1. Peppermint
You’ll notice there are many culinary herbs that are also medicinal in nature. These are some of the easiest herbs to grow because you’ll likely have many uses for them, both to cook with, and to treat symptoms.
Some people need to be careful about planting peppermint because it can invade and spread all over your garden. Using a pot to detain the plant might be the best solution.
Peppermint is wonderful for upset stomachs and can even help with motion sickness. It’s a very cooling herb and wonderful made into an herbal tea or tincture.
Medicinal Uses for Peppermint
- Stomach issues
- Sinus issues
- Cooling (hot summer day, cooling topically)
- Headaches (topically and internally taken)
- Motion/morning sickness
2. Calendula
Calendula is well known for its soothing properties. You’ll oftentimes find calendula in herbal salves, body washes and even shampoos.
It has a beautiful flower and makes a great addition to the garden. The flowers, which can vary in color, will drop their seeds and come back year after year. It’s easy to grow calendula and is also a great pollinator because the insects like it.
Although the flavor of calendula isn’t the best on its own, when combined with something like peppermint, it makes a great tea. Use this tutorial to make a healing calendula oil infusion for medicinal use.
Medicinal Uses for Calendula
- Skin issues
- Rash
- Wounds (homemade antibiotic ointment)
- Anti-fungal (diaper rash)
- Lymph stimulant (great for swollen glands)