Plants have been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions. Many herbs can be found in your local grocery or health food store, and some can even be grown in your backyard. Check out our list of medicinal herbs for beginners to start growing today here.
These medicinal herbs can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.
Below is an outline of what steps you should take as a beginner to start your journey of adding medicinal herbs to your daily regimen.
7 Steps to Starting Your First Medicinal Herb
1. Know the Common Ailments in Your Family
The first step in starting your medicinal herb garden is to know the common ailments in your family. Knowing these will help you to select the right herbs for your garden.
Common ailments include cold, flu, headaches, upset stomach, and constipation. These are just a few of the many conditions that can be treated with medicinal herbs. By listing the common ailments in your family, you can plan out your garden more effectively.
2. Do Some Research on Medicinal Herbs
Once you have a list of the common ailments in your family, it is time to research the medicinal herbs themselves. Not all herbs are created equal. Some herbs are better for certain conditions than others.
Ginger is an excellent herb for nausea. Peppermint is a great herb for headaches. Chamomile is a beautiful herb for relaxation. By researching and choosing the suitable herbs, you will get the most out of your garden space.
3. Choose the Right Location for Your Garden
The next step in starting your medicinal herb garden is to choose the right location for your garden. It is vital to choose a place that gets plenty of sunlight. Herbs need at least six hours of daylight each day to thrive.
Areas of fertile soil with good drainage will also provide the best results for your garden.
Once you have selected the right location, it’s time to get the right seeds and plants.
4. Purchase the Right Seeds or Plants
After choosing the location for your garden, it is time to purchase the actual herbs themselves. Buying quality seeds or plants is essential if you start from scratch. You can find quality seeds or plants at your local nursery or online.
When purchasing seeds or plants, make sure to read the labels carefully. Ensure that they will be suitable for your garden, including the soil type. In addition to soil type, ensure the suitable climate for your herbs to grow.
These little details may not mean so much at the start, but they do determine whether you get the most of the medicinal properties from your herbs.
5. Plant the Herbs in the Right Soil
The next step in starting your medicinal herb for a beginner’s garden is to plant the herbs in suitable soil. Herbs need rich, fertile soil to thrive.
You can buy potting soil from your local nursery or make your soil mix. Make sure to include plenty of organic matter in your soil mix. The high amounts of organic matter in the soil will help the herbs to grow healthy and strong.
If you have leaf mulch available, this will improve the quality of the soil and give you a better chance of success.
6. Water the Herbs Daily
The next step in starting your medicinal herb garden is to water the herbs daily. Herbs need plenty of water to thrive. You can water the plants with a watering can, or you can use a drip irrigation system.
If you live in an area with high humidity, it is essential to water the plants twice a day.
7. Harvest the Herbs When They Are Ready
The final step in starting your medicinal herb garden is to harvest the herbs when they are ready.
Herbs are ready to harvest when they are at least six inches tall. They can be harvested at different times of the year, depending on the type of herb. When harvesting herbs, it is essential to use clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
The Benefits of Medicinal Herbs
There are many benefits to using medicinal herbs. Some of the benefits include:
1. Medicinal Herbs Can Be Used to Treat a Wide Variety of Ailments
One of the main benefits of medicinal herbs is that they can treat various ailments. Medicinal herbs can be used to treat everything from colds and flu to headaches and stomach problems.
For example, garlic is a strong-smelling herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. But be wary as your breath may stink!
By starting your medicinal herb garden, you will have a ready supply of herbs to use when needed.
2. Herbs Are Natural and Safe
Another benefit of medicinal herbs is that they are natural and safe. Unlike prescription drugs, medicinal herbs have few side effects. The low side effects make them a safe alternative for people who want to avoid prescription drugs.
3. Herbs Are Affordable
A considerable advantage of Medicinal herbs is that they are very affordable. Prescription drugs can be costly, but medicinal herbs are very reasonable. Starting your medicinal herb garden can save money on your medical bills.
4. Herbs Can Be Used in a Variety of Ways
Medicinal herbs are that they can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you can use them in teas, tinctures, and topical treatments. By starting a medicinal herb garden, you will have a wide variety of options on how to consume them.
5. Herbs Are Easy to Grow
Medicinal herbs are easy to grow. Most herbs can be grown in pots or in the garden. By starting your medicinal herb garden, you will have a ready supply of herbs to use when needed. They are typically better quality than their ready-made, store-bought alternative and a lot cheaper.
6. Herbs Are Versatile
The benefit of growing your herbs is that they are versatile. As we have already discussed, medicinal herbs can be used for various ailments. So whether you need a relaxant or something to soothe your stomach, by starting your medicinal herb garden, you will have a ready supply of herbs to use when needed.
7. Herbs Can Be Used in Cooking
You can also use these plants in your cooking. Herbs can be used to add flavor to food or to make herbal remedies. By starting your medicinal herb garden, you will have various herbs to choose from whenever you need them.
Final Thoughts of Medicinal Herbs For Beginners
There are considerable advantages to starting your herb garden. The impact these plants can have on your health and well-being is astounding.
They can improve your health and are easy to grow and maintain. Not to mention the money you will save from over-the-counter medicines.
What do you think of this medicinal herb for beginners article? Let us know in the comments section below if you have any more to add to the list.
