We all have our favorites, don’t we?
I have chosen these 12 Must-Have Medicinal Herbs because they are my preferred herbs to use with my rather large family. These hard-working plants have proven themselves. Many of these beauties grow locally in my area, they are easy to access and FREE! That is a win in my opinion! I live in the great state of Ohio so what grows in the wild or in my yard may be different in your neck of the woods. I would encourage you to look around and see what you have growing in your area. Take a look and do some research.
Another reason I like to use herbs in my approach to wellness is because of my faith in God. When I use something that He created then I feel His provision for me and my family. He put the things we needed to live successfully on the earth as a sign of His great love for us which was ultimately shown through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Now, let me be clear, I am equally as thankful for things like antibiotics, surgery, and prescription medications. These are from God too, I personally prefer to start with the least invasive.
I like Miriam Webster’s definition of Herbal Medicine.
1: the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease.
2: a plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these used in herbal medicine.
12 Must-Have Medicinal Herbs
Aloe Vera is used for all things relating to the skin. I use it for burns and scrapes. I am always amazed that this plant is filled with a gel that heals everything from sunburn to minor cuts.
Basil is not just for the culinary-minded person although I love to put fresh basil in many dishes that I make! Basil has medicinal qualities too. Fresh Basil promotes a healthy inflammatory response as well as being high in antioxidants. I personally suffer from several autoimmune diseases and to find a herb that naturally helps my body to un-inflame is a real blessing. Load up on lots and lots of Basil or get Basil essential oil for a more powerful effect. I even love Basi in salads and as a replacement for lettuce on hamburgers!
Comfrey’s leaves and roots are used as a tea for upset stomach, heavy menstrual periods, and coughs. It is also used as a gargle for gum disease and a sore throat. It can be made into a healing salve with coconut oil and beeswax. It is important to get the right kind of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale).
Chamomile is used for tea. I drink a cup of hot Camomile tea and use Chamomile essential oil daily, I like it that much! Traditionally, Camomile has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mildly astringent, and all-around healing medicine. Another herb that promotes a healthy inflammatory response!
Dandelion root has a really nice flavor. Roasted dandelion root tastes even better. I like it combined with cinnamon for a pleasant tea! 
While many people think of the dandelion as an invasive weed, it is chocked full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add a spicy flavor to salads and teas. Best of all they grow in my yard so I have a FREE supply! The Dandelion leaves taste best in the Spring when they are young and tender!
Elderberry is used for its antioxidant properties and it can even lower cholesterol, improve vision, and improve heart health. It has large amounts of vitamin C so it is wonderful when fighting a cold or flu. I like this herb because it gives my body a much-needed immune system boost!
Garlic is a star when it comes to properties that can help you stay healthy! Take a look at all the things garlic is good for. According to The National Library of Medicine, part of the NIH (National Institutes of Health), USA, garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and heart, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Garlic is also used for the prevention of lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer. Enough said, get some garlic today and start eating it daily! (source: Medical News Today)
Horseradish is easy to grow. I have tried without success to remove it from one area of my garden and yet it returns every single year! Horseradish has been shown in laboratory tests to have antibiotic properties. It works wonders on sinus infections or even a sinus headache caused by the inflammation of the sinus walls. Grate some Horseradish root and keep it in your mouth until the flavor disappears.
Lemon Balm is worth having in your garden for the smell alone. I also like it because it self-seeds freely and is aesthetically pleasing! Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family and is a calming herb that reduces anxiety and promotes sleep. It even helps with indigestion! Use the leaves fresh or dried for a calming and refreshing tea…and oh, the smell! Now, for an added bonus. Lemon Balm is rich in caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, which are powerful antioxidants. Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oil is even more powerful!
Mullein is a beautiful plant in which both the flowers and the leaves are used medicinally. Mullein tea is used for the respiratory system and calms coughs and inflammation. It grows wild here in Ohio and grows freely in my garden. Mullein leaves are very effective when you have skin irritation or a bee sting. Wet the leaf or chew it ( yes, I actually said chew it and spit it out) and put it on the sting.
Peppermint essential oil has saved my stomach so many times over the years I have lost count. I have Celiac Disease, therefore, my intestines are easily irritated and Peppermint can always make me feel better. It is also good for colic and has been shown to enhance memory. It is clear now to those of you who know me why I love this herb so much! I also use Peppermint essential oil with the same success and love. Interested in more Anti-inflammatory essential oils?
Self Heal was first introduced to me by my 25-year-old autistic daughter. She is generally recognized as knowing absolutely everything about three subjects …Dogs, Botany, and Genetics. She found this wonderful herb growing in many places in our yard and we have now transplanted it into the herb garden. Thanks, Kylie! Self Heal has been historically used in treating a sore throat. It works well for that. It is also a diuretic and has wonderful antioxidant properties. Studies are now being conducted on Self Heal’s antibiotic, anti-tumor, and its ability to lower blood pressure.
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YOUR TURN…
What are your favorite medicinal herbs?
Blessings,
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*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of the herbal remedy.
My husband’s first job was at the College of Pharmacy at Ohio State as alumni affairs director and he worked very closely with a man who was a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry, specifically plants. I so wish I could go back now and learn from him. Most of my “plants” come from essential oils, but I do make a batch of elderberry syrup every winter. No one will use it but me. My husband’s favorite medicinal plant is peppers in the form of Tabasco — swears it treats everything! 😉
I made a batch of elderberry syrup this summer to treat a summer cold my family picked up while on vacation and “force fe”d it to everyone:) It worked though. For the record your husband may be right about the tabasco as it really does help with flu and respiratory issues but you don’t have to tell him I said he was right! Thanks for your comment Barbara!
Thank you for these helpful herbal medicine suggestions. I will be back again!
Your welcome!
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
Thank you and I am so glad you found it helpful!