Medicinal herbs for outdoor and home cultivation

Are you an avid herbalist who likes to make honest homemade tinctures or teas from various medicinal plants? Medicinal herbs of all kinds are an integral part of virtually every garden, including indoor ones. Their lasting popularity, reaching far back into history, is due not only to their pleasant scent but mainly to their beneficial effects on mental and physical well‑being. In this article, in addition to traditional species, we will also focus on lesser‑known medicinal herbs. You can grow them not only in the garden but also at home.

When you say medicinal herb, many of us at first think of, for example, true chamomile. No wonder — this plant is also known as German chamomile, and that familiar species name immediately comes to mind. Mostly it grows wild, as shown in the picture. However, you can also buy chamomile seedlings in specialized stores. Not only fresh and extra‑quality chamomile can be at hand if you start it from seed in a greenhouse (see the separate article: How to grow in a greenhouse?). In cold months don't forget about greenhouse heating. If you have a complete growbox, then there's nothing to worry about and all the medicinal herbs discussed here can be harvested year‑round without leaving your home.

Some of the plant species recommended below are often grown mainly for their beauty as ornamental perennials. Many of them, however, are also herbs with beneficial effects on human health. Among other traditional medicinal herbs you will love are:

• valerian (Valeriana officinalis): the medicinal herb from the opening photo, whose Czech species name clearly signals its beneficial, especially sedative, effects on the human body, will adorn any garden with dense inflorescences full of small white or pinkish flowers. Valerian is also commonly known as valerian. It has been used in folk medicine since the Middle Ages. The medicinal plant, which in high concentration becomes toxic, has been used in small amounts since ancient times for insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, depression or stomach cramps. Interestingly, it was one of the first herbs adapted homeopathically. Besides the sedative effects mentioned above, valerian is a strong natural antioxidant, effectively fighting free radicals. For therapeutic purposes only the roots with rhizomes are used. The above‑ground parts are not utilized.
• agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria): agrimony flowers have a yellow color and a characteristic scent reminiscent of apricots. Cultivation is undemanding, with plenty of light being most important. Medicinally, agrimony is well known for its anti‑inflammatory effects. This popular herb, which usually grows to just under a metre in height, is also used to treat liver disorders. Interestingly, the flowering aerial parts of agrimony were used by the ancient Egyptians.

• Mauritian mallow (Malva mauritiana): striking pink‑purple flowers up to 5 cm are a decoration for any garden or balcony. In addition, this mallow, which can reach up to one and a half metres in height, is used for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract due to its high mucilage content. Mallow is extremely easy to grow. A decoction of Mauritian mallow is also used in folk medicine for skin problems, including healing inflamed wounds. The colorful flowers are also an edible garnish suitable for many dishes and will beautifully color any tea blend.

Interesting medicinal herbs that are often forgotten

There are also various useful herbs that our great‑grandmothers relied on but which have fallen into oblivion over time. This category includes, for example:

• elecampane (Inula helenium): on this plant, which bears conspicuous sulfur‑yellow flowers (see picture), the most valuable parts are its roots, which are harvested in both spring and autumn and have the potential to address metabolic issues from loss of appetite to poor digestion. It is also used to relieve spasms in the respiratory tract. In folk medicine elecampane is used as a tea, tincture or syrup, for example in bronchial inflammation.

• marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): another medicinal plant often grown for ornamental purposes, but whose root, leaves and flowers have been collected for medicinal use since antiquity. Its delicate pink flowers are attractive aesthetically. Marshmallow also contains mucilage compounds that ease expectoration and soothe irritated respiratory mucosa. In folk medicine marshmallow is also used for urinary tract inflammations or diarrhoea. The greatest effects of marshmallow are attributed to its macerated roots.

Proper storage preserves valuable compounds and original scent

Whether the medicinal herbs mentioned above will adorn your outdoor garden, balcony or terrace, or whether you decide to dedicate space to one of them in your grow tent to ensure a year‑round supply, don't underestimate correct storage of fresh or dried herbs. A separate article will help you with this: How to store your harvest properly?

If you would like to ask us anything, we are here for you at the familiar email address info@higarden.cz.

We also recommend these products:

• Airtight TightVac containers
• Integra Boost
• Hand Trim set PRO - kit for manual harvest

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