Medicinal Plants have a rich tradition of use throughout human history. It is easy and enjoyable for the home gardener to grow her own medicinal herbs, whether on a windowsill or in the garden proper. The following are a number of medicinal herbs you can start growing right now and enjoy through the summer.
A word of
caution: In rare cases, medicinal herbs may cause allergic
reactions or
may conflict with prescription medication. For preparations, dosages, and
contraindications, you will have to do your own research about each herb. Also,
the common uses listed are only some of the uses; there may be many others.
Echinacea
Echinacea is
used as a general immune system booster used to prevent and fight
colds, sore throats, and sinus infections. It is also used for respiratory
tract and lower urinary tract infections. It is used externally for skin
abrasions and ulcerations. Echinacea, in
the sunflower family, is native to the North American plains. The plants grow
from 18 inches to 5 feet tall and bear beautiful cone-shaped flowers which bloom from early to late
summer, for which they are commonly called ‘coneflower.’ They are drought- and heat-tolerant and prefer poor to average,
well-drained soil.Growing from seed can be tricky and
there’s a chance they will not form flowers in the first season. If taking this
route, plant seeds when there is still a possibility of light frost. Be patient
as they can take a couple weeks to sprout. Otherwise, divide a mature plant and
use the division. Once established, plants are perennial and will come back
year after year. Water to help plants get established, but once established,
water sparingly.
Comfrey
The root and
leaf are used externally to help heal cults and wounds. A comfrey tea is used
to relieve coughs; the plant is reputed to help internally with healing, even
of broken bones and fractures (although there is debate about the safety of
using it internally). Comfrey prefers
full sun to partial shade. It is a perennial, originally from Europe, and grows
strong in the spring and summer. It is drought-tolerant but regular watering
will help it thrive. It prefers rich organic soil and pH from 6.0-7.0. It can
be grown in different soil types from sandy to clay. If growing from seed,
comfrey seed needs a winter chilling period and may not germinate for up to two
years.
More common ways
to propagate are through root cuttings, young plants,
or crowns. Plant root cuttings less deep in clay soil and more deep in sandy
soil, 2-8 inches deep. Space plants three feet apart.
Calendula
Used externally
on skin abrasions, minor burns, and wounds. Used internally for minor digestive irritation. Flowers are edible and can be used to liven up the
look of a green salad, for instance.
Calendula is
native to the Mediterranean, but is now naturalized in the Northeast and
western United States. It grows from 1′-2′ high and can produce flowers from
mid-summer until late fall. Propagate with seeds in early spring. Plants will
reseed themselves year after year. Plants prefer rich, well-drained soil but
can tolerate less than average soils. Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Nettle
Nettle is used
as a nutritive tea and is good for treating acidosis. It is also used for
chronic bladder irritation and as a pain-reliever on painful or arthritic
joints. The nutritious leaves are also eaten, cooked
or steamed, similar to spinach. Nettle has been used to help nursing mothers
produce milk. Plants grow
2′-3′ tall. Grow well in various soil types, and generally prefer partial shade
to full shade, but will also grow in full sun. They can be difficult to start
from seed and are more commonly propagated through root cuttings. Gardeners, beware: Once established,
nettle will spread its roots and seeds and become quite a garden nuisance if
not kept in check, similar to mint.
