I am not a doctor and nothing here is medical advice
There are many, many healing herbs
And making a list of the best healing herbs is hard because “healing” is such a broad term
Healing from what?
So I focused on the most common issues that we need help healing and herbs that do a variety of things for your body
15 powerful healing herbs to use are:
- Oregano
- Arnica flowers
- Chamomile Flowers
- Lemon Balm
- Tumeric
- Aloe Vera
- Basil
- Dandelion Root
- Marigolds
- Olive Leaf
- Parsley
- Slippery Elm
- St. John’s Wort
- Vanilla Extract
- Yarrow
This is not a complete list!
There are many more herbs that are excellent healers
But there are more common and easy to get as a beginner
Oregano
Oregano is one of my favorite herbs for healing
I have used it to fight colds and flu, help my psoriasis, heal closed skin injuries, and more
It is super easy to grow, prepare, and use
Used for
Oregano can be used for many different remedies
Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti fungal agent
It helps your body regulate, lose weight, and lower cholesterol
Oregano can also reduce your chances of getting sicknesses and diseases
Preparation and foraging
I don’t forage Oregano in my area, but it grows very nicely
I have two pots with Oregano plants in them and they are doing amazing
Oregano can be used in cooking, but it isn’t as potent
So using it that way is better for prevention instead for healing
My favorite way to prepare Oregano is by making Oregano Oil
In a jar, put equal parts of dried Oregano and Olive oil
Mis until fully saturated and add more oil in you need to
Gently close the jar and shake it every day for 4-6 weeks
Once the time is done, use a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the Oregano from the oil
Store in a cool dark place
Even better if you can put it in a tinted jar or container
Make sure to label it with the name and date
Olive oil lasts a max of a year before getting rancid so knowing how old it is can be important
Warnings
Oregano should not be taken in large dosages
Too much Oregano can be toxic
You should not be taking Oregano more than 10 days in a row and more than 16 drops a day
Oregano also should not be taken with any medications that slow blood clotting
Taking Oregano is a blood thinner so be careful if you have a bleeding disorder
Also, make sure to stop taking it at least 2 weeks before any surgery
Oregano oil shouldn’t be taken by children or anyone pregnant
It can also affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
Arnica flowers
Arnica flowers are daisy-like flowers that is great for healing small injuries
Arnica flowers are great for sports injuries
It is well known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties and works great as a cream or balm
Used for
Arnica Flowers are used for many conditions including bruises, scraps, muscle aches, wound healing, joint pain, insect bites, and swelling
There is some evidence that Arnica flowers help with burns as well
Preparation and foraging
Foraging Arnica flowers starts in early spring and continues to the end of fall
Make sure you don’t overharvest so the plant doesn’t struggle since you can harvest both flowers and leaves
They grow in zones 4-9
Arnica flowers can be taken orally or used on the skin
But it is rarely used orally because an overdose can be fatal
I like to make palms and creams
The first thing you do for that infuses the oil with the Arnica flowers
You follow the same process as Oregano Oil (but you can change the oil you want to use)
Then you make the cream or balm as normal
Warnings
Just like most plants, Arnica flowers can be poisonous if taking in very large amounts
If you take them orally, make sure to do it under the supervision of a doctor that knows herbal medicine
Taking too much can be fatal so make sure that you are on the right dosage
Making creams and balms is the safest way to take Arnica flowers
Chamomile Flowers
If you like tea then you probably recognize this one!
Chamomile is often used to help with sleep
But it has many more benefits too!
Used for
Chamomile is one of my favorite herbs to keep on hand
It can be used for sleep, digestive relaxant, diarrhea, anorexia, morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, gas pain, indigestion, colic, fever, depression, avoiding cancer, colds, anxiety, hemorrhoids, and boosting immunity
As you can see, Chamomile does a lot!
Preparation and foraging
Chamomile is an easier plant to forage
It is best to forage in the morning when the dew is still sitting on the plants
Chamomile grows in zones 3-9
Once you have the flowers, you can use them in teas or make capsule supplements
They are edible so you can cook with them as well, but cooking reduces the benefits
Warnings
Most experts say that Chamomile is safe
It does cause drowsiness and can cause vomiting if taken in very large amounts
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a very relaxing and calming herb
While it can be taken every day, it is recommended to avoid doing that for more than 6 months
It is excellent in many different forms and could be a great way to heal
Used for
Lemon Balm is best known for being relaxing and helping with stress, anxiety, sleep, and pain from digestion
But it can also be used for cold sores, releasing the tension, sore muscles, dementia, attention, and lifting mood
Preparation and foraging
Lemon balm is more often grown instead of foraged because it is an easier plant to grow
Keep in mind that it grows fast and spreads fast
It is in the mint family so it will take over a garden if you let it
So it is recommended to keep it in a pot to contain it
Lemon balm grows in zones 4-10
Preparation depends on what you want
If you want to use it for digestion, mood, or as a calming agent then you will need to take it as a supplement or a tincture
If you want to use it for cold sore and sore muscles, then you need to make an oil or a cream the same way as normal
Warnings
Lemon balm is generally a safe herb but should not be taken with some prescription medications
For example, thyroid medications can react negatively with Lemon Balm
Side effects are mild if you get any and usually involved increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, or wheezing
But it is very uncommon to get bad side effects
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should not be taking lemon balm because of the interactions with medications
Turmeric
Turmeric is considered a superfood and an extremely healing herb
It is amazing what this plant can do for you if you know how to use it
Used for
Turmeric is often used for skin disorders, joints, and the digestive system
It can help with conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, cancer prevention, Alzheimer’s, heart disorders, and more
It can do a little of everything!
Preparation and foraging
Turmeric is another plant that is often grown instead of foraged
The part that you use is the root so make sure to safe seeds to keep your supply going
The possibilities for using Turmeric are endless!
You can make supplements, teas, and lotions as I have already talked about with other herbs
But you can also cook with it or make drinks with it
Let your creativity go wild and make what makes sense for what you want to use to treat
Warnings
Turmeric is known for making gallbladder issues worse and may slow blood clotting
Some people have reported getting stomach issues like ulcers by taking Turmeric every day for a long period of time
Turmeric is also known for making aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol less effective
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a plant that is well known for healing sunburns but there are so many more benefits
It can be prepared in many forms and help with many different conditions and just feels amazing when used
Used for
Aloe Vera can be used for many things and is definitely a favorite herb of mine
It can be used as an antioxidant, antibacterial, dental plaque reducer, wound healer, canker sore treatment, reducing constipation, improvement and prevent wrinkles, lowers blood sugar, psoriasis aid, gum infections, arthritis reducer, and more
The possibilities for this plant are incredible!
Preparation and foraging
Foraging is pretty easy in desert zones as long as you know where they are in your area
I prefer to grow them because I love their look and I love having fresh Aloe Vera ready when I need it
When you want to harvest it, just cut a stem off and use it how you need it
Usually, Aloe Vera will be used on the skin (unless you have constipation)
So you can use it how it is by blending it for easier use
Or you can make creams or soap from it
Warnings
The biggest warning is don’t use it for more than a day or two as a constipation aid
Using it too much can cause liver failure
Only take Aloe vera orally if you talk to a doctor that understands herbs and natural healing
Basil
Basil is one of my favorite herbs to cook with
I love using basil in my sauces like spaghetti sauce
But like many other herbs, Basil has great benefits as well
Used for
Basil is an herb that can help with skin health, boost digestion, and detoxify the body
It also prevents a lot of conditions like heart issues, cancer, diabetes, and more
Basil is a great source of vitamins to keep you feeling great every day
Preparation and foraging
Wild Basil grows in zones 10 and 11 but grows annually in other zones
This means they go through the entire lifespan in 1 year
It is important not to over forage annuals so they don’t disappear
Once you have gotten your basil, clean it and prepare depending on your goals
You can look with it, make tea, make creams, make tinctures, or anything else that helps your healing goals
Warnings
Basil as a raw capsule medication is safe short term but should be used every day for a long time
There is a chance that it can affect liver function during long-time use
It also affects blood sugar levels so watch that if you are using it for diabetes
Dandelion Root
I love using Dandelion root
I made a tincture and I add a little to my husband’s tea in the morning
He has a family history of heart issues like stroke so it makes me feel better to have a prevention
You can also make coffee from it instead of drinking normal coffee
Used for
There are so many amazing benefits of Dandelion root
It can help with digestion, liver health, help with skin and eye problems, regulate blood sugar, regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, aid weight loss, provide antioxidants, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Preparation and foraging
The entire Dandelion plant is edible but it does different things
The best time to forage Dandelion root is in the fall when the flowers are gone
This is because all the nutrients that the plant was producing in the flowers go back to the roots for winter
Make sure to cook the leaves and stems after you harvest the root!
Once you have the roots, dry them in the sun or dehydrator
If you want to make coffee, roast them in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes (make sure to flip them halfway through)
They will darken in color but don’t let them burn
Then you grind them just like coffee beans
If you want to use it for other things, you can make tinctures, capsules, creams, or cook with it
Warnings
People with kidney, liver, and gallbladder issues should talk to a doctor before taking Dandelion root
Also, don’t take it if you are on a blood thinner
You can take it or drink it every day but don’t use super large amounts
This can cause bowel issues
Marigolds
Marigolds are a plant that I don’t use often but I should
It does so many things!
Used for
Marigolds support skin health, are an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, reduced eye infections, protect against UV damage, and soothe the mucus membranes.
The possibilities for skin health alone are huge!
This includes bruises, varicose veins, sunburns, eczema, and minor injuries to the skin
Preparation and foraging
Marigolds cannot live in areas that go under 40 degrees
It is possible to grow them annually, so it depends on what is in your area
Once you have gotten your Marigolds from foraging or buying them, you can create many things
You can make a tincture, infused oil, cream, or a homemade sunscreen
Warnings
Marigold is mainly used for the skin so don’t take it orally unless you are cooking
It can cause a lot of digestive issues like stomach ache, bladder irritation, kidney irritation, and intestines irritation
It is a culinary herb so cooking with it is considered safe
Olive Leaf
Olive leaves are excellent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants
Most people think of the fruit when they think of Olives, but we shouldn’t ignore the amazing benefits of topically using olive leaves
Used for
Creams and extracts made from olive leaves are great for infections, inflammation, and hypertension
You can also use them for diabetes, support weight loss, and reduce constipation
Preparation and foraging
Foraging or growing leaves varies a lot
There are many different types of olive trees
Do some research in your specific area to find out what kinds grow near you
Once you have the leaves, you can make a salve by infusing the olive leaves into oil and then combining with beeswax
Or you can make tinctures or supplements
There are a few options that depend on what you want to use your olive leaves to heal
Warnings
If you are on blood pressure medication, you shouldn’t be taking olive leaves
They lower blood pressure and can negatively interact with your medication
There are reports of people getting headaches or stomach aches after taking olive leaves
Parsley
If you do any cooking, you have probably heard of Parsley!
It is one of my favorite herbs for the kitchen
But it also has some great health benefits!
Used for
Parsley is rich in vitamins that help you feel good
But it is also helpful for blood sugar, bloating, heart health, kidneys, flushing toxins, anemia, fighting breast cancer, brain health, and bone health
The range that this herb has is incredible!
Preparation and foraging
Foraging parsley is pretty easy in most areas but make sure you do research
Hemlock looks a lot like parsley and is very poisonous
Never eat something that you are not 100% sure of and have done a ton of research
Once you have your parsley, preparation is just like most of the other herbs on this list
You can add it to capsules to make supplements
I use parsley leaf in my digestion aid supplements
You can make infusions and tinctures but be very careful not to take too much
Warnings
Parsley is a safe herb but should not be taken in very large amounts as medicine
There isn’t a lot of research but you could have anemia, liver, or kidney problems if you take a large amount for a long time
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is another herb that I include in my digestion aid supplements
It has so many benefits that it can be used for many different things!
Used for
Slippery Elm can help with wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation
It can also help with coughs, digestion, sore throat, diarrhea, and stomach pain
Preparation and foraging
Foraging slippery elm is a little different because it is the bark of a tree
It is best to harvest in the spring because the sap is rushing up from the roots to the newly forming buds which makes the bark even better for you
The most common way to take slippery elm is by grinding it into a powder and putting it in capsules
Warnings
There isn’t a lot of research on whether it is good for long-time use
The herbalists I talk to tell me that there is no danger as long as you take the appropriate amount
It is also not recommended to take while pregnant
St. John’s Wort
St.John’s Wort is a very popular healing herb
Unlike most of the other herbs I listed, St. John’s Wort helps heal the invisible things in your life
Used for
St. John’s Wort helps with a variety of things like depression, ADHD, extreme anxiety, and OCD
In addition, it is also an antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory
Preparation and foraging
Foraging St. John’s Wort is pretty easy in most areas
Just make sure you don’t forage next to roads
You don’t want to use plants that have pesticides on them
Preparation is mainly going to be supplements and cooking, but you can make a cream or oil if using for inflammation
Warnings
St. John’s Wort should not be taken with thyroid medication
It may have very negative reactions, cause liver issues, and high blood pressure
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is used a lot in the kitchen
It is used even more if you bake!
But there are a lot of benefits to consuming vanilla extract
Used for
Smelling vanilla can have a very calming effect on adults and help them sleep
It is also good for your heart, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, benefits the brain, reduces sugar cravings, antibacterial, rich in vitamins, and improves mental health
Preparation and foraging
Foraging vanilla is hard is may areas but you can turn vanilla beans into vanilla extract at home
Start my cutting open a handful of vanilla beans long ways
Don’t cut in half
We just want to open the beans
Add to a glass jar or bottle and then fill the jar with vodka
Close the jar or bottle and keep it in a cool dark place for 12 months
Once you have left it alone for 12 months, the beans can be removed and you have vanilla extract
Once you have the extract, you can use it mainly in cooking but can also use it like a tincture
Warnings
The main warning for vanilla extract is to make sure that you are not allergic before using it
Yarrow
Last one on this list is Yarrow
This is a popular tea with amazing benefits
Used for
Yarrow can be used for enhanced wound healing, digestive aid, depression, anxiety, brain health, and inflammation
It is also used for IBS, hemmeroids, menstrual pain, colds and the flu, hay fever, and a minor sleep aid
Preparation and foraging
Yarrow can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia
It grows in open and sunny areas
Once you have your yarrow, preparation depends on your goal
Teas are an amazing choice for yarrow but you can make creams, oils, tinctures, and supplements as well
Warnings
Not much is known about Yarrow warnings right now
The main one is to not take too much
Pregnant people should also not be taking yarrow