table of contents
- Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
- Types from A - J
- Types of K - Z
- St. John's herbs (Hypericaceae)
- Mint family (Lamiaceae)
- Types from A - K
- Types from L - R
- Types from S - Z
- Other medicinal herbs and plants
- frequently asked Questions
Medicinal herbs are usually also popular spices in the kitchen herb garden. Many of the herbs used in the dishes also have a healing effect at the same time. The list provides information about the most important medicinal herbs.
In a nutshell
- There are many medicinal herbs among the umbelliferous and mint plants
- many used as aromatic herbs in the kitchen
- a medicinal herb used in medicine is recognized by the addition officinalis in the botanical name
- not always harmless, the active ingredients should always be checked before consumption in large quantities
- The first medicinal herbs are dated 3000 BC. Chr. dated, the Greek "Hippocrates of Kos" (approx. 460-370 BC Chr.)
Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
Many herbs that have a healing effect come from the umbelliferae family. The natural occurrence here is often in the Mediterranean as well as in subtropical areas. But these medicinal herbs can also be cultivated well in the local climatic regions.
Types from A - J
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
- in diseases of the respiratory tract
- against cramps and gas
- can cause allergic reactions
- annual
- Flowering July to August
- Harvest between July and September
- dry the entire plant
- sunny, sheltered location
- little watering and fertilizing
Dill (anethum graveolens)
- Dill seeds (Anethi fructus)
- Dill herb (Anethi herba)
- have a calming effect on the stomach and intestines
- annual
- hardy
- pick young leaves if necessary
- Dry or freeze leaves
- sunny, sheltered location
- keep soil moistured
Types of K - Z
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Tea has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect
- against inflammation in the oropharynx
- with inflammation of the gums
- ulcerated almonds
- against stomach and intestinal problems
- annual herb
- The boiled flowers are used
- sunny location
- nutrient-rich, dry soil
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- diuretic
- externally for chronic eczema
- raw contains a lot of vitamin C, magnesium, iron and carotene
- annual
- harvest the leaves before flowering
- Flowering time from May to August
- partially shaded location
- pour only a little
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
- mainly antispasmodic for gastrointestinal problems
- Coriander fruits contain essential oils
- ripe seeds can be used for non-pathological bad breath
- annual
- Harvest seeds, fresh leaves and flowers
- very easy to care for
- sunny location
- due to size, possibly prop up
Caraway seeds (Carum carvi)
- often contained in tea for milk production
- helps with flatulence in infants
- against bloating
- appetizing
- biennial
- hardy
- sunny to partially shaded location
- very easy to care for
- also suitable for a pot garden
Tip: Caraway seeds can be used in dishes that would otherwise cause gas, such as broad beans or in a lentil stew.
Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
- also known as Maggi herb
- do not use in kidney disease or during pregnancy
- was previously used as an aphrodisiac
- helps with flatulence and indigestion
- perennial herb
- hardy
- sunny to partially shaded location
- needs compost fertilization in autumn
- pour moderately
Note: You can recognize a medicinal herb by its botanical name with the addition officinalis. This is derived from Offizin, a term that is used today in the preparation of medicines in the pharmacy and the medicinal herb must be used with caution
St. John's herbs (Hypericaceae)
The St. John's herbs are also called hard hay plants and form a family of their own, but must definitely be mentioned as medicinal herbs in medicinal use.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- is considered a mild antidepressant
- is often given to women during menopause
- do not use without medical advice
- already known from antiquity
- perennial
- slightly poisonous
- agricultural cultivation
- sunny location
- easy-care
Note: There are many different types of St. John's herbs, but they are used less in herb gardens and more in flower beds. For example, the upholstery St. John's wort (Hypericum polyphyllum) sets colorful accents in walls and rock gardens. Carpet St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum), on the other hand, is a popular ground cover.
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
There are also many popular culinary herbs in the mint family of plants that also do also have a healing effect and are therefore also counted among the medicinal herbs at the same time can. When used in small quantities in the kitchen, the healing effect is usually small, but can be supportive of other medications.
Types from A - K
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Use pure oil sparingly
- is widely used in aromatherapy
- The ingredient estragole is, however, a health hazard
- annual herb
- sunny location
- avoid direct midday sun
- pour a lot
- protect from snails
- can keep flies away
Savory (Satureja hortensis)
- as a tea for diarrheal diseases
- Can also be used for gall, liver and kidney problems
- also expectorant for a stubborn cough
- annual herb
- to be found in almost every cottage garden
- sunny, warm and humid location
- fertilize only a little
- goes perfectly with bean dishes
Nettle (Urticae dioica)
- When touched, stinging hairs leave wheals on the skin
- harmless but also very uncomfortable
- can support rheumatism
- also for gout, diabetes and arthritis
- externally for boils and fistulas
- perennial, hardy perennial
- very easy to care for
- thrives on all soils
- sunny to partially shaded location
Types from L - R
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Scent drives away insects and moths
- Lavender oil relaxes and soothes
- against restlessness and nervous sleep disorders
- against circulatory problems
- in foot care, blood circulation effect
- perennial, hardy subshrub
- warm and sunny location
- Protect the soil with brushwood and mulch in winter
Mint (mentha)
- many different types
- containing menthol or fruity-fresh
- Tea for nausea and intestinal problems
- can also be used for colds
- hardy perennial herb
- strong rhizome formation
- Pot cultivation recommended
- nutrient-rich, slightly moist soil
- fertilize with compost
- sunny, warm location
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- do not use during pregnancy
- "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2011"
- Rosemary oil for rheumatic complaints
- also against circulatory problems
- promotes blood circulation
- externally for sprains and bruises
- perennial subshrub
- sunny location
- dry soil
- needs winter protection
Types from S - Z
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- not during pregnancy
- not in larger quantities or for a longer period of time
- anti-inflammatory properties
- Sage sweets are known for strep throat
- also against indigestion
- hardy perennial subshrub
- sunny location
- water and fertilize moderately
- needs winter protection
Thyme (thymus vulgaris)
- "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2001"
- "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2006"
- has an antiseptic effect
- as a cough remover for flu-like infections
- externally for inflammatory skin diseases
- Can be used against sprains and strains
- perennial subshrub
- dry, calcareous soil
- sunny location
- little water and fertilize
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Use in aromatherapy
- has a calming and balancing effect
- against nervous sleep disorders and restlessness
- hardy perennial perennial
- sunny location
- slightly damp earth
- requires a lot of compost fertilizer
- can be grown in pots
- calming effect on the stomach and intestines
Note: Medicinal herbs are plants with medicinal benefits due to their healing properties. Nowadays, however, many medicinal herbs are also assigned to kitchen spices or luxury foods.
Other medicinal herbs and plants
Many other plant families also contain well-known and popular herbs that have healing properties.
Valerian (Valerianae officinalis)
- Valerianaceae family
- do not take for a long period of time
- better after consulting the doctor
- against inner restlessness and sleep disorders
- hardy
- perennial
- Roots are used
- sunny to partially shaded location
- fertilize with a lot of compost
- pour enough
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora)
- Rose family (Rosaceae)
- do not take during pregnancy
- against menstrual and menopausal complaints
- against stomach and intestinal problems
- Relieve inflammation in the mouth and throat
- hardy perennial perennial
- sunny to partially shaded location
- fertilize regularly with compost
- prefers clay soil
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Asteraceae family
- "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2004"
- do not use in pregnancy
- Basket plant allergy sufferers should avoid plants
- antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
- is often used like chamomile
- perennial
- hardy
- easy-care
- sunny location
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Asteraceae family
- can cause allergies
- Tea against stomach and intestinal diseases
- helps with loss of appetite
- Subshrub
- forms rhizomes
- slightly poisonous
- hardy
- sunny to partially shaded location
frequently asked Questions
Birch pores used to heal wounds have already been found in the 5300-year-old "Ötzi" found in the Alps. The first records of medicinal plants from around 3000 BC are from Mesopotamia (present-day Syria and Iraq). Chr. known. Scientific medicine became popular around 400 BC. Chr. founded by "Hippocrates of Kos" with "Corpus hippocratium".
The power of medicinal herbs has been rediscovered in recent years and has increased thanks to better research into ingredients as well as from old traditions. In the meantime, around 50,000 plant species are used for medicines worldwide, both in the modern Medicine as phytopharmaceuticals as well as traditional, in homeopathy, Hildegard medicine and in the Cosmetics.
Even if medicinal herbs are natural, plant-based substances, you should always keep in mind that they do not necessarily have to be harmless. Consumed in large quantities, these can also trigger side effects and interactions as well as allergies, as is the case with chemically produced substances. In addition, some of the plants classified in medicinal herbs are also slightly poisonous and must not be consumed in large quantities.
When an emergency has occurred because a child may have put leaves in their mouth that you do not know about whether it is a poisonous plant species, you should immediately consult a doctor or call the emergency services Select. You can also call the poison control center at the same time. After the description, the staff can help you and tell you whether the plant is poisonous and what measures should be taken.
