Conscious Choice: Top Ten Herbs to Grow

May 2001 | Herbs for Health

Top Ten Herbs to Grow

by Meg McGowan

This past fall I was asked to speak at the South Suburban Food Co-op’s annual meeting. Following my presentation, one of the board members asked me what my top ten recommendations were for the best herbs to grow in this area. A good question requires a thoughtful and considered answer — so here it is. My criteria was that the herbs should be easy to grow, easy to utilize for medicinal purposes, highly beneficial, versatile, and (how utterly subjective) ones that I have a particular affinity for. Without further ado, may you grow to love these ten herbs too!

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The juice from basil leaves can be applied topically as both an insect repellent and to soothe itching and swelling from insect bites. Fresh basil leaves are easily incorporated into summer salads and sandwiches, providing a powerful antioxidant boost. Basil also acts as a digestive aid and has mild mood-stabilizing effects.

Basil is an annual herb, meaning it must be planted anew each year. It should be grown in full sun. (Full sun is considered to be at least six hours of direct sunlight.) While basil can be easily grown from directly sown seed, in the Chicago area starting plants indoors or purchasing growing plants from a greenhouse will yield an earlier harvest. Basil plants require night temperatures of at least sixty degrees in order to thrive, and they are extremely sensitive to frost. For abundant foliage, give them plenty of room in the garden, allowing approximately a foot between plants. Pinch central growth to encourage branching, and remove flower stalks as they emerge.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Colorful calendula petals have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in treating wounds, burns, acne, dry skin, rashes and varicose veins. A calendula infusion can be used as a douche to treat yeast infections. With minimal effort, fresh or dried flower heads can be made into a tincture or infused into oil. Those with a bit more ambition can create ointments or creams.

An annual herb, calendula can be started from seed sown outdoors in a sunny spot, where it will grow one to two feet high. Established plants can be purchased for earlier blooms in our climate. Frequently picking the blossoms stimulates more vigorous flowering — good news, since calendula also makes a lovely cut flower and can be used as an edible garnish.

German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita syn. Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile is a gentle and relaxing herb. Infusions made from its flowers can be sipped or soaked in. Often used to soothe cranky or over-stimulated children, chamomile can be equally effective for adults. It can be used to ease overall tension and aching pain. Taken internally, chamomile works its soothing magic on the digestive system.

German chamomile is an annual grown from seed, best in a sunny location. Flower heads should be harvested in full bloom and can be dried for later use.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

A comfrey patch is invaluable for treating accidental injuries that involve bruises, sprains, or broken bones. Fresh leaves applied as a compress or poultice can minimize damage and significantly speed the healing process. Comfrey root harvested in autumn can be used to make an oil infusion, providing external anti-inflammatory and healing benefits year-round. Care should be taken to become thoroughly acquainted with current thought regarding cautions before taking comfrey internally.

Comfrey, a perennial herb, can grow to about three feet in sun or light shade. It can be quite spreading, but harvesting roots annually will help to keep it in check. Comfrey appreciates plenty of moisture, though it is not particularly picky in its soil requirements.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifloia & E. purpurea)

The benefits of Echinacea as an immune-system stimulant are well known. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Mature roots (roots that are at least three years old) can be used to make tinctures or decoctions to treat infections.

Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea is a highly ornamental perennial plant native to the midwestern prairie. Planted in full sun with well-drained soil, it will effortlessly reach heights up to three feet. Roots should be harvested in autumn when the potency of active constituents is the greatest.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana syn. Cochlearia armoracia)

Horseradish is useful in both preventing and treating colds, flu, and fevers as well as sinus and respiratory congestion. It is a source of vitamin C, promotes perspiration, acts as an expectorant, and has mild antibiotic properties.

Easily grown from root divisions, horseradish is a perennial herb that will do well in full or partial sun. Reaching a moderate height of eighteen to twenty-four inches, its value lies in its long taproot. Like comfrey and Echinacea, mature roots should be harvested in fall.

Parsley (Petroselenium crispum)

Packed with nutrients and high in antioxidants, parsley leaves are an excellent dietary supplement. Parsley leaves play a peacemaking role, gently aiding the digestive system, neutralizing odors such as garlic, and helping to blend the flavors of other herbs. All parts of the plant—leaves, roots and seeds — have diuretic properties, serving to eliminate toxins from the body. Parsley seeds should be consumed in moderation, as high levels can be toxic.

Parsley will grow in sun or partial shade with sufficient moisture. An annual herb, it grows eight to twelve inches high. To plant from seed, try freezing the seed first in ice cubes and planting the whole cube. This helps to soften the hard outer shell and provides moisture for germination. Once established, parsley will often self-sow in subsequent years.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is an excellent tonic herb, strengthening the body’s systems and stimulating circulation, especially to the brain. It is stimulating to mind, body, and soul. Simply rubbing its pine-like leaves can be invigorating when energy or spirits are ebbing. Sipping a rosemary infusion can provide headache relief. Bathing in rosemary-infused water brings relief from muscle aches and renews strength.

Rosemary is a tender perennial in our climate. Though it can be wintered over indoors, it generally will not survive the dry, forced heat without a great deal of care. Better to replant rosemary anew each year. Good drainage, even moisture, and full sun, are sufficient for success. If growing rosemary in a pot, use a soil mix suitable for cactus and be careful not to let it get too dry. New plants are best started from cuttings or purchased from a greenhouse. Branches of rosemary can be dried for use throughout the winter months.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is a strongly astringent and antiseptic herb. Gargling an infusion of sage leaves can treat a range of oral afflictions, including tender or bleeding gums, halitosis, sore throat, and irritations of the mouth. Sage has adaptogenic properties for balancing hormones and the nervous system. It also supports the digestive system.

Easily started from cuttings, sage is a perennial herb that appreciates full sun and good drainage. It is a beautiful addition to any garden, with its textured gray-green leaves. A mature sage plant resembles a small, rounded shrub, reaching about three feet in height.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a powerful antiseptic herb. Consumed regularly as a tonic herb, it supports general body function and may reduce the effects of aging. The tiny leaves can be incorporated into salads, dressings, spreads, and sauces. Andrew Chevallier, in The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants (DK, 1996), recommends chewing fresh thyme leaves to relieve a sore throat.

Good drainage and full sun are essential to successfully growing thyme, a low-growing, perennial herb. New plants can be started from seed or by dividing established plants.

DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.

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