medicinal herb garden

Create a Local Medicinal Herb Garden

If you have an indigenous garden, it’s worth exploring the healing properties of local plants as many of them have a calming effect, some are remedial for skin problems and others help you to sleep better as magnesium l threonate sleep etc. Once the primary source of all the medicines in the world, a large part of day-to-day medicines are still derived from plants. And with the growing global interest in natural and traditional remedies. Medicinal plants are as much a part of the future as they are of the past! 

Position 

If you have a large garden you can position your medicinal garden around a thatched gazebo, creating a focal point. For an authentic look let paths of bare earth meander between the planted areas, and edge the beds with local stones. A rockery may well be the ideal place for an indigenous herbal garden as many of these plants grow in well-drained soil and hot conditions. In smaller gardens, tuck the herbs amongst the other plants in the border. 

For decorative border plants, try the following: Bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) and other Aloe species are used to a great extent in traditional and livestock medicines. The juice of this aloe is used in commercial laxative medicines. The waterwise bitter aloe is a single-stemmed succulent that grows to a height of about 2m and makes a striking focal point whether in the garden or a large container. Plant in full sun and avoid over-watering. 

Agapanthus bears large blue blooms in summer that are highly decorative and has attractive, strap-like evergreen foliage. Traditionally the rhizomes are used to make a pre- and post-natal tonic. For best effect, plant this perennial in full sun – although it will grow in partial shade as well. 

Buchu (Agathosma betulina)  leaves are chewed to relieve stomach complaints.  Buchu steeped in vinegar as an antiseptic for washing and cleaning wounds. This 2m tall shrub likes full sun and sandy, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost. Wormwood (Artemesia afra)  is one of the most widely used traditional medicines in South Africa. It is mainly used for coughs, colds, and influenza. Its finely cut grey foliage is highly ornamental. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Bulbine (Bulbine natalensis & Bulbine frutescens). The leaf sap of these plants is used to treat cuts, burns, rashes, itches and cracked lips. Both these low-growing perennials require full sun and are water-wise. 

Clivia has attractive, evergreen, strap-like leaves and bears large pompoms of orange flowers in spring. It will grow in shade or partial shade but likes rich soil and moisture when the buds form. 

The rhizome is traditionally used to treat fevers. Pig’s ear (Cotodylon orbiculata). This succulent has attractive, grey leaves and coral red bell-shaped flowers on long stalks in spring. The fleshy part of the leaf is applied to corns and warts to soften and remove them. Plant in full sun. 

Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus) has numerous traditional uses. Poultices made from the leaves are used to treat boils, eczema, itching, and muscular cramps. A tea made from the leaves is taken for coughs, colds, and bronchitis. This 2m tall water-wise perennial bears bright orange velvety flowers in autumn. Plant in full sun. 

Wild scabiosa (Scabiosa columbaria). A tea made from the leaves is used to treat colic and heartburn. This perennial bears white, daisy-like flowers from spring until autumn. Plant in full sun. 

Wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is traditionally used for fever and colds, as well as asthma. This 40cm tall water smart perennial bears mauve blooms all summer long and is an attractive plant for edging a border. Plant in full sun.