Herbs That Heal

FCS-1010

Family and Consumer Sciences

Date:

01/16/2026

Shari L. Gallup, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

Herbs are powerful healing plants that have been used for hundreds of years to treat disease and illness in the human body. For centuries, herbs have been valued for their healing properties and have played a key role in nontraditional medicine. Over one hundred herbs and spices are used to treat illnesses. Common examples include chamomile, known for promoting sleep; peppermint for relieving stomach upset; and lavender for reducing stress and anxiety. Other common healing herbs include echinacea, rosemary, and lemon balm (Herbal Academy. n.d.). Overhead view of seven bundles of green herbs lying flat on a surface.

Long before modern medicine, traditional healing systems, including these, addressed health and wellness (Herbal Academy, n.d.):

Ayurveda (India). An ancient practice that uses herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, and neem to balance the body's energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Combines herbs with acupuncture and energy work. Plants like ginseng and licorice root are central to healing imbalances.
Native American Medicine. Known for healing wounds and reducing fevers and infections using herbs such as echinacea, sage, and yarrow.
European Folk Medicine. Known for healing digestive issues and nervous system, using chamomile, lavender, and peppermint.
Spiritual and Ritual Purposes. Herbs used were considered sacred and used in rituals for protection, healing, and purification. Herbs such as lavender and rosemary were burned in temples and homes.

Common Home-Grown Cures

Herbs and healing plants can be grown almost anywhere, from pots on a patio to raised beds to anywhere in a garden. Herbs have few issues with insects, so they are easy to grow without much tending needed.

However, it is important to understand and respect the powerful effect some herbs can have and to use them with caution. Herbs that Heal (go.osu.edu/herbsthatheal) provides a comprehensive overview of the healing properties of herbs. Here is a more detailed look at herb uses (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, n.d.; Herbs at a Glance, n.d.): Numerous herbs tied into a bundle.

Calendula

Medicinal Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and wound healing.
How to Use:

Topically. Use as an infused oil or use as a salve for cuts, burns, rashes, and insect bites.
Tea. Soothes sore throats and supports digestion.

Chamomile

Medicinal Properties: Calming, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and digestive aid.
How to Use:

Tea. Eases anxiety, promotes sleep, and relieves indigestion.
Compress. For eye strain, inflammation, and minor wounds.

Dill

Medicinal Properties: Anti-inflammatory, and aids in gut health.

How to Use: Use to flavor fish, potatoes, vegetables, and dill pickles.

Globe Basil

Medicinal Properties: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and boosts mood.

How to Use: Add to salads, sauces and pestos.

Lavender

Medicinal Properties: Sedative, antiseptic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and pain-relieving.
How to Use:

Essential Oil. For relaxation, stress relief, and minor burns or bites.
Tea or Aromatherapy. To reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Lemon Balm

Medicinal Properties: Antiviral, calming, digestive aid, and mood-lifting.
How to Use:

Tea. Eases nervous tension, indigestion, and mild insomnia.
Topically. In creams for cold sores.

Parsley

Medicinal Properties: Diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
How to Use:

Fresh or juiced. Detoxifying and supports kidney health.
Infusion. For urinary tract support and bloating.

Peppermint

Medicinal Properties: Antispasmodic, digestive, and pain-relieving.
How to Use:

Tea. Eases nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
Essential Oil (Diluted). For headaches, muscle aches, and congestion.

Rosemary

Medicinal Properties: Cognitive enhancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.
How to Use:

Tea or Tincture. To improve memory, circulation, and digestion.
Topical Use. In hair oil for scalp health and hair growth.

Stevia

Medicinal Properties: Natural sweetener, blood sugar-regulating.
How to Use:

Leaves or Extract. Use as a sugar substitute (helpful for people with diabetes).
Tea. Mildly supports blood pressure and digestion.

Garden Herbal Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

1-2 Tablespoons dried herbs or 2-4 Tablespoons fresh herbs (dried herbs are more powerful and less is needed)
1 cup of hot water (not boiling, to preserve potency)

Instructions:

Wash hands with soap and water.
Rince fresh herbs under running water.
Add the fresh or dried herbs to an infuser or a mug.
Pour the hot water over the herbs.
Cover the cup to keep the aromas contained.
Steep fresh herbs for up to 10 minutes, dried herbs for 4–6 minutes and adjust the steeping time based on your preferred strength.
Remove the infuser or strain the tea to remove the herbs.
Sweeten with honey or other sweeteners if desired.
(Food Hero, 2021)

Herbal Tea Recipe Ideas

Lemon balm: Crush lemon balm leaves (or any herb) to release the oils, then pour hot water over the leaves for a soothing evening tea.
Mint: Add crushed fresh mint leaves to hot water for a refreshing tea. Add ice to chill.
Chamomile: Steep chamomile flowers for a relaxing and flavorful tea.
(Gallup, 2019)

Final Considerations

Evidence-based science using methods for herbal medicine use have been well documented. However, herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consider consulting with your healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications (Mukherjee, 2022).