmaceutical interest due to its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid. It is widely used to treat premenstrual symptoms, arthritis, digestive issues, and eczema when applied externally.
The plant can grow very tall, up to 6′, so if planting in your yard, place it towards the back of a border.
The best time to harvest evening primrose is at the end of the summer or early fall. You can snip the plant off at the base and then gently remove the leaves and flowers from the plant.
The flowers and leaves can then be placed on a drying rack. They are dry when crumbly to the touch. Place the material in an airtight container and store it away from light.
The seeds of the plant can also be used for medicinal purposes. To harvest the seeds, wait until the seed pods form on that plant, and wait for them to dry out on the plant. Once the pods begin to split open, the pods can be gently shaken into a bowl and stored away in an airtight container.
The plant can be steeped to create a tea or used in oils and tinctures.
9. Echinacea
Echinacea is a hardy perennial that can be grown in full sun to light shade areas of the garden.
Echinacea is a powerful herb that can be used to treat and prevent the common cold and influenza. It is known to boost the immune system and help combat viruses.
It is a relatively straightforward plant to harvest and dry. It’s best to harvest the plant when the flowers are completely open. Cut the stem towards the bottom of the plant, leaving the leaves and flowers intact. Harvesting echinacea is very similar to harvesting and drying lavender. Gather the stalks in bundles and secure them with a rubber band. Hang them upside down to dry in a cool, dark place. Depending on the humidity level, drying the plant will take up to two weeks.
Once dry, store your echinacea in an airtight container. The dried plant can be steeped and used as a tea to combat illness.
10. Feverfew
Feverfew is native to North America and is hardy in zones 5-9. It can be found growing wild along roadsides, pastures, and forest perimeters.
As its name suggests, feverfew has long been used as a treatment for fevers. In addition, clinical studies have shown its ability to reduce migraines in those who suffer from them.
Feverfew can be harvested in a similar way to chamomile. When the flowers are in full bloom, but them with a scissor and place on a drying rack to completely dry.
Once the flowers are completely dry, they can be used in tea to combat fevers, headaches and migraines.
Final Thoughts
Adding these beneficial herbs and flowers to your backyard pharmacy can help you combat many illnesses and injuries, naturally. If you would like to learn more about how you can use these plants to treat and benefit your family, click here to purchase this medicinal garden guide:
