Imagine walking into your backyard and picking herbs that can calm anxiety, ease digestion, reduce inflammation, or even fight infections—all without visiting a pharmacy. That’s the power of medicinal gardening, and it’s a key part of the sustainable living approach outlined in The Self-Sufficient Backyard.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 of the most useful medicinal herbs featured in the book, how to grow them, and how they can support your health naturally.
👉 Want the full growing and usage guide? It’s all inside The Self-Sufficient Backyard
Why Grow Medicinal Herbs?
Growing your own herbal medicine garden gives you:
- 💰 Freedom from overpriced pharmaceutical solutions
- 🧘 Natural remedies without side effects
- 🌱 Year-round access to plant-based healing
- 💡 More knowledge and control over your wellness
Plus, herbs are compact, beautiful, and easy to grow—even in pots or raised beds.
The 7 Essential Medicinal Herbs in The Self-Sufficient Backyard
1. Chamomile
Known for its calming effects, chamomile helps with:
- Stress and sleep issues
- Upset stomachs
- Skin irritations when used topically
Growing Tip: Loves full sun, grows well in containers, and self-seeds easily.
2. Peppermint
A cooling herb used for:
- Indigestion and bloating
- Sinus congestion
- Headache relief when applied as oil or tea compress
Growing Tip: Thrives in partial shade but spreads aggressively—contain in a pot!
3. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Famous for immune support and fighting colds, echinacea also:
- Speeds wound healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Boosts white blood cell production
Growing Tip: Perennial that thrives in poor soil and attracts pollinators.
4. Calendula
Gentle enough for babies and powerful for healing:
- Soothes burns, cuts, rashes, and eczema
- Can be infused into oils or made into salves
Growing Tip: Grows easily from seed and blooms all summer with deadheading.
5. Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family used for:
- Stress and nervous tension
- Sleep improvement
- Cold sores and minor viral infections
Growing Tip: Shade-tolerant and grows in containers or ground; keep it trimmed.
6. Yarrow
An ancient remedy with modern value:
- Stops bleeding
- Reduces fever
- Eases menstrual pain
Growing Tip: Hardy and drought-tolerant. Once established, it requires little care.
7. Lavender
Beautiful, fragrant, and functional:
- Calms nerves
- Improves sleep
- Useful in salves, sprays, teas, and aromatherapy
Growing Tip: Needs good drainage and full sun; perfect for raised beds or dry borders.
👉 The book includes harvesting methods, usage guides, and how to preserve each herb: Get The Self-Sufficient Backyard here
How to Use These Herbs
Each of these plants can be turned into:
- Herbal teas
- Infused oils and salves
- Poultices and tinctures
- Natural skin care and first aid solutions
You’ll also learn how to dry, store, and combine these herbs for year-round use—without expensive herbalist training.
Real Results From Readers
🌿 Danielle P., Kentucky
“I grow five of these in containers on my deck. We haven’t needed over-the-counter meds in months.”
🪴 Marcus G., Washington
“The calendula and chamomile saved us during cold season. I never realized how powerful herbs could be until I grew them myself.”
Learn the Full System
The Self-Sufficient Backyard doesn’t just list herbs—it walks you through:
- Garden bed planning
- Planting and spacing
- Herbal harvesting and drying
- Storage containers and shelf-life
- Real-life uses and recipes
✅ See how it fits into the complete homestead plan here
Final Thoughts: Build Your Backyard Apothecary
These 7 herbs are just the beginning. With a small patch of land or even a few containers, you can start reducing your dependence on commercial medicine—while building confidence and resilience at home.
👉 Get your full medicinal gardening guide now: The Self-Sufficient Backyard