11 MEDICINAL PLANTS YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR GARDEN PHARMACY

For centuries, herbs are used for their therapeutic effects and still used until today. In addition to their medicinal properties, medicinal plants deserve their place in our gardens for their beauty, smell and taste.

Here is a list of the most useful and popular medicinal plants to create your own natural pharmacy and to stay healthy all year long!

1- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a perennial herb from the mint family with tiny and ornamental leaves. These leaves, the flowers and the oil have aromatic and medicinal effects. It is a cold-hardy, drought and wet tolerant plant that is easy to grow and loves full-sun. The perfect time to plant thyme is between September and December.

Medicinal properties:

• Treats respiratory issues
• Boosts bones, teeth …
• Prevents cardiovascular disease (Lowers blood pressure)
• Boosts immunity
• Boosts mood
• Antioxidant
• Fights bacterial and fungal infections
• Rich in iron, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin C.

2- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is an aromatic medicinal herb from the mint family. It grows in arid and rocky soil, in full sun, The leaves and the oil of rosemary are often used in cooking as a spice.

Medicinal properties:

• Improves brain function
• Reduces stress
• Balances hormones
• Stimulates hair growth
• Prevents bacterial infections
• Improves digestion

3- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita / Chamaemelum nobile / Tanacetum parthenium)

Chamomile is one of the most popular wild medicinal plants. It has tiny daisy-like flowers that appear in late spring. Chamomile is easy to start from seed and can grow in poor, clay soil and in full sun or partial shade.

Medicinal properties:

• Treats digestive issues
• Boosts immunity
• Treats anxiety and seizure
• Reduces muscle spasms and dysmenorrhea
• Prevents cancer
• Prevents osteoporosis
• Treats skin conditions

4- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is an aromatic, medicinal and edible herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It can easily be grown indoors and likes fresh, rich and well-drained soils. Basil leaves, seeds, extract or essential oil is proven to help prevent a wide range of health conditions, so don’t forget to use it to make your meals delicious and your body healthier.

Medicinal properties:

• Protects blood vessel
• Boosts immunity
• Antioxidant
• Reduces stroke damage
• Reduces stress
• Sharpens memory
• Supports liver function

5- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

It is a bushy shrub with narrow, pointed leaves and many spikes of purple flowers. This aromatic plant requires a sunny exposure and dry and not too rich soil. Lavender is today one of the most used medicinal plants in phytotherapy.

Medicinal properties:

• Relieves stress and headaches
• Protects against diabetes symptoms
• Improves brain function
• Relieves some skin conditions (acne, eczema, insect bites)
• Treats digestive issues
• Protects Heart health

6- Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a perennial subshrub of the Lamiaceae family that is found all around the Mediterranean basin. Salvia, the Latin name for sage, means “to heal”, this name is chosen because of its remedying abilities of several diseases.

Medicinal properties:

• Treats Inflammation
• Enhances memory
• Lowers blood glucose and cholesterol
• Treats skin problems
• Eases menopause symptoms especially Hot Flashes
• Protects against certain Cancers (skin, breast, colon…)
• Controls inflammation

7- Mint (Mentha)

Mint is a popular herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. It has one of the highest antioxidant capacities and is naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Mint can be found if different environmental conditions, but thrive best in moist areas.

Medicinal properties:

• Relieves indigestion
• Improves dental health
• Prevents respiratory disorders
• Improves brain function
• Decreases breastfeeding pain
• Relieves headaches, backaches and neck pain
• Reduces depression and fatigue

8- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is a flowering perennial plant of the mint family. It is a very common culinary and medicinal plant that can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It must be planted in a full sun location and well drained soil for best growth.

Medicinal properties:

• Prevents osteoporosis and strengthens bone
• Improves cholesterol levels

9- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is a biennial plant that is an easy to start from seed and grows well in a moist and loamy soil and in full-sun and part-sun environments. Aside from its deliciousness, parsley promotes proper digestion and blood circulation.

Medicinal properties:

• Improves blood sugar
• Detoxifies the Body
• Reduces symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Prevents Cancer
• Prevents Osteoporosis and strengthens Bone
• Aids kidney health
• Boosts immunity
• Helps in the removal of uric acid

10- Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelion is a flowering herbaceous that grows in many parts of the world. It prefers full sun but will grow in just about any light and any type of soil. Dandelions have been used culinary and medicinally for thousands of years for their numerous applications and benefits. Medicinal properties:

• Contains potent antioxidants
• Regulates blood sugar and insulin levels
• Balances Hormones
• Improves bone health
• Aids in digestion
• Prevents cancer
• Boosts immunity
• Treats high blood pressure

11- Verbena(Verbena officinalis)

Verbena is a flowering herbaceous plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It is a very easy to grow and prefer sunny areas and not very acid soils. It is green all the year and doesn’t dry out in summer.

Medicinal properties:

• Strengthens Muscles
• Aids in Digestion
• Reduces inflammation
• Fights antimicrobial and antibacterial infections
• Helps weight loss
• Increases milk production
• Relieves headaches and backaches
• Relieves Anxiety
• Reduces Fevers

NB: Don’t use any of the above plants without discussing your health problem with a physician or other health care provider!