Finding Emotional Well-Being Through Growing Medicinal Herbs

“Mother Earth’s medicine chest is full of healing herbs of medicinal worth” – Robin Rose Bennet

Did you know that growing medicinal herbs can boost your health and well-being, both mentally and physically? According to a study published in the “Journal of Environmental Horticulture,” herbs ease depression, enhance memory, help people cope with stress, anxiety, and PTSD, and can even mitigate the effects of dementia.

Simply digging in the soil can boost one’s spirits. Dirt contains a soil-derived bacterium with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties called Mycobacterium vaccae, a natural antidepressant that may stimulate serotonin production. Of course, many herbs—including several that can thrive here in Maine—also have medicinal properties.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Echinacea

Here’s a fun fact about this plant: it got its name because its pricky seed heads resemble hedgehogs, which are called echinos in Greek. Echinacea supports immunity, relieves pain, and has been used to treat UTIs, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, respiratory issues, and allergies. It should be planted in partial-to-full sun and needs well-drained soil. Warning: may counteract with certain medications. Consult your doctor before using.

St John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is beneficial in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD. In fact, it’s often prescribed as an antidepressant in Europe. It grows in all 16 Maine counties and can be found growing wild along our rugged coasts and on blueberry barrens. It does fine in full or partial sun and can tolerate many soil types, including clay. Warning: St. John’s Wort may counteract dangerously with some medications. Consult your doctor before using.

Elderberry

These purple berries are packed with antioxidants and actually have more Vitamin C per serving than oranges. Elderberry can help reduce stress and anxiety and is also used to treat joint and muscle pain, headaches, fever, constipation, and respiratory issues. This is a good plant for “brown thumbs”: once the bushes are established, you really won’t need to do much with them. Your best bet is to get two different varieties and plant them about six feet apart. Warning: Only the berries are safe, and they must be thoroughly cooked first. Elderberry should not be taken for extended periods.

Lemon Balm

Another member of the mint family, lemon balm, has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. Multiple studies, including one posted by the National Library Of Medicine, have proved its effectiveness in combating stress and anxiety. It’s most efficient when taken along with other calming herbs, such as Valerian root and Chamomile. Lemon balm is both a perennial and a sun lover. It does best in rich, well-drained soil.

Black Cohosh

Also known as snakeroot, black bugbane, and rattleweed, black cohosh was listed as an official drug in the U.S. Pharmacopeia until about 100 years ago. It’s most often used to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, but is also helpful for promoting good sleep and treating nervousness and irritability. It’s worth noting that black cohosh is imperiled in many states, due to a combination of its popularity as a supplement, habitat loss, and slow regrowth rates. That jeopardized status makes it a great option for anyone interested in conservation and preservation. These striking plants prefer moist, rich soil with full or part shade.

Peppermint

A cross between water mint and spearmint, peppermint is helps treat headaches, digestive issues, coughs and colds—and, of course—freshening breath. It also boosts mental function and helps reduce stress. Transplanting can be tricky because of timing: you’ll need to wait until two weeks after the last frost. However, it also does fine in containers.

Herbs are only as good as the seeds or seedlings they are grown from. If you’re planning to use herbs for culinary and/or medicinal purposes, choose organic varieties, and avoid using any potentially toxic chemicals or fertilizers. Check instructions when starting from seeds: some must be soaked in water, some should be frozen, and some just want to go straight into the ground.

Last but not least, remember to take some deep breaths as you’re gardening, so you can just relax and inhale the scents of fresh earth. Maine is absolutely breathtaking when it’s in full bloom!

Story by Sylvia Bourgoin. Sylvia is an Aquarius, a coffee addict, and a work in progress. A full-time writer, she currently lives in central Maine with her boyfriend, two matching cats, and the cutest rescue dog ever.

Herb Photos: Pixabay