Medicinal Herbs

I've seen references to medicinal herbs scattered in other threads, but didn't see one specifically dedicated to them.

I have been going through some medical "issues" lately and because of
that (and just basic preparedness) my neighbor and I are trying to become a
little more self sufficient and are learning about medicinal herbs. It
is also a way to possibly help my son prevent a return of his kidney stones as he doesn't have health insurance.

Of course a lot of culinary herbs have "medicinal" properties too, but
I'd like to see who has "intentionally" grown herbs for medicinal use.

How did you decide which herbs to grow?

What books/DVDs/web sites do you especially like for a beginner?

What resources do you like for organic medicinal herb seeds/plants?

Do you specifically grow "weeds" (LOL weeds NOT weed) like plantain or just try to harvest them in the wild? I found some in my neighbor's yard and wonder about transplanting it? LOL her silly husband keeps mowing it down.

What do you NOT bother growing? We have a good herbal shop nearby where we can purchase good quality dried herbs & tinctures.

Thanks!
Kim

I grew plants with multiple uses. Culinary, beneficial insects, medicinal, brings in pollinators, are good in compost and good for the soil etc.

I like Borage, Comfrey, Stinging Nettle and Milk Thistle.

A good Youtube channel for this topic is:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EatTheWeeds

I am growing borage, calendula, comfry, mint, horseradish, corriander, raspberry leaf, bergamot. I gather wild elderberries.
Good heavens, I cannot remember the last time I cracked open any of my herbals. Perhaps I should take a gander at them.

sfg4uKim wrote:I'd like to see who has "intentionally" grown herbs for medicinal use.

Shy uncommitted hand in air.

How did you decide which herbs to grow?

In the early days it started by finding a plant that I had read about or used. As a crunchy ol'hag I do more research; can I grow it myself? Is it better wildcrafted (will some little hitler in my HOA pitch a fit?) or is it threatened-endangered in the wild? Will it take over if given a chance? Am I introducing something that will damage natives?

Buying herbs ready to use can be expensive no matter how reasonable they are if I am using a lot of something. Arnica Gel, for example. I can go through lots of that. I could try to grow Arnica (listed as toxic) and make an infused oil (works well but I like the gel) but Arnica does better in a different climate and elevation than what I have. However I have a nice stand of comfrey and St Joan's (aka John's) Wart is abundant this time of year along sides of quiet roads (important because there will be less exhaust settled on plants). I make a blend of Hot process comfrey oil (olive carrier) with Lavender essential oil (must be distilled but there are LOTS of organic Lavender Farms in W Wa that do this) and cold infused St Joan's wart oil. When blended they are nice for a woman who wants to keep her arthritis quiet so she can garden. The point being that sometimes you need to do a little reading and get creative.

What books/DVDs/web sites do you especially like for a beginner?

http://frugallysustainable.com/

Do you specifically grow "weeds" (LOL weeds NOT weed) like plantain or just try to harvest them in the wild?

I would grow weed if not for the feds and thieves (really, they are not the same, no, really!!). Seems like a good cash crop and it is powerful.

I specifically let weeds grow (funny how the round up add targets weeds that I let grow) but I also wild-craft. I am careful to only take what I need and to find someplace else to harvest if there isn't much of something.

I like to let things like nettles stay wild.

LOL, Deb you crack me up! Nice post!