Grow your own remedies

I have often said that herbs were my gateway drug to kitchen gardening. Thanks to the wonderful Wallingford Library, I can find more ways to expand my knowledge and my garden! 

I recently stumbled across this book Backyard Pharmacy – Plants as Medicine, by Elizabeth Millard.  While she is based in Minnesota (with much different weather than ours – brrrr….) this is a great resource for growing, harvesting, and preparing herbal garden remedies. 

With some newly repaired garden beds along my parking strip as an empty canvas I got to work researching medicinal herbs and creating a small “frontyard pharmacy” of my own.

Disclaimer: I am not a naturopath or an expert in alternative therapies.  I am just a local gardener who is trying something new and I hope to inspire others to grow things! 

The plants I selected are considered easy to grow and have a variety of medicinal uses. Many of them are also drought resistent and produce colorful flowers which support our friends the pollinators – a win/win situation.  

Garden Medicinal Preparations

Teas or Infusions from edible herbs – take dried or fresh leaves and pour boiling water over the plant parts – let steep for a few minutes depending on how strong you like the tea.  I have used chamomile, mint and even hops for these preparations

Tinctures – this involves steeping the plant parts in a 2/3 alcohol (usually vodka) and 1/3 water mixture in a clear jar for a few weeks.  Keep in a cool dark place and shake the jar gently every day.  Strain through cheesecloth into another clean jar for long term storing. 

Poultice or Compresses – blend fresh or dried leaves or flowers with a small amount of just boiling water.  Create a thick paste that can be spread directly on the skin while it is still warm. Cover with a clean cloth. If this seems too messy make it into a compress by soaking a cloth in the liquid and squeezing out the excess before applying to the skin.

Infused Oils – place fresh or dried plant parts into a small jar and fill with olive oil. Seal the jar and place in a warm sunny window to break down the ingredients. Shake the jar daily and strain the mixture after a few weeks once the herbs have had time to infuse their flavors.

What I chose to plant and experiement with this growing season

Calendula – edible flowers can add a pop to salads or cockails; can be used in a compress for insect bites or bee stings for relief. 

Yarrow (Achillea) – named after Greek hero Achillis who is said to have used the herb to help his soldiers stop bleeding; leaves can be crumpled and put on superficial wounds 

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) – create a tincture as a digestive aid in small amounts before meals, or crush fresh leaves and rub on skin as an insect repellant 

Valeriana – used during World Wars I and II to treat battle related stress; can be used as a general calming tonic by crushing and soaking a teaspoon of the root in room temperature water for 12 hours; strain and drink a small cup in the evening

This season, I encourage you do your research and pick out a few medicinal plants to nuture in your garden. Many herbs can be grown in soil or containers and will come to serve you year after year. Hope you all get Good to Grow in this lovely Spring weather!