10 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow for Your Herbal First Aid Kit
10 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow for Your Herbal First Aid Kit
Imagine reaching into your garden to find the remedy for a sore throat, a minor burn, or a scraped knee. Growing your own medicinal herbs not only connects you to the earth but also empowers you to care for yourself and your loved ones naturally. Here at Rising Rooted Yoga and Herbal Apothecary, we’re all about cultivating that connection.
Creating an herbal first aid kit from your garden is more than practical—it’s a labor of love. Whether you have a small backyard garden, a few containers on your patio, a raised bed, or an indoor kitchen garden, the important thing is to start today. Each herb you grow brings you closer to self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature. Let’s explore 10 powerful herbs you can grow to create your very own herbal first aid kit.
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Known as the "healing flower," calendula is a must-have for skin care. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for soothing burns, cuts, and rashes. Infuse calendula petals into oil to create salves or use them in tea to support digestion.
How to Grow: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead regularly to encourage blooming.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is not just calming for the mind—it’s also soothing for the skin. Use its antiseptic properties to treat minor wounds, insect bites, and burns. The scent alone is a balm for stress and anxiety.
How to Grow: Needs full sun and well-draining soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
3. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
This warrior herb is known for its ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It also supports fever relief and is a go-to for muscle aches.
How to Grow: Thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soil. Divide clumps every few years.
4. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea is your immune system’s best friend. Use it at the onset of colds or infections to give your body a boost. The roots, leaves, and flowers all carry medicinal properties.
How to Grow: Loves full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Cut back in the fall for regrowth in spring.
5. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
A refreshing herb with a kick, peppermint can soothe an upset stomach, relieve headaches, and calm itchy bug bites when applied topically.
How to Grow: Grows vigorously in partial to full sun. Contain it in pots to prevent spreading.
6. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is the queen of calm. Use its dried flowers to brew tea that aids sleep, eases digestive troubles, and soothes irritated skin.
How to Grow: Prefers full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil. Harvest flowers when fully open.
7. Plantain (Plantago major)
Often mistaken for a weed, plantain is a powerful herb for drawing out toxins and relieving bites, stings, and minor cuts. Its leaves can be chewed into a poultice for immediate application.
How to Grow: Grows in almost any soil and conditions. Keep it trimmed to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
This cheerful herb has antiviral properties and can ease anxiety, promote restful sleep, and calm cold sores when applied topically.
How to Grow: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
9. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Famed for its mood-boosting properties, St. John’s Wort is also a topical remedy for nerve pain and minor burns.
How to Grow: Prefers full sun and sandy soil. Harvest flowers at their peak for the most potent medicine.
10. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey’s deep roots pull up nutrients, making it a powerhouse for healing wounds, bruises, and sprains. Its leaves can be turned into poultices or salves.
How to Grow: Loves rich, moist soil and partial to full sun. Harvest leaves before flowering.
Bringing It All Together
For more information on growing these herbs and putting together your kit, explore our eBooks in the Apothecary: Seed to Harvest and Emergency Herbalism: Preparedness and First Aid Manual. With each plant, you nurture a partnership with nature, one that offers resilience, healing, and a deep sense of grounding. As you harvest these gifts, remember to do so with gratitude and intention.
At Rising Rooted Yoga and Herbal Apothecary, we believe in the healing power of plants and the wisdom of cultivating your own medicine. Start with one or two herbs and expand your garden as you grow more confident. Soon, your herbal allies will be ready to support you in every season. With each plant, you nurture a partnership with nature, one that offers resilience, healing, and a deep sense of grounding. As you harvest these gifts, remember to do so with gratitude and intention.
At Rising Rooted Yoga and Herbal Apothecary, we believe in the healing power of plants and the wisdom of cultivating your own medicine. Start with one or two herbs and expand your garden as you grow more confident. Soon, your herbal allies will be ready to support you in every season.