I’m constantly seeking natural and toxin-free alternatives to modern medicine. While many of the familiar culinary herbs also offer health benefits, I want to go beyond that and be intentional about growing an arsenal of medicinal plants for our well-being and urgent care needs. This task has been all-consuming because the more I learn about ancient herbal practices, the more I want to learn.

This season, along with at least thirty varieties of beneficial culinary herbs and edible flowers, we’re growing:

• Mullein [ Verbascum densiflorum ] Good for pulmonary problems, inflammatory diseases, asthma, spasmodic coughs, diarrhea, and migraine headaches.
• Motherwort [ Leonurus cardiac ] Prevents or stops bleeding.
• Wormwood [ Artemisia absinthium ] Treats fever, liver disease, worm infections, and various digestive problems.
• Horehound [ Marrubium vulgare ] Used for digestion problems including diabetes, loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and liver and gallbladder complaints.
• Tulsi [ Ocimum sanctum ] Used to treat respiratory problems, fever, common cold and sore throat, headaches, kidney stones, and asthma.
• Chamomile [ Chamaemelum nobile ] Treats stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections. 
• Ashwagandha [ Withania somnifera ] Supports stress, anxiety, and sleep.
• Toothache Plant [ Acmella oleracea ] Used for numbing and pain-relief.
• Echinacea [ Echinacea ] Boosts the immune system and helps the body fight infections.
• Feverfew [ Tanacetum parthenium ] Used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, and insect bites.
• Burdock [ Arctium ] Protects cells from damage and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Lavender [ Lavandula ] Promotes sleep and relaxation and treats skin inflammatory issues.
• Self-heal Plant [ Prunella vulgaris ] Used for inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, problems in the stomach and intestines, and sore throat.
• Elderberry [ Sambucus ] Treats cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion.
• Cramp Bark [ Viburnum opulus ] Used for relieving cramps, including muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and cramps during pregnancy.
• Valerian [ Valeriana officinalis ] Promoted for insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and headaches.
• Catnip (and Lemon Catnip) [ Nepeta cataria ] Leads to relaxation, sedation, pain relief, and even increased libido.
• Anise Hyssop [ Agastache foeniculum ] Treats cough, fever, wounds, and diarrhea.
• Yarrow [ Achillea millefolium ] Used for wounds and minor bleeding and to reduce inflammation and anxiety or insomnia.

I’m still working to grow our apothecary collection and my herbal knowledge, but I’m already feeling better prepared and more self-reliant. I expect these feelings to overflow as I continue to tap into my inner medicine woman.

* Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience and intended to be informational – not a medical directive. Do your own research and experimentation. Consult with a medical professional, if necessary.