Top 5 Medicinal Plants You Should Have in Your Garden
Imagine stepping outside and picking fresh herbs to soothe a sore throat, calm an upset stomach, or speed up wound healing. Growing medicinal plants at home is one of the easiest ways to access natural remedies while enhancing your garden’s beauty.
Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and can be used for teas, tinctures, salves, and homemade remedies. Here are five must-have medicinal plants that belong in every home garden!
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) – The Skin Healer 🌿
Why Grow It?
Aloe vera is a powerful healing plant known for its ability to soothe burns, cuts, and irritated skin. Its gel contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an essential plant for natural skincare.
How to Grow It:
✅ Prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect light
✅ Water sparingly—let the soil dry out between watering
✅ Can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm climates
How to Use It:
✨ Apply fresh aloe gel to sunburns, wounds, and acne
✨ Mix with coconut oil for a DIY moisturizer
✨ Drink aloe juice (in moderation) for digestive health
2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – The Digestive Aid 🌱
Why Grow It?
Peppermint is widely used for soothing digestion, relieving bloating, and easing nausea. The menthol in peppermint leaves also helps with headaches and congestion.
How to Grow It:
✅ Prefers partial shade to full sun
✅ Thrives in moist, well-drained soil
✅ Grows aggressively—keep it in a container to prevent spreading
How to Use It:
🍵 Brew peppermint tea for indigestion and stress relief
💨 Inhale peppermint steam to clear sinuses
💆 Apply diluted peppermint oil to relieve headaches
3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The Anti-Inflammatory Wonder 🌼
Why Grow It?
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is prized for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used in soothing salves, creams, and teas.
How to Grow It:
✅ Prefers full sun and moderate watering
✅ Thrives in poor soil and attracts pollinators
✅ Deadhead flowers for continuous blooming
How to Use It:
🩹 Make a calendula salve to heal cuts, rashes, and burns
🫖 Brew calendula tea for immune support
🌱 Add fresh petals to salads for a nutrient boost
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – The Relaxation Herb ☕
Why Grow It?
Chamomile is one of the best natural sleep aids, known for its calming effects on the nervous system. It also supports digestion and skin health.
How to Grow It:
✅ Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
✅ Thrives in well-drained, sandy soil
✅ Harvest flowers regularly to encourage growth
How to Use It:
🌙 Brew chamomile tea for stress relief and better sleep
🛁 Add chamomile flowers to a relaxing bath soak
🌿 Use as a gentle skin toner for acne and inflammation
5. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – The Immune Booster 🌸
Why Grow It?
Echinacea is a powerful immune-boosting herb used to fight colds, flu, and infections. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a must-have for herbal medicine.
How to Grow It:
✅ Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
✅ Drought-tolerant once established
✅ Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
How to Use It:
💊 Make echinacea tinctures to support immune health
🍵 Brew echinacea tea at the first sign of a cold
🌿 Use echinacea extract in homemade herbal remedies
Start Your Medicinal Garden Today!
Growing medicinal plants at home allows you to create natural remedies for everyday ailments while enjoying a lush, beautiful garden.
At Terra Mater Gardens, we offer high-quality medicinal herb seeds, organic plants, and growing supplies to help you get started.