There are a variety of benefits to growing medicinal herbs on your property. First, of course, if you sell them, they can be used as a source of income, but the other reason is far more critical: they are beneficial to your health and nutrition.
It has been demonstrated that including these plants in your diet can aid in the prevention of certain diseases and disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Another advantage of growing herbal medicines is that they take up less space than traditional crops such as corn or wheat, making them ideal for those with only a small plot of land.
If you’re interested in learning about the best medicinal herbs to grow on your homestead, you should read this.
7 Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow on Your Homestead
1. Goldenrod
Goldenrod herbs are great for respiratory health, and they can be made into a tea or tincture. They are also effective against urinary tract infections. Also, goldenrod is an excellent source of antioxidants and can help boost the immune system.
Goldenrod is also known as the “medicine chest of Americans” because it was one of many traditional herbs that North American settlers carried to help treat all sorts of common ailments.
This can include coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach aches, flu symptoms, diarrhea, and inflammation. However, it’s easy to grow, and the flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden.
2. Oregano
Oregano will produce a large number of flowers and will attract lots of pollinators to the garden. In addition, it may help protect against harmful bacteria.
Best planted with basil, tomatoes, and peppers. When blooming with other plants, oregano will help to repel pests.
It is the perfect herb to have in your garden. May reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. It could help to relieve a toothache.
When it comes to improving your gut health, oregano is a superstar. But, superstar or not, oregano is a great herb to have on your homestead.
3. Red clover
It appears to improve blood flow, and it is beneficial for people with high blood pressure. In addition, it has been used to remedy respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma, but there is not much evidence to support these claims.
The flowers and leaves can be made into tea, which is high in calcium. Red clover is also high in niacin, protein and iron. It can be used to treat coughs, but it has also been used as a contraceptive.
When growing red clover, it is essential to keep in mind that the roots can get quite deep, so make sure you have enough room for it.
Overall, red clover is a great herb to have in your garden, significantly growing it for its high nutritional value. In addition, red clovers are easy to grow and maintain, making them an excellent choice for any homesteader.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen perennial herb with fragrant, needle-like leaves. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but can be grown almost anywhere in the world.
Rosemary has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for various purposes. It’s most well known for its soothing effects on the stomach, but rosemary is also used to support liver health and relieve muscle pain.
The immune system is supported by rosemary, and the herb reduces inflammation. Rosemary has been studied for its potential effects on brain function in healthy people and those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Many of the Rosemary health benefits come from its antioxidant content, which can be increased by drying the herb.
5. Sage
Its high calcium, potassium, and iron concentration greatly benefit growing plants. Sage also helps prevent disease because its antioxidants kill off free radicals that can cause damage and disease in plants. Sage is also used as a natural antiseptic, making it great for cuts and wounds.
Sage is great for use with vegetables, as it can help prevent fungus from growing on mushrooms and tomatoes. In addition, Sage enhances the flavor of other herbs, like thyme and rosemary.
It is also used in calming teas that help to promote relaxation after a long day of work. Sage is used for digestive problems like flatulence, bloating, and colic.
It is also used to help relieve symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, like cramps or hot flashes. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have also seen some improvement in their condition when given sage as a supplement.
6. Thyme
Thyme is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it is excellent for treating respiratory infections, sore throats, and coughs. In addition, it is high in antioxidants which help boost the immune system.
Other benefits of thyme include being antibacterial, antiseptic, and carminative. Boosting energy levels, mental clarity, and memory and helping to improve digestion and boost the immune system. Thyme can be used in teas, soups, broths, salads, stews, or seasoning.
Chemicals in thyme can also reduce blood sugar levels, which may be helpful for people with diabetes. Taken in the mouth or applied to the skin, thyme is effective against several fungi and yeasts. In addition, it contains thymol which helps kill bacteria that cause disease.
7. Wild onion
Wild onion is loaded with health benefits and is easy to grow. Reduces swelling and fights infection. Aids in digestion and can help relieve nausea and vomiting.
It can be used as a natural expectorant to loosen mucus and help you breathe easier. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pain.
Works as an antioxidant to fight free radicals. Can improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
It helps treat urinary tract infections, gastritis, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition, being a stimulant, it’s excellent for treating allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seeds for growing medicinal herbs?
Different herbs will have different needs in terms of climate, sunlight, and soil type. But a few medicinal herbs are easier to grow than others and can be grown just about anywhere. Growing medicinal herbs is a great way to save money and treat many common ailments. For example, wild onions have quercetin, which is excellent for inflammation. So, take a look at the health benefits for each herb you’d like to grow and see which benefits you best!
Do medicinal herbs need companions to grow well?
Herbs don’t need companions to grow well, but they can benefit from them. For example, if you grow basil next to thyme, the thyme may help repel pests that might eat your basil plants. In addition, some herbs do better when planted near each other. For example, companies sometimes can’t meet the demand for oregano, so planting it near other herbs can help increase your yield.
What type of soil is best for growing medicinal herbs?
Most species prefer a well-draining soil on the acidic side for growing medicinal herbs. The pH of your soil should be between six and seven for optimal growth. A low or high pH can lead to nutrient deficiencies in plants, eventually killing them. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH or organic matter to make it more acidic. If your soil is not suitable for growing herbs, you can grow them in containers.
Takeaway
Now that you have learned about the best medicinal herbs to grow on your homestead, it is essential to understand how to use these plants. Using Medicinal Herbs safely and effectively takes time and practice as with any new skill.
But once you have mastered the basics, you will be able to rely on these herbs for years to come! As with all Medicinal Herbs, the dosage varies from person to person, so start slowly while learning how much works best for you.
