8 Healing Herbs to Grow for Natural Wellness

Herbs delight the senses and support everyday wellness. Here are eight easy-to-grow favorites, chosen for simple preparation and reliable garden performance. (Always verify safety before ingesting any plant.)

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Gentle sleep aid and stomach soother. Dry flowers for tea. Grow: German chamomile (annual, 2 ft), full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, easy from seed.

2. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Traditional migraine preventative (tea from flowers). Grow: Annual, surface-sow seed in spring, full sun, 20 in. bush with daisy-like flowers, self-seeds readily.

3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Calming aromatherapy; edible flowers for teas, salads, drinks. Grow: Full sun, drought-tolerant, well-drained soil essential. English, French, Spanish varieties; short-lived perennial with volunteers.

4. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Relieves nausea, cramps; energizing. Grow: Invasive—contain in pots. Afternoon shade in heat, moist fertile soil, perennial. Leaves for tea, cooking, frozen in ice cubes.

5. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Antiseptic, astringent; tea or gargle for coughs/sore throat. Grow: Sun-loving, drought-tolerant. Varieties from creeping to common thyme (highest thymol). Semi-woody shrub, perennial.

6. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Cardiovascular, antiviral, antifungal benefits. Best eaten cooked. Grow: Plant cloves in fall, overwinter, harvest mid-summer when stalks brown. Soak in baking-soda water pre-plant to prevent fungus.

7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Anxiety-relieving tea. Grow: Part shade, rich moist soil. Tender perennial—protect in harsh winters.

8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Liver support, diuretic, stomach soother. Grow: Part shade, rich soil; thrives indoors on sunny sill. Flat-leaf preferred. Harvest leaves as needed.

Country Living offers a guide to brewing herbal teas from your harvest. What's your favorite healing herb?