5 Medicinal Herbs to Grow and Use This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to cultivate a garden filled with medicinal herbs that thrive in the warm weather. These herbs not only beautify your garden and attract pollinators but also offer a range of health benefits. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best medicinal herbs to grow this summer, how to care for them, and creative ways to use them in your daily wellness routine.
1. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Description: Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties and striking purple flowers.
Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Care Instructions: Echinacea is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering, especially in dry periods.
Medicinal Uses: Use the roots, leaves, and flowers to make teas, tinctures, and extracts to support immune health and fight infections.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers during the growing season. Roots are best harvested in the fall after the plant has matured for 2-3 years.
2. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Description: Anise Hyssop is a fragrant herb with licorice-scented leaves and beautiful purple flower spikes, known for its digestive benefits and soothing properties.
Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Care Instructions: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Anise Hyssop is drought-tolerant once established.
Medicinal Uses: Use leaves and flowers in teas to aid digestion, reduce anxiety, and soothe colds.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Cut stems back regularly to promote new growth.
3. Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Description: Also known as Tulsi, Holy Basil is revered for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress.
Planting Tips: Plant in moist, sandy soil with good drainage. Holy Basil prefers full sun.
Care Instructions: Water consistently and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Medicinal Uses: Use leaves and flowers in teas to reduce stress and enhance immunity.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Description: Lemon Balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its refreshing lemon scent and calming properties.
Planting Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Care Instructions: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Lemon Balm can tolerate some shade.
Medicinal Uses: Brew fresh leaves into tea to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and ease indigestion.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Description: Known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, Calendula is a powerhouse of medicinal benefits. It blooms from spring through fall, making it a perfect summer herb.
Planting Tips: Plant Calendula in well-drained soil and a sunny spot in your garden. Space plants about 5 inches apart.
Care Instructions: Calendula is fairly tolerant but thrives best with regular watering and full sun. Although in our hot Georgia heat, it may be a bit much so it should bounce back again in the fall.
Medicinal Uses: Use dried petals in teas, tinctures, or salves to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
Harvesting: Snip off flower heads at the stalk. Dry them in a cool, ventilated area and store them in an airtight container.
Cultivating a summer medicinal herb garden is a rewarding way to enhance your wellness routine. These herbs not only thrive in the summer heat but also offer a multitude of health benefits. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, these herbs are sure to bring beauty and health to your home.
Ready to start your summer herb garden? Visit our shop to find these and other amazing medicinal herbs. Join our community by following us on Instagram and share your garden journey with us!
