27/06/2025
5 garden plants that you didn’t know were medicinal.
Nature is the most wondrous thing. It has always provided for us throughout history, and has played a big part in getting our population to where it is today! Before there were pharmaceuticals, there were plants, which have been the derivatives of many of the drugs used.
The truth is, we can be healed through nature with a healthy diet, and lifestyle with connection to the Earth at the core. Many of our common ailments can be treated with plants and work wonderfully well as topical or preventative remedies.
Here are some medicinal plants that you may already have growing in your garden, and what to use them for! For specific guidance or if you have a specific condition, it is best to seek advice from a registered herbalist, naturopath or homeopath.
Lavender - this soothing flower is at the top of our list, and for good reason. Feed Your Soul founder Sam Waterfield always used to use this soothing purple beauty as a pure essential oil for her children, calling them ‘Fairy drops’ which would be dotted around their pillow at bedtime.
Lavender is a classic for helping to soothe the nervous system, making it a must if you experience anxiety or have struggle sleeping. It also has antiseptic properties. Lavender and salt can be used to clean a wound (we have used this on many a pet and family member when needed!), and lavender flowers freshly picked make the most delightful night time infusion when steeped in boiling water.
Calendula - calendula is sunshine in flower form, and is great for wound healing with its anti inflammatory properties. To use calendula straight from the garden, dry the flowers and make an infusion with boiling water, steeping for 10–15 minutes. This could be incredibly healing for the gut, and also can be used to gargle with when experiencing a sore throat. Calendula creams are manufactured to apply topically to wounds. Ensure you search for an all natural formulation, preferably organic.
If you are pregnant then seek specific advice, as calendula can be known to stimulate menstruation.
Lemon balm - the most delicious herb when made into a tea, lemon balm has a beautiful, zesty quality as its name denotes. Use as a digestive aid after dinner, or as a night time tonic to soothe the nervous system and ease a worried mind.
Thyme - the herbal, spicy heat of thyme not only packs a savoury punch when cooking. It is also powerfully potent in antibacterial, antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Pure essential oil diluted in warm water can be used to clean surfaces (we use it for Yoga mats!). Thyme oil in hot water can be used for steam inhalation, clearing nasal passages, or warm water gargled for sore throats. It can also be made into a tea, however this could be an acquired taste and its peppery nature may give you quite a surprise!
Mint - finishing off with a classic, mint has more medicinal properties when kept separate from ice cream (although that’s delicious too!). The most simple way to use is to steep in hot water to use as a digestive aid after dinner. It is also used in the Middle East as mint has a cooling affect on the body, so helps to naturally cool in warmer climates.
We hope that the above helps you to not just see beauty when you look into your garden, but a fully stocked medicine cabinet too. If we keep ourselves well naturally, we should seldom have to use doctors and pharmaceuticals, alleviating the pressure off of the NHS and being much happier ourselves in the process!
To find out how you can get involved with Feed Your Soul community project in North Essex, email us on hello@feedyoursouluk.co.uk 🍎💚
