The Ultimate Home Apothecary: 10 Healing Herbs You Need
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey toward a more natural, self-sufficient lifestyle, it’s that having a home apothecary is a game-changer. There is something so empowering about knowing you can support your family’s health with herbs that have been used for centuries. From calming anxious minds to soothing sore throats, nature truly has our backs.
If you’re new to herbal remedies (or just want to make sure your stash is stocked with the essentials), here are 10 must-have medicinal herbs—plus how to dry, store, and use them effectively.
Chamomile - The Gentle Soother
Best for: Anxiety, digestion, sleep, and inflammation
How to use: Brew into tea for relaxation or an upset tummy, or infuse into oil for a skin-soothing salve.
If you’re a mom, you probably already know the magic of chamomile tea. It’s my go-to for calming overtired kiddos and settling my own frazzled nerves at the end of the day. Plus, it’s great for soothing an upset stomach!
Peppermint - The Head Healer
Best for: Digestion, headaches, nausea, and congestion
How to use: Sip as a tea for bloating and nausea, inhale steam for sinus relief, or rub diluted peppermint oil on temples for headaches.
Peppermint is basically a superhero when it comes to my migraines. I have a roller ball I use to put just a bit on my temples and it's amazingly effective. If you want to try and make your own roller ball oils, check out this pack!
Echinacea – The Immune Booster
Best for: Strengthening immunity and fighting infections
How to use: Make a tincture or tea at the first sign of illness.
Whenever you feel a cold coming on, echinacea is the first thing to reach for. It helps kick your immune system into high gear so you can (hopefully) avoid getting sick in the first place!
Ginger – The Inflammation Fighter
Best for: Nausea, circulation, digestion, and inflammation
How to use: Make into tea for nausea or menstrual cramps, or infuse into honey for colds.
Ginger is one of those herbs that does everything. It’s incredible for nausea (morning sickness mamas, take note!), helps with period cramps, and has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, ginger tea with honey is my favorite thing when I’m feeling under the weather.
Lavender – The Calming Wonder
Best for: Anxiety, sleep, burns, and skin irritation
How to use: Use in a tea for relaxation, infuse into oil for skin irritation, or add to bath water for stress relief.
Lavender is basically self-care in plant form. A cup of lavender tea before bed? Heavenly. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to a bath? Instant relaxation. It’s also my go-to for minor burns and bug bites!
Calendula – The Skin Healer
Best for: Wounds, skin irritation, and inflammation
How to use: Make into an infused oil or salve for cuts, rashes, and diaper rash.
Calendula is like nature’s Neosporin. It helps wounds heal faster, soothes irritated skin, and is gentle enough for babies (seriously, a calendula diaper cream is chef’s kiss).
Garlic - The Natural Antibiotic
Best for: Immune support, infections, and heart health
How to use: Eat raw for its antibacterial benefits, infuse in honey for colds, or make garlic oil for ear infections.
Garlic is nature’s antibiotic—and it actually works!
Lemon Balm – The Stress Reliever
Best for: Stress, digestion, and sleep
How to use: Brew into tea for relaxation, make a tincture for anxiety, or add fresh leaves to salads.
Lemon balm is an amazing herb for calming an anxious mind (yours and your kids’). It’s gentle, uplifting, and has the sweetest lemony scent.
Yarrow – The Fever Fighter
Best for: Fevers, wound healing, and circulation
How to use: Drink as a tea for fevers, apply a poultice to wounds, or use in a tincture.
Yarrow has been used for centuries to help bring down fevers naturally. It’s also a fantastic herb for minor cuts and scrapes—it actually helps stop bleeding!
Elderberry – The Cold & Flu Warrior
Best for: Preventing and treating colds and flu
How to use: Make elderberry syrup for daily immune support, or brew into tea.
Elderberry syrup is a staple during cold and flu season. You can take it daily to keep your immune system strong!
How to Dry & Store Your Herbs
Once you’ve gathered or bought your herbs, you’ll want to dry and store them properly so they last as long as possible. Here’s how:
Air Drying: Tie herbs in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space.
Dehydrator: If you want to speed up the process, use a dehydrator on the lowest setting (95–115°F).
Oven Drying: Spread herbs on a baking sheet, set your oven to its lowest temp, and prop the door open slightly.
BEST WAY TO STORE DRIED HERBS:
Glass Jars: Mason jars work great, but keep them in a dark cabinet to prevent light damage.
Mylar Bags: These are best for long-term storage.
Label Everything: Trust me—once dried, herbs all start to look alike! Write the name and date on each container.
Stocking your home apothecary with these 10 herbs is a simple, powerful way to support your family’s health naturally. Whether you’re sipping chamomile tea for stress, rubbing lavender oil on a bug bite, or taking elderberry syrup to fight off a cold, these plants offer real, time-tested benefits.
Are you already using any of these herbs? Or is there one you’re excited to try? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re building your own natural medicine cabinet!
If you want to try to grow some of these indoors, check out my post How to Grow a Thriving Hydroponic Garden All Year.
