Growing your own medicinal plants from seed at home is practical, empowering, and deeply nourishing—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. (I mean, as an herbalist, what would you expect me to say?)

Here are 20 medicinal plants that are easy to grow from seed at home, with insight into their medicinal, metaphysical, and historical importance.

Why grow your own medicinal plants?

Medicinal plants connect us to ancient traditions, sacred healing, and the power of the natural world.

On top of all the other benefits, growing your own medicine at home is convenient: It puts good, fresh herbs just a few steps outside your kitchen window.

Talk about healing available on demand.

You can also control all the inputs for quality: Soil, seeds, water, sunshine, fertilizer, etc.

Where do I buy my seeds?

Here’s where I buy my seeds. I always look for organic and heirloom seeds when possible (if you’re looking to save seeds for the next year, you want heirloom plants, not hybrids).

True Leaf Market–I love their seeds so much, I actually became an affiliate for them. I get all my microgreen seeds at True Leaf and I can’t recommend enough. Check out their overstock deals and also their huge selection of tobacco seeds.

Strictly Medicinal Seeds–Fantastic selection of medicinal herbs. They also sell fresh rootstock for certain plants.

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds–Great selection of heirloom seeds.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds–Nice selection of veggies and herbs.

Fedco Seeds–Huge selection of organic and conventional seeds, and generally great prices.

Have a favorite that’s not listed? Drop me a comment and let me know! I’m always looking for great suppliers.

20 Medicinal Herbs to Grow from Seed at Home

Whether you’re growing herbs for teas, tinctures, salves, or spiritual rituals, these 20 plants are the perfect foundation for a vibrant, healing home apothecary.

I could write a book about each of these plants, but the notes below will be enough to get you started on your adventures.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Medicinal Uses: Known for its calming properties, chamomile is widely used to relieve anxiety, digestive upset, and insomnia.

Healing Properties: It soothes inflammation, supports immune health, and has mild analgesic effects.

Metaphysical Meaning: Chamomile is linked to the energy of the sun and is often used in rituals for abundance, peace, and purification.

Historical Significance: Used in ancient Egypt and by early European herbalists, chamomile was considered sacred to the sun god Ra and valued for its healing effects on fevers and infections.

2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Medicinal Uses: Lavender calms the nervous system, helps with sleep, relieves headaches, and supports wound healing.

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and a gentle tonic for the heart and mind.

Metaphysical Meaning: Associated with peace, tranquility, and higher consciousness; used in protection rituals and dream work.

Historical Significance: Ancient Romans used lavender in baths and for healing wounds. Its name comes from the Latin lavare, “to wash.”

3. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)

Medicinal Uses: Known for boosting immune function and reducing the duration of colds and flu.

Healing Properties: Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and promotes lymphatic drainage. Echinacea can also act as a powerful topical painkiller. I gargle with it for a sore throat.

Metaphysical Meaning: Used for inner strength and resilience; associated with protection and spiritual immunity.

Historical Significance: Native to North America, used by Indigenous tribes for infection, snake bites, and immune health.

4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Heals wounds, soothes skin irritations, and supports digestive and menstrual health.

Healing Properties: Antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Metaphysical Meaning: Linked to solar energy, used for joy, positive energy, and healing emotional wounds.

Historical Significance: Used in medieval Europe in soups and broths to ward off illness and misfortune.

5. Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Medicinal Uses: Adaptogenic herb that reduces stress, supports the adrenal glands, and balances blood sugar.

Healing Properties: Antiviral, antibacterial, and detoxifying.

Metaphysical Meaning: Considered sacred in Hinduism, Tulsi is believed to open the heart and protect against spiritual harm.

Historical Significance: Worshipped in Indian households, used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years.

6. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Medicinal Uses: Relieves digestive issues, nausea, headaches, and muscle tension.

Healing Properties: Analgesic, antispasmodic, and antibacterial.

Metaphysical Meaning: Invigorating energy; used for clarity, purification, and energetic protection.

Historical Significance: Used by Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians; mentioned in ancient medical texts for its stomach-soothing properties.

7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Eases anxiety, supports sleep, calms digestive issues, and improves cognitive function.

Healing Properties: Mild sedative, antiviral, and mood-enhancing.

Metaphysical Meaning: Associated with lunar energy, love, and emotional healing.

Historical Significance: Used in medieval monastic gardens; Paracelsus called it “the elixir of life.”

8. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Medicinal Uses: Stops bleeding, reduces fever, relieves menstrual cramps, and supports the immune system.

Healing Properties: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial.

Metaphysical Meaning: Known as a warrior’s herb; protects against negative energy and enhances psychic awareness.

Historical Significance: Named after Achilles, who used it to heal battlefield wounds; long used in divination.

9. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Medicinal Uses: Natural antidepressant; supports mood balance and nerve repair.

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and supports the nervous system.

Metaphysical Meaning: Associated with solar energy and light; wards off negativity and brings clarity.

Historical Significance: Used since ancient Greece, believed to chase away evil spirits and darkness.

10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Antimicrobial, supports cognitive function, relieves sore throats and menopausal symptoms.

Healing Properties: Antiseptic, digestive aid, and memory booster.

Metaphysical Meaning: Sacred smudging herb; purifies space, enhances wisdom, and protects spiritual boundaries.

Historical Significance: Revered in Roman and Native American traditions; valued for both culinary and healing uses.

11. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Medicinal Uses: Respiratory health, coughs, bronchitis, and antimicrobial defense.

Healing Properties: Antiviral, expectorant, and antifungal.

Metaphysical Meaning: Courage, strength, and clearing energetic stagnation.

Historical Significance: Burned in ancient temples; used during the Black Plague to prevent infection.

12. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Deep sleep, anxiety relief, muscle relaxant, and menstrual cramp relief.

Healing Properties: Sedative, antispasmodic, and nervous system tonic.

Metaphysical Meaning: Grounding energy; wards off nightmares and promotes peaceful sleep.

Historical Significance: Used by ancient Greeks for insomnia; called “all-heal” in medieval Europe.

13. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Soothes the respiratory tract, digestive lining, and urinary system.

Healing Properties: Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to mucous membranes.

Metaphysical Meaning: Softens emotional pain and nurtures inner child energy.

Historical Significance: Used in Ancient Egypt and by early herbalists as a sacred plant for healing sore throats and wounds.

14. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Medicinal Uses: Effective for migraines, fevers, and arthritis.

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and immune modulator.

Metaphysical Meaning: Protective and purifying; keeps unwanted energies at bay.

Historical Significance: Used in Roman and medieval times to reduce fevers and prevent headaches.

15. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Medicinal Uses: Rich in iron, supports detoxification, allergy relief, and joint health.

Healing Properties: Anti-allergenic, diuretic, and deeply nourishing.

Metaphysical Meaning: Vitality, strength, and grounding; awakens primal energy.

Historical Significance: Used since antiquity for joint pain and vitality; considered a sacred tonic plant.

16. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Hormonal support, mood balancing, adrenal tonic. I actually love to grow borage microgreens (they have a refreshing, cucumber-like taste!).

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, cooling, and heart-supportive.

Metaphysical Meaning: Courage, bravery, and emotional renewal.

Historical Significance: Known as the “herb of gladness” in ancient texts; added to wine by Celtic warriors before battle.

17. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Medicinal Uses: Supports bone and tissue healing, reduces inflammation, speeds wound recovery. For external use only (internal use is not recommended because of the presence of certain alkaloids that can cause severe liver damage).

Healing Properties: Cell-regenerative, analgesic, and deeply reparative.

Metaphysical Meaning: Healing and protection; often planted at the edge of gardens as a guardian.

Historical Significance: Used since ancient Greece for broken bones and deep wounds; once called “knitbone.”

18. Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Medicinal Uses: Digestive support, anti-inflammatory, menstrual regulator. Use caution and only use internally under the care of a trained herbalist.

Healing Properties: Muscle relaxant and circulatory aid.

Metaphysical Meaning: Powerful protection against curses and ill will; associated with second sight and psychic shielding.

Historical Significance: Considered sacred in many cultures; used in Italian folk magic and Roman purification rituals.

19. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Medicinal Uses: Menstrual support, digestion aid, nervous system tonic. Use caution and only use internally under the care of a trained herbalist.

Healing Properties: Antimicrobial, bitter tonic, and uterine stimulant.

Metaphysical Meaning: Dream work, intuition, protection, and spirit communication.

Historical Significance: Sacred to Artemis; used by shamans and witches for visioning and trance work.

20. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Medicinal Uses: Clears congestion, treats bronchial issues, supports immune and digestive health. One of my favorites for respiratory gunk.

Healing Properties: Antiviral, antiseptic, and expectorant.

Metaphysical Meaning: Spiritual purification and renewal; used in exorcisms and sacred rituals.

Historical Significance: Mentioned in the Bible as a purifier; used in ancient rituals to cleanse spaces and souls.

What herbs are you planting this Spring?

Whether you’re growing herbs for teas, tinctures, salves, or spiritual rituals, these 20 plants are the perfect foundation for a vibrant, healing home apothecary.

Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear what you have planned!

Seed planting ritual

Try my easy Seed Planting Ritual for Manifestation, which can help you align with the energies of rebirth and balance to invite prosperity and abundance into your life.

*Please note: I’m not a doctor and this info is for educational purposes only, and isn’t medical advice. Always talk to a qualified professional before using herbal medicine.