15 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow in Your Garden to Cure Anything From Cold to Sleeplessness

I will begin with the easy, hardy ones, and move to the relatively tougher ones.

1. Curry leaf

 

Curry leaves grows into a tree when planted in the ground. If you plant it in a pot, snip the leaves off to promote new growth.

Sunlight: grows well in full sunlight.

Stunted growth: feed the plants diluted buttermilk to induce growth.

Pests to watch out for:

Black spots on the back of the leaf.

Tobacco worms. These are huge worms that are difficult to spot except for their big, shiny eyes. If you spot small, round green droppings at the bottom of the plant, you must closely examine the leaves for these worms. They take the color of the leaves they eat making it difficult to locate them. they feed on leaves and in no time can eat the full plant. Get rid of them by plucking the leaf where you see the worm and squish them.

How to use: it’s used a lot in Indian cooking from chutneys to curries for flavoring. Dried leaves can be added to coconut oil as it promotes hair growth.

 

2. Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy herb and the one I have had least trouble with. Get a sapling from a nursery. I have not spotted any pests so far. It requires full sunlight and adequate watering. 

How to use: I use it in just about everything from salads, pasta, and sauces to savory baked dishes. The flavor is overpowering, so use it in moderation. The dried herb makes for a great potpourri.

 

3. Lavender

I had planted lavender along the edges of the pot that had Orange tree. But I realized that lavender grew like a weed during the winter months eventually harming the Orange tree. So I recently moved it to a separate pot.

Use lavender for sleeplessness: Lavender smells heavenly and the dried herb in a ceramic cup by the nightstand is slowly but surely curing me of insomnia.

 

4. Oregano

Oregano needs no introduction for its role in continental dishes. Just like oregano, I grew this one along the edges of the pot that had Guava tree. It grew like a weed eventually drying out towards the end of winter. I am not sure if it was the seasonal effect. So I moved it to a different pot and it’s been doing well since.

 

5. Lemon mint

The leaves are large. The stems are tender and tend to dry out quickly during summer or if not watered frequently. The leaves have an intense lemon flavor. Well, we call this the Amruntanjan plant at home. This grows in the terrace and I love to crush its leaves to take in some of that fragrance.

How to use:

Just rub the leaves of this herb against your temple and it can cure you of a lingering head ache. Somehow, I have felt the same effect with the rosemary, too.

That aside, lemon basil is a great flavoring agent in soups. Add this to a concoction made of ginger, lemongrass, thai basil, garlic and it will cure you of cold.

Use it to flavor water in the summer.

 

6. Clove basil

This variant of basil is intense and spicy. Apart from using it in my cold concoction, I’m yet to find an alternative use for this one.

 

7. Camphor basil

I crushed the leaves of this basil variety, and it made my head spin. One leaf is good enough to leave a lingering taste of camphor in the mouth. It’s best had steeped in water than as fresh leaves.

 

8. Mint

It’s a shame to admit that it is one of the easiest plants to grow that threaten to take over your whole garden when unchecked. But, I struggled for a long time before I found success. Loved the spearmint and peppermint varieties of the mint. I grew them for a while and used them sparingly in teas. Chewing the peppermint leaves is akin to chewing on a mouth freshener. The best part: I grew them on my kitchen windowsill and consumed faster than it grew.

 

How to use: salads, teas, chutneys, dried for garnishing

 

9. Stevia

The leaves have a mild sweetness to them – quite different from that of sugar or palm sugar or jaggery. Leaves and stems of the stevia plant are slender. They do not like harsh sunlight and thrive well in indirect light. Water them regularly and pot them in a well drained soil.

 

10. Italian basil

I got size saplings from a nursery two years ago, and within months, my garden looked like a basil forest. They LOVE sun. Too much water or lack of one will kill them as will shade. Save the seeds. these are easy to grow from seeds.

To ensure the plants thrive and taste well, snip the parts that flower. This ensures the leaves taste fresh.

How to use: I pluck a few leaves and infuse them in a jar of water in the summer. You can make delicious pesto with basil. They are a great addition to pasta sauces, too.

 

11. Lemongrass

This one doesn’t deserve to be at the end of the list. The easiest to grow of them all. Give them sunlight and water, and they are happy. Keep plucking the strands for sustained growth.

 

How to use: in chai, rasam, soups to cure cold, and in concoction for cold.

 

12. Betel leaves

This is perhaps the only one that doesn’t love full sunlight. The creeper grows well in shade and likes to be watered enough.

 How to use: you can just chew on the leaves or steep it in water for a few minutes and drink the water. It is excellent for treating indigestion like ajwain leaves, and also has properties to fight common cold.

13. Coriander

 

There is something called the CCF water that I have been using lately which stands for cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds. These seeds boiled in water is good to bring down fever. The coriander leaves themselves are used in just about every India curry for garnishing or to make chutneys. It takes about 4 weeks to grow from seeds; it grows best in well drained containers that receive full sunlight. However, in summer, if you forget to water them, you’ll stand losing the crop within a day.

14. Ajwain

15. Holy Basil

As the name indicates, it has a religious significance. There is a belief that a few leaves a day had every morning helps keep cold at bay. It is often used to make kashayam – a concoction of herbs when is down with the flu.

Here is one recipe that uses some of these herbs:  I brew a strong concoction made of garlic bulbs (grows along the edges of all pots as it helps in containing pests), basil leaves, tulsi, betel leaves, ajwain, ginger and lemon grass. Add a dash of honey to the concoction and have to two times a day to keep cold at bay.

Even if you don’t have dedicated containers, you can tuck the herbs along the edges of pots or in between plants. All of these herbs can be grown in containers in a balcony or on your windowsill if it receives adequate sunlight. I have a few more growing in the garden (now shown here) such as garlic and green pepper.

Blessed is the person whose body is fit and mind healthy.

FAQs

What are the medicinal plants most suited to grow for Indian climate?

These are the easiest ones to start with in addition to the ones I have shown above growing in my garden:

1. Tulsi (Holy basil): Tulsi is a hardy plant that can grow well in warm and humid conditions.
2. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties and is used in a variety of skincare products.
3. Brahmi: Brahmi is a low-growing herb that prefers cooler temperatures and can be grown in shaded areas. It is known for its ability to improve cognitive function and reduce stress.
4. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a shrub that grows well in warm and dry conditions. It is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve brain function, and boost immunity.
5. Neem: Neem is a fast-growing tree known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used in many Ayurvedic remedies.
6. Turmeric: Turmeric prefers warm and humid conditions and can be grown in both containers and in the ground.

Where can I find seeds or starter plants for medicinal herbs?

I sourced these from various places. Here are a few resources to get you started:

• seedandplant – germination rate is very good
• amazon
• Government nursery run by Horticulture Department off Yelahanka, Bangalore – saplings from here are very good
• Lalbagh nursery in Bangalore
• Biocarve seeds – germinate rate is ok and depends on the weather conditions
• these days even the local nurseries have lemon grass, stevia, lemon balm, pepper mint, rosemary etc. Lavender is very difficult to grow in Bangalore

What are some tips for caring for medicinal plants at home?

It takes a few tries to get it right. I was lucky the first time around with pepper mint, camphor basil and rosemary but not so much with stevia or lavender.

From my experience these are a few things that may of help to you:

1. Choose the right location: Most medicinal plants require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Choose a location in your home that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and has good air circulation. I have kept most of them in terrace.
2. Water properly: Different medicinal plants have different watering requirements, so make sure you understand the specific needs of each plant. In general, most medicinal plants prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
3. Fertilize appropriately: Many medicinal plants benefit from regular fertilization. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully.
4. Prune regularly: Regular pruning helps keep medicinal plants healthy and encourages the growth of new shoots. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf or node. This is especially true for rosemary.
5. Control pests and diseases: Keep a close eye on your medicinal plants for signs of pests or diseases, and take action immediately if you notice any issues. Use natural pest control methods whenever possible to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
6. Harvest properly: Harvest medicinal plants at the right time for maximum potency. Follow proper harvesting techniques to avoid damaging the plant, and store the harvested parts in a cool, dry place.

How do I prepare the soil for growing medicinal plants at home?

To prepare the soil for growing medicinal plants at home, test the soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Based on the test results, you may need to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjust the pH level if necessary. Make sure the soil is well-draining and loose to encourage root growth. Finally, add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How long does it take for medicinal plants to grow at home?

In India, the growth rate of medicinal plants can vary based on the climate and region. Some plants, like aloe vera and turmeric, grow well in hot and humid climates, while others, like ashwagandha and brahmi, prefer cooler temperatures. Many medicinal plants can be grown year-round in India, with some plants like neem and tulsi being particularly well-suited to the Indian climate. However, it is important to research the specific growing conditions and requirements for each plant to ensure successful cultivation.