Creating a medicinal garden tailored with herbs for first aid use is a smart and sustainable way to handle minor injuries and ailments naturally. These herbs are not only easy to grow, but they also pack a powerful punch when it comes to soothing bruises, healing burns, calming bites, and addressing other first-aid concerns. Let’s dive into the top 20 must-have herbs and how to cultivate them.
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Why You Should Be Growing These First-Aid Herbs In Your Medicinal Garden
A medicinal garden is more than just a collection of plants—it’s a step toward self-sufficiency, natural living, and better health. Adding first aid herbs in your medicinal garden can provide a wide range of benefits, from quick access to remedies for minor injuries to reducing your dependence on synthetic products.
Immediate Access to Natural Remedies
Life happens, and minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites are inevitable. With a medicinal garden, you have instant access to plants that can soothe, heal, and protect. Instead of rushing to the store for a cream or ointment, you can harvest fresh herbs and apply them right away. For instance, grabbing a leaf of aloe vera for a burn or some yarrow for a bleeding wound can save time and provide immediate relief.
Cost-Effective First Aid
Growing your own medicinal herbs is a one-time investment that keeps giving. Compared to buying over-the-counter products, homemade herbal remedies are incredibly affordable. Seeds and starter plants are inexpensive, and once established, your garden will continually produce the ingredients you need for salves, tinctures, teas, and poultices.
Chemical-Free Healing
Many store-bought first aid products contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin or have unknown long-term effects. By using herbs from your own garden, you know exactly what goes into your remedies—pure, natural ingredients free from harmful additives.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
A medicinal garden reduces your reliance on commercial first aid supplies, making it a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Knowing how to grow, harvest, and use your own herbs gives you the confidence to care for yourself and your family naturally, even in emergencies or situations where supplies are limited.
Check out these Beginner’s Guide To Starting A Medicinal Garden!
Must-Have Herbs For Your First Aid Medicinal Garden
Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of growing first aid herbs in your medicinal garden, lets dive in to the top 20 first aid herbs you NEED to grow!
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Reduces inflammation and soothes skin irritation.
- Speeds up the healing of cuts, scrapes, and minor burns.
- Antibacterial properties make it great for homemade salves.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost.
- Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage blooming.
How to Use:
Infuse calendula flowers in oil to make a soothing balm or salve. Apply directly to wounds or rashes to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
2. Plantain (Plantago major or P. lanceolata)
First Aid Uses:
- A natural remedy for insect bites, stings, and poison ivy.
- Excellent for drawing out splinters or toxins from wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in almost any soil and sunlight condition.
- Grows wild in many areas, but can be cultivated intentionally.
- Regularly harvest leaves for fresh use.
How to Use:
Chew or crush fresh leaves into a poultice and apply to affected areas for fast relief from bites or stings.
3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
First Aid Uses:
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress, aiding recovery from shock.
- Antiseptic and pain-relieving properties help with minor cuts and burns.
- Soothes itchy bug bites.
Growing Tips:
- Loves full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
- Prune back yearly to maintain shape and encourage growth.
- Water sparingly, as lavender is drought-tolerant.
How to Use:
Create a lavender-infused oil for use on burns and scrapes, or use the essential oil diluted for calming aromatherapy during first aid situations.
4. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
First Aid Uses:
- Known as “knitbone,” it accelerates healing of bruises, sprains, and fractures.
- Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in partial to full sun and rich, moist soil.
- Grows quickly and can become invasive, so consider planting in a contained area.
- Harvest leaves before flowering for the best potency.
How to Use:
Make a poultice, salve or compress with comfrey leaves to apply to bruises or sprains. Avoid using on deep wounds as it heals skin so quickly that deeper tissues may remain unhealed.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
First Aid Uses:
- Stops bleeding from cuts and wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory properties help with swelling.
- Can be used as a fever reducer in teas.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Drought-tolerant and hardy in poor soil conditions.
- Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming.
How to Use:
Crush fresh yarrow leaves to create a styptic poultice for stopping bleeding. Dried yarrow can be powdered and sprinkled on wounds.
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
First Aid Uses:
- Instantly soothes and cools burns, including sunburns.
- Moisturizes and heals dry or cracked skin.
- Reduces inflammation and redness from bites and stings.
Growing Tips:
- Needs a sunny location and sandy, well-draining soil. Most areas in the US will do best growing aloe vera indoors.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Propagate easily by separating offsets from the mother plant.
How to Use:
Cut a leaf and use the gel inside directly on burns or irritated skin for immediate relief.
Check out How To Use Aloe Vera Gel In Salves for all the tips and tricks!
7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
First Aid Uses:
- Boosts immune response for faster recovery from infections.
- Reduces swelling and soothes minor cuts and scrapes.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant seeds or transplants in early spring.
- Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming season.
How to Use:
Create a tincture or tea from flowers and roots to support the immune system during illness or after an injury.
8. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
First Aid Uses:
- Excellent for soothing nerve pain from injuries.
- Helps heal minor burns and wounds.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and sandy, well-draining soil.
- Drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal care.
- Harvest flowers when in full bloom for medicinal use.
How to Use:
Infuse in oil to make a topical salve for burns, scrapes, or nerve-related pain.
9. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
First Aid Uses:
- Anti-inflammatory and calming properties for skin irritations.
- Reduces swelling and soothes itchy bites or rashes.
- Mild sedative effect helps with stress during injuries.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Harvest flowers regularly to encourage growth.
- Deadhead to keep plants blooming.
Check out this full guide on How To Grow Chamomile!
How to Use:
Brew a strong tea with chamomile flowers and use it as a compress for irritated skin or as a rinse for burns.
10. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
First Aid Uses:
- Eases headaches when applied to the temples.
- Soothes digestive upset and nausea.
- Relieves itching and irritation from bug bites.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
- Grows rapidly—consider planting it in containers to prevent spreading.
- Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
How to Use:
Infuse leaves in water or oil for cooling compresses on bites or headaches. A tea made from fresh or dried leaves can help ease nausea.
11. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
First Aid Uses:
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties make it ideal for cleaning wounds.
- Aids in soothing respiratory discomfort.
- Helps relieve coughs and congestion.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
- Grows well in containers or rock gardens.
- Trim regularly to maintain a bushy shape.
How to Use:
Make a thyme tea or steam inhalation for respiratory issues, or create an antiseptic wash for minor wounds and cuts.
12. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Reduces anxiety and stress in first-aid situations.
- Soothes bug bites and cold sores.
- Mild antibacterial properties aid in skin healing.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
- Grows quickly and can become invasive—contain it in pots if needed.
- Regularly harvest leaves to prevent flowering.
How to Use:
Crush fresh leaves to release oils and apply directly to bites or irritated skin. A herbal salve can also be made to have on hand. A tea can be used as a mild sedative during stressful moments.
Check out Lemon Balm 101 for all the amazing uses of this fragrant herb!
13. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Improves circulation when massaged into sore muscles.
- Antimicrobial properties make it useful for wound cleaning.
- Can relieve mental fatigue or stress.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering.
- Protect in colder climates or grow in pots for overwintering indoors.
How to Use:
Infuse in oil for a muscle rub or make a strong tea to use as a wound wash.
14. Arnica (Arnica montana)
First Aid Uses:
- Reduces swelling, bruising, and muscle pain.
- Helps with sprains and strains.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil.
- Grows well in alpine or rocky gardens.
- Harvest flowers carefully—this herb should only be used topically.
How to Use:
Create a salve or tincture for external use on bruises and muscle injuries. Note: Do not use on open wounds.
15. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum)
First Aid Uses:
- Reduces stress and aids recovery from shock.
- Antimicrobial properties help treat skin infections.
- Aids in respiratory issues and coughs.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
- Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth.
- Grows well in containers and smaller spaces.
How to Use:
Make a tea for calming stress or use as a wash for minor skin infections.
16. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Calms anxiety and promotes relaxation after trauma.
- Eases muscle cramps and tension.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
- Harvest roots in the fall for medicinal use.
- Can grow quite tall, making it ideal for the back of garden beds.
How to Use:
Use dried valerian root in teas or tinctures for its calming effects.
17. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Soothes burns, cuts, and insect bites with its mucilaginous properties.
- Helps with sore throats and digestive inflammation.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and rich, moist soil.
- Water regularly to maintain healthy growth.
- Harvest roots, leaves, or flowers for medicinal use.
How to Use:
Infuse leaves or roots in water to create a soothing wash for burns or irritated skin.
18. Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
First Aid Uses:
- Stimulates circulation and stops minor bleeding.
- Provides pain relief when applied to sore muscles or joints.
Growing Tips:
- Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
- Grows well in warm climates or as a potted plant indoors.
- Harvest peppers when fully ripe for maximum potency.
How to Use:
Create a salve for joint pain or use powdered cayenne to sprinkle on minor cuts to stop bleeding quickly.
19. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
First Aid Uses:
- Antibacterial properties help cleanse wounds.
- Reduces inflammation and soothes sore throats.
- Useful for insect stings and bites.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Drought-tolerant and perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
- Prune regularly to prevent woody growth.
How to Use:
Brew a sage tea for throat gargles or apply crushed fresh leaves to bites and stings.
20. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
First Aid Uses:
- Eases headaches and migraines.
- Reduces fever and inflammation.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Grows well in flower beds or as a border plant.
- Deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
How to Use:
Use dried or fresh leaves in teas to help with headaches and fever.
Tips for Creating and Using Your First Aid Garden
- Design for accessibility: Place your medicinal herbs in easy-to-reach areas so you can quickly harvest when needed.
- Harvest and preserve: Learn how to dry, infuse, or tincture your herbs to create ready-to-use remedies.
- Combine for power: Many herbs can be combined to create multi-purpose salves and sprays.
With these herbs in your garden, you’ll be well-prepared to handle minor first aid emergencies while embracing natural, sustainable healing methods.
