Guide to Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Early Summer

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While I’ve grown medicinal herbs indoors and outdoors for many years, gardening in general took a backseat during our traveling years. I’m so excited to plant my herbal garden on the farm early this summer so that I can always have fresh herbs on hand when my family needs them. Grow these top medicinal herbs in early summer and discover their uses.

Why grow medicinal herbs in early summer? 

If you’re on the fence about growing your own medicinal herbs, here are some reasons to convince you why you should:

• Natural Remedies: Cultivating medicinal herbs gives you access to a wide range of natural remedies. Instead of relying exclusively on commercial drugs, you can use freshly harvested herbs to treat common ailments and promote health, similarly to dietary supplements.
• Self-Sufficiency: By growing medicinal herbs, you can reduce your reliance on commercial pharmaceuticals. This promotes a more sustainable way of life and empowers you to manage your health and well-being. Moreover, you can control the cultivation process by growing your own herbs, ensuring that you grow them organically and free from harmful chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: Medicinal herbs can be expensive when bought from stores or pharmacies. By growing them at home, you can significantly reduce costs in the long run. The cumulative expense of purchasing herbal remedies often outweighs the minimal initial investment in seeds or starter plants and basic gardening supplies.
• Freshness and Potency: Freshly harvested herbs are generally more potent and flavorful compared to dried or processed herbs. Growing your own medicinal herbs ensures that you have access to the freshest plant material, maximizing their therapeutic potential. You can harvest the herbs at their peak and use them immediately or preserve them for later use.
• Customization and Experimentation: Growing medicinal herbs gives you the freedom to customize your herb garden according to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the herbs that are most relevant to your health and experiment with different varieties and combinations.

What are the uses of medicinal herb plants?

People utilize medicinal herbs for a variety of purposes, capitalizing on their therapeutic properties. Here are some common uses of medicinal herbs:

1. Symptom Relief:Many people use medicinal herbs to alleviate symptoms associated with various health conditions, such as employing herbs like chamomile and peppermint to soothe digestive discomfort or using ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting.Echinacea and elderberry are popular herbs for supporting the immune system and reducing the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
2. Pain Management: People utilize some herbs known for their analgesic properties for pain management. For instance, many use willow bark as a natural pain reliever due to its compound similar to aspirin. Similarly, others frequently employ turmeric, because of its renown anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compound curcumin, to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Medicinal herbs such as lavender, chamomile, and passionflower have calming and relaxing effects. People commonly rely on them to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote better sleep.
4. Digestive Support: Many herbs are beneficial for digestive health. Peppermint, fennel, and ginger possess carminative properties known for aiding digestion and relieving discomforts such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. People employ dandelion and milk thistle to support liver function and promote detoxification.
5. Respiratory Health: Herbs like eucalyptus, thyme, and licorice root have expectorant and decongestant properties, making them valuable for respiratory health. People frequently utilize them to alleviate coughs, congestion, and sore throats. Certain herbs, like marshmallow root and slippery elm, earn renown for their soothing effects on the throat and respiratory system.
6. Skin Care: Certain herbs have properties that benefit the skin. People use aloe vera for its moisturizing and soothing properties, while calendula earns renown for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Tea tree oil is a popular herb for its antimicrobial properties and addresses acne and skin infections.

Can you buy medicinal herbs instead of growing them? 

Yes, medicinal herbs are readily available for purchase from various sources. Health food stores, community gardens, herbalists, online stores or even your local grocery store will have some to offer.  When purchasing medicinal herbs, it’s important to consider factors like the quality, sourcing, and authenticity of the herbs. Look for reputable sellers who prioritize organic cultivation, sustainable practices, and quality assurance measures. 

Can you grow medicinal herbs indoors in early summer? 

Yes, you definitely can! While indoor growing may not be suitable for all herbs, there is a large selection that can thrive on your kitchen windowsill, in a paper bag, or in a window box. Stayed tuned – I have a whole article coming specifically about indoor and kitchen gardens. 

Yarrow 

Yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering plant. Its fern-like leaves and clusters of small, white, yellow, or even pink flowers characterize it. It has a woody stem. 

Yarrow herb contains several active compounds, including flavonoids, volatile oils, and tannins, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. People commonly prepare the herb as a tea, tincture, or topical ointment for medicinal purposes.

Traditional uses of Yarrow include:

1. Wound Healing: Yarrow possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it useful for treating minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions. It can help stop bleeding, reduce swelling, and promote the healing process.
2. Digestive Aid: The bitter compounds in yarrow stimulate digestion and may relieve issues such as indigestion, bloating, and flatulence. It is also supports liver and gallbladder function.
3. Cold and Flu Relief: Mama use yarrow to alleviate symptoms associated with colds, flu, and fever. It may help reduce congestion, relieve sore throat, and promote sweating to support the body’s natural healing process.
4. Menstrual Support: Women often use it to alleviate menstrual cramps, regulate menstrual flow, and ease symptoms of PMS
5. Skin Conditions: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of yarrow make it a popular choice for skin care. People use it topically to soothe skin irritations, treat acne, and promote overall skin health.

Yarrow grows in large amounts in the wild in our area. Instead of growing it, I will be foraging for it. After all, herbs that you don’t need to plant yourself are the easiest herbs to grow! Start scoping out your area and see if you have yarrow to forage. If there is none in your area, early summer is a great time to grow these medicinal herbs in your garden.

Nettle

Nettle herb (Urtica dioica), also known as stinging nettle, is a perennial flowering plant. It derives its name from the fine hairs on its leaves and stems that cause a stinging sensation when touched – I’m sure you know the feeling! 

Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, and flavonoids. Traditionally, herbalists use nettle in herbal medicine and as a food source.

Here are some common uses of nettle herb:

1. Herbal Supplements: Nettle is a good source of vitamins and minerals – like iron, calcium & Vitamins C.
2. Allergy Relief: Nettle has anti-inflammatory properties and helps alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as hay fever.
3. Joint Health: Many use nettle to support joint health and manage symptoms of conditions like arthritis. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with these conditions.
4. Urinary Health: Nettle herb has diuretic properties, which means it can promote urine flow. People traditionally used it to support urinary health and may aid in relieving symptoms of urinary tract infections.
5. Skin Care: Nettle herb is sometimes used by people topically, in skincare products to address conditions like eczema, acne, and wounds. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help soothe the skin and promote healing.
6. Hair and Scalp Health: Nettle promotes healthy hair and scalp. It helps reduce hair loss, prevent dandruff, and promote hair growth when used in hair care products or as a rinse.

Same as Yarrow, I will be foraging for Nettle in the wild. Early summer is the best time to harvest this plant – before it starts to flower. The younger & softer the leaves, the better.

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or marigold, is a bright and cheerful flowering plant. The edible flowers of the plant contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. In addition to all of it’s medicinal properties, it makes a beautiful flower bed!

Here are some common uses of calendula:

1. Skin Care: Calendula, with its renown skin-soothing properties, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects, making it beneficial for various skin conditions. Users apply Calendula-infused oils, creams, or salves topically to soothe irritations, minor cuts, burns, rashes, and insect bites.
2. Wound Healing: Calendula promotes tissue repair and regeneration, making it useful for wound healing. It helps reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Users apply Calendula preparations to minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions to aid in the healing process.
3. Skin Conditions: People often use Calendula to alleviate symptoms of common skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm inflamed skin and reduce itching and redness. I am so excited to make my own calendula balm!
4. Oral Health: Many use Calendula in oral care products due to its antimicrobial properties. It helps combat bacteria that contribute to gum disease, mouth sores, and inflammation. Others support their oral hygiene with Calendula mouth rinses or herbal toothpaste containing calendula extract.
5. Menstrual and Breast Health: Women traditionally used Calendula to relieve menstrual cramps and reduce breast pain or swelling associated with PMS or breastfeeding. They apply Calendula oil topically to the affected areas for relief.
6. Digestive Health: I love making Calendula into a tea, for its digestive benefits. I use it to soothe digestive discomfort, stimulate appetite, and support healthy digestion.

Calendula is a great addition to vegetable gardens – it can create fertile soil, keep pests at bay & attract pollinators. It is a great companion plant. It also looks gorgeous in flower arrangements. My calendula herbs will grow early this summer in a brand new raised bed that we are preparing to make especially for medicinal herbs. Stay tuned!

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), is an herbaceous plant. It is a close relative of mint and I personally love it for its delightful lemony aroma and taste.

Here are some key points about lemon balm and its uses:

1. Calming and Relaxing Effects: Lemon balm is known for its calming and soothing effects on the mind and body. It has been traditionally used to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease stress. It can be consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form to support emotional well-being.
2. Sleep Aid: Lemon balm has mild sedative properties, which can help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia.
3. Digestive Support: Lemon balm has been used to support digestive health and ease digestive discomfort. It can help relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
4. Cold Sore Relief: Topical applications of lemon balm, such as creams or ointments, have been found to help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
5. Cognitive Function: Lemon balm has been studied for its potential cognitive benefits. It may help improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. Some research suggests that lemon balm extract may have positive effects on age-related cognitive decline and may support brain health.
6. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties: Lemon balm contains various compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These properties contribute to its benefits in supporting immune health and protecting against oxidative stress.

To grow these medicinal herbs is extremely easy, especially in early summer. They are best to harvest when young, but remember that they will regenerate and grow all season long.

Culinary Sage 

Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial herb that also belongs to the mint family. I love the aromatic leaves, which impart a distinctive flavor to various dishes.

Here are some key points about culinary sage and its uses:

1. Flavoring & Cooking: I mostly use Sage as a flavoring herb in cooking. Its leaves have a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, with hints of pine and citrus. I love adding some to tomato sauce or meat marinades. I’ve also used it in recipes such as stuffings, roasted meats (particularly poultry), sausages, stews, and soups. It can also enhance the flavors of pasta sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.
2. Aromatic Infusions: I’m excited to try infusing Sage leaves in oils, vinegars, or spirits to create flavored bases for various culinary creations. I will use these infusions as a finishing touch to drizzle over dishes or as an ingredient in dressings and sauces.
3. Medicinal Uses: Sage has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Sage tea is soothes sore throats, alleviates digestive issues, and supports oral health.
4. Herbal Remedies: People have traditionally used for relieving menopausal symptoms, improving memory and cognition, and aiding digestion.

Best time to grow these medicinal herbs is late spring or early summer, so that you can harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. However, this is another continuous grower, that you can harvest all season long.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a flowering plant that is a member of the mint family. It is my favorite for its calming aroma and how beautiful it looks when flowering.

Here are some key points about lavender and its uses:

1. Aromatic Herb: I love Lavender for its pleasant and soothing fragrance. The flowers of the lavender plant contain essential oils that release a distinctive floral scent when crushed or distilled. The aromatic properties of lavender make it a popular choice for potpourri, sachets, and scented products.
2. Skincare: I often add Lavender to my skincare due to its healing properties for the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it useful for soothing minor skin irritations, reducing redness, and promoting overall skin health.
3. Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil is a key component in aromatherapy practices. I have used it in the past to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and enhance mood. The gentle and aromatic nature of lavender makes it a popular choice for massage oils, candles, and diffusers.
4. Culinary Uses: People also use lavender as a flavoring agent in cooking. I have used it sparingly to infuse desserts, beverages, and savory dishes with a subtle floral note.
5. Herbal Remedies: Many use Lavender for relieving headaches, alleviating mild pain and inflammation, and aiding digestion.

I am excited to grow and use these medicinal herbs fresh in early summer, but I am even more excited to dry and preserve them in various different modalities to use during the winter months. Dark days of winter will never be the same with homemade tea infusions! Stayed tuned for all the recipes I will make! 

FAQ: 

1. Which are perennial herbs and which are annual herbs?

Lemon balm, Sage, Yarrow, Nettle, and Lavender are all perennial herbs. 

Calendula, German Chamomile, Cilantro and Basil are examples of annual herbs. 

2. What other medicinal common medicinal herbs can I grow in early summer?  

There are so many medicinal herbs that I planted in early summer to take advantage of the warm weather from early to late summer and promote their growth. Here are some other options – that I either already have growing in my garden or am planning for next year!

• Basil: Fresh Basil is a versatile herb I mostly use for cooking, but it also has medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and people often use it to soothe digestive issues and relieve stress.
• Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing herb that has a cooling effect. frequently use it for digestive issues such as indigestion & bloating. I usually have it as a tea but many use it topically for headaches and muscle pain. It grows like a weed!
• Chamomile: A gentle herb with calming properties. I drink it as a tea in the evenings to promote relaxation, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
• Echinacea: Echinacea is a flowering plant that has renown immune-boosting properties. It is often used to support the immune system and may help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. It is typically taken as a supplement or in the form of teas and tinctures.

3. Is it best to grow medicinal herbs in partial shade or full sun in early summer? 

Herbs that thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day):

• Rosemary 
• Sage 
• Thyme 
• Lavender 
• Oregano 
• Marjoram 

These herbs generally prefer full sun and thrive in hot and sunny conditions. They require well-drained soil and benefit from the warmth and intense sunlight.

Herbs that tolerate partial shade (around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day):

• Mint 
• Parsley 

While these herbs can handle partial shade, they still appreciate some direct sunlight. They can tolerate and even benefit from slightly shadier conditions, especially in areas with hot summers.

4. Which part of the plant do you use for medicinal purposes?

This largely depends on the type of herb and the desired medicinal properties. 

• Leaves: Many medicinal herbs have leaves that contain therapeutic compounds. I dry the leaves or use them fresh in teas, infusions, tinctures, or poultices. Examples include mint, basil, eucalyptus, and plantain.
• Flowers: Flowers of certain plants possess medicinal properties and are used for their therapeutic benefits. They can be dried and used in teas, infusions, tinctures, oils, or incorporated into topical applications. Examples include chamomile, lavender, calendula, and elderflower.
• Roots: The roots of certain plants are used for medicinal purposes. They may be harvested, dried, and used in decoctions, tinctures, or powdered form. Examples include ginger, licorice, echinacea, and valerian.
• Bark: Some trees and shrubs have medicinal bark that contains active compounds. Bark can be dried and used in decoctions, tinctures, or powdered form. Examples include cinnamon, willow bark, and slippery elm bark.
• Seeds: Seeds of certain plants possess medicinal properties and can be used in various forms. They may be ground into powder, pressed for oils, or used in decoctions. Examples include flaxseed, fenugreek, black cumin, and milk thistle seeds.
• Whole Plant: In some cases, the entire plant or multiple parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, are used for their combined medicinal properties. Examples include ginseng, dandelion, nettle, and St. John’s wort.