8 Healing Herbs to Grow and Harvest

In a society that is bombarded with a growing number of prescription medications that are accompanied by high price tags and endless lists of scary side effects, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking for alternative ways to heal themselves. If you fall into that category, you may want to consider growing and harvesting your own herbs to be used for medicinal purposes.

Herbs have been used for ages to treat a wide variety of health conditions--and by growing your own you can have a natural first aid kit right in your own backyard. This article highlights eight herbs that are both easy to grow and full of healing properties.

Catnip

Catnip isn't just for cats--when this herb comes to mind, you may picture a cat going crazy over a toy filled with it. The truth is, catnip is very valuable to humans as well. A tea made out of dried catnip can be used to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression-- and it's commonly used to treat insomnia, too. Catnip can quickly resolve problems with the digestive system including cramps, diarrhea, and sour stomach simply by ingesting the herb directly, or taking it in tea form. The fresh herb can be applied directly to cuts or open wounds to slow or stop bleeding, and is a great herb to have on hand if you have accident-prone children around! Sprinkle dried catnip in hot bath water to soak away aches and pains in the muscles and joints.

Cayenne

Cayenne has long been known for its benefits to the circulatory system. It helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and improves overall heart function. Being a natural blood thinner, it also helps prevent the risk of blood clots. Cayenne is also helpful for those with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a useful herb for those with arthritis or chronic aches and pains of any sort. It can be used to treat even the worst of toothaches, and is excellent at preventing and fighting a number of infections. It can be made into a tea, tincture, or simply added to your food for both healing and flavor.

Comfrey

Comfrey is an essential herb for any medicinal garden. The fresh herb can be applied to clean wounds and cuts safely to relieve pain and minimize scarring. A poultice made of comfrey can speed up the healing process in bone fractures and sprains, as well as ease pain and inflammation for those suffering from arthritis and tendinitis. Comfrey can be taken internally when made into a tea, but it should be used with caution as some studies have shown it to be toxic to the liver with excessive consumption.

Dill

Dill is a gentle yet powerful herb that has many uses. It relieves many problems associated with the digestive system including diarrhea, gas, and cramping. Properly diluted it can also be used to calm a colicky baby. Dill is great to have on-hand for overall dental care--it hardens teeth and promotes fresh, clean breath. Dill is high in calcium, making it very beneficial to bone health. It also is used to treat insomnia, reduce symptoms of PMS, and relieve congestion brought on by allergies or the common cold. Dill can be made into a tea or infusion, or added to your food for easy ingestion.

Marjoram

Marjoram tea can be used to treat respiratory infections, flu, or to reduce fever. It is also widely known for its healing benefits to those suffering from anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Other uses for marjoram include pain relief for arthritis, headaches, and symptoms caused by PMS. It can be made into a tea or tincture, or you can experience its medicinal properties by using it when you cook.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is an easy herb to sustain and its health benefits are numerous. For starters, it works wonders on the digestive system. Rhubarb teas and tonics can relieve constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, and cramps. It also helps maintain a healthy liver and reduces problematic symptoms of PMS, inflammation, and overall body aches. A tonic made of rhubarb can be used externally to sooth burns and treat a number of skin conditions. The root of the plant is generally used for its medicinal benefits, but the stem part of the plant can be eaten and also contains many healing properties. Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be ingested.

Valerian

Valerian is a calming herb and its soothing qualities are frequently used to treat insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. Unlike most prescription sleep medications, valerian is non-addictive and safe to use on a regular basis. Dried valerian roots can be steeped into tea or ground up to make your own capsules, and will relieve headaches, PMS, symptoms of the common cold, and more. An astringent or tonic made with valerian can be applied to the skin to maintain a clear and healthy complexion, and to eradicate many common skin disorders.

Yarrow

Yarrow is another valuable asset to any herb garden. To relieve body aches and pains, soak in a hot bath steeped with dried yarrow flowers--or make a skin tonic with the blooms to treat acne, eczema, or itchy and inflamed rashes. Yarrow leaves and stems can be used to soothe burns and sores, and can prevent bleeding when applied to cuts and wounds. Drink a tea made of yarrow to treat common respiratory ailments, lessen symptoms of PMS, calm the digestive system, reduce fever--or use to cleanse the liver, and maintain overall health in the kidneys and urinary tract.

These eight herbs are easy to grow and maintain, and will provide a means of healing that is both safe and inexpensive. With a little time and effort you can grow and harvest natural pharmaceuticals right in your own backyard--and experience firsthand the healing benefits that herbs have to offer.