Here’s how you can start growing your own Farmacy….

Cultivating herbal and medicinal plants can be an engaging and rewarding project. Growing your own Farmacy involves hands in the earth, fresh air, Vitamin D, watching the birds and insects, connecting to nature though gardening which theraputic in itself. Herbs are a beautiful way to add natural, healthy choices into your life, they can be gentle, potent and very powerful too!

I believe herbs are our original medicine, not alternative, but that being said, conventional Medicine is a nesessity and life saving for some people. My role as Naturopath is to support where I can, to help restore balance and encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself , given the right conditions, to aim for greater sense of wellbeing. This is where herbs can be a nurturing, complimentary therapy.

Thankfully, herbs can easy be grown in pots too, if there is limited space. Growing your own herbs is economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Our subtropical climate in SE Qld, provides an ideal environment for growing a variety of medicinal plants and herbs that can be used to promote well-being and address minor and common ailments.

*Please note, this information is a guideline only, if you are concerned about your health and/or are on medications, please consult your health care professional to help guide you on the safest and most effective way to incorporate herbs and medicinal plants in your daily life.

Selecting Plants for Optimal Results
When choosing which medicinal plants to grow, embrace the wonderful diversity available and consider how they will thrive in your unique environment – whether it’s sunny, part shade, dry or in pots. Combining delightful perennials like lavender or lemon balm with the vibrant growth of annuals such as coriander or dill can transform your garden into a lively, productive space all year round. By thoughtfully selecting and nurturing your plants, you can create a thriving Farmacy that not only enhances your health naturally but also inspires a joyful and sustainable lifestyle. Here are a few suggestions of herbs I have found relativly easy to grow. There will be a few more added to the post later too.

Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis)

Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis)

This fragrant herb is perfect for reducing stress and anxiety with its calming properties. Traditionally used as a mild sedative to aid in sleep. As with many herbs, its worthwhile creating a synergistic blend for the most effectiveness. A lovely blend for sleep may include chamomile, passiflora,lavender or even valarian (if you don’t mind the smell!). It grows well in subtropical climates and can also be made topical applications for skin conditions. Potential antiviral and antioxidant properties. Caution – TSH antagonist, preferably avoid use in Hypothyroid conditions.

Turmeric
(Curcuma longa)

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a staple in many natural remedies. The one of the active constituents is a fat soluable compound called Curcurmin. Many recipies mention to use pepper to help absorption but if you have a sensitive tummy like me, you can avoid the pepper and just ensure you include it with healthy fats or oils to maximise absorption. Great support for Phase I and II liver detoxification. It is also antiplatelet – blood thining so caution is advised with high doses and people on antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. It requires warm temperatures and can be a valuable addition to your farmacy.

Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is great for digestive health and can also help reduce nausea, making it a popular remedy for various gastrointestinal issues. In addition to its digestive benefits, it is wonderful as a circulation booster, which can enhance overall vitality and energy levels. This versatile root is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to overall wellness. It grows well in warm, humid environments, making it suitable for subtropical regions, the trick is don’t overwater and have great drainage so it doesn’t sucumb to rot. It a great herb to grow for both eating and healing purposes.

Echinacea
(Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia)

Often used to boost the immune system, echinacea can be grown in subtropical climates and is beneficial during cold and flu season. This versatile herb is not only aesthetically pleasing with its vibrant flowers but also holds a wealth of medicinal properties that have been cherished for centuries. Tea blends with this herb support the immune system, providing not just hydration but also essential antioxidants that help the body fend off illnesses. A good quality tincture will leave a slight tingle on your tongue, a sign of its potency. Incorporating echinacea into your wellness routine may assist in reducing the duration and severity of colds, making it a valuable addition to anyone’s herbal Farmacy.

Tulsi, Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum)

Tulis is not only a wonderful nervous system support but also plays a significant role in enhancing overall wellness by aiding in natural detoxification processes within the body. This remarkable plant thrives in our SE Queensland climate, which makes it an ideal choice, and can be enjoyed in various forms, including soothing teas and potent tinctures that harness its beneficial properties. Additionally, there are quite a few varieties of Tulsi, each offering unique flavors and health benefits, planting a few different types allows you to experiment and discover which one resonates best with your palate and wellness goals. Incorporating Tulsi into your daily routine can promote a sense of calm and focus, ensuring that you reap its restorative effects while enjoying the delightful taste it has to offer.

Peppermint
(Mentha × piperita)

Known for its refreshing scent and ability to aid digestion, peppermint loves humid environments, it can be used fresh or dried to make soothing and refreshing teas. I love adding peppermint to other herb blends to give the tea flavour a lift. It’s fairly easy to grow and not as invasive as Common mint or Apple mint but it still can escape into the rest of your garden and take over. If you want to contain it, grow it in a pot with an underpot/base and monitor it occasionally.

Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)

This aromatic herb helps improve memory and concentration. I used to keep a sprig of Rosemary near me while studying for exams. It thrives in sunny, subtropical conditions and can be used in cooking or as an herbal remedy in teas, tincures. It’s great in a foot bath combined with Epsom salts. It can be infused into olive oil and used while cooking.
There are a few different varieties including upright or prostrate, depending on where you want to grow it.

West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)


Lemongrass is great for its calming effects and ability to relieve anxiety. It grows well in warm, moist climates and can be brewed into tea and blends nicely with Ginger or Tulsi too.
I’d highly recommend avoiding the East Indian Lemongrass variety, it can be distinguished from the West Indian by it’s red stems. The East Indian, has red/purple tinged stems and seeds readily. It can very weedy and end up self-seeding in areas you may not want lemon grass growing. I struggled to remember which was which until I associated it with the 1993 version of the song “Go West” performed the PetShop Boys…sometimes I think in song lyrics but that’s a whole other blog!

Comfrey (Symphtum officinale)

This plant is a wonderful addition to your home-grown Farmacy. I woukdn’t be without it. The leaves made into a poultice are used externally for sprains, injuries, inflammation and joint pain.
While there is contention on the internet about internal use due to the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, I personally stick to my Naturopathic principle of “First do no harm” and avoid internal use, as the are many safer herbs that can heal without the potential risks.
Comfrey also makes a great compost accelerator, plus the bees love it!

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

One of my all-time favourite ‘weeds’! Both the leaves and roots are used for food and medicine. It’s also another one the bees love too!
It’s important to distinguish between flat weed or cat ears (false dandelion) and true dandelion. A couple of simple differences are – Dandelions have a single stalk for each flower and the dandelion leaves are smooth compared to hairy false dandelions leaves.

Mullien (Verbascum thapsus)

I have been able to grow this herb at Delaney’s Creek, the garden bed was raised and drier which I believe helped it to thrive, even with the high rainfall we had this year. This herb is wonderful for lung support, coughs and bronchitis. Taken as a tea or tincture. Mullien has traditionally been combined with garlic and used as an oil infusion for ear infections due to the antibacterial qualities.

Planting and Care
Ensure that your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Adding compost can enhance soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth. A healthy soil microbiome will support nutrient uptake and grow a resilient, pest resistant and more nutritious plant.

Proper soil preparation is essential for successful growth. Start by ensuring the soil is rich in organic matter and has good drainage capabilities. Adding compost or aged manure improves fertility while fostering a healthy soil microbiome. If your garden soil is clay-heavy, consider incorporating sand or perlite to enhance aeration and drainage.
Once the soil is prepared, consider grouping plants based on their water and sunlight needs to streamline care. Herbs like rosemary and lemongrass, which thrive in sunny and subtropical conditions, can be placed in well-draining beds, while more moisture-loving plants like peppermint and tulsi might benefit from proximity to shaded or slightly humid sections.
Deep watering, which saturates the soil to encourage robust root growth, is ideal for most herbs and shrubs. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Drip irrigation systems and wicking beds are efficient ways to provide consistent moisture directly to the roots while minimizing water wastage. For drought-tolerant plants, such as rosemary and thyme, watering once a week may suffice, even in peak summer months.
Subtropical climates often provide ample rainfall, but it’s essential to monitor your plants to ensure they aren’t waterlogged. Most medicinal plants prefer moist but not soggy soil.
There will be dry spells too so it’s important to keep the soil a consistent moisture level to help keep the soil microbiome healthy and active.

Use organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching not only aids in the health of medicinal plants but also fosters a thriving micro-ecosystem in your garden. Sugarcane mulch and straw are excellent choices for subtropical climates.
Most medicinal herbs require full sun to thrive. Try and ensure that your plants are placed to receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. While some herbs like ginger or turmeric will still thrive in part shade, some herbs will grow sparce and leggy looking for more sunlight.

Consider planting complementary herbs together to enhance growth. For example, rosemary pairs well with thyme and sage, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits all. Similarly, lemongrass can be grown alongside basil or mint, as their growth habits complement one another and deter pests naturally. Passionflower, with its sprawling vines, works well over fences, utilising vertical space, above smaller medicinal shrubs, ensuring efficient use of space in your garden.

Harvesting medicinal plants requires careful timing to ensure optimal potency. The best time to harvest is typically in the early morning, when essential oils in the plants are most concentrated. For leafy herbs like basil or mint, leaves should be harvested when they are vibrant and healthy, focus on picking before the plant flowers to preserve flavour and medicinal properties. Roots, such as ginger or turmeric, are often best harvested once the foliage has died back, indicating that the plant has stored most of its nutrients underground. After harvesting, gently wash your plants to remove dirt while preserving their delicate structures.

Once harvested, preserving the medicinal qualities of your herbs is key. Drying is one of the most effective methods, as it prevents spoilage while concentrating beneficial compounds. Hang leafy herbs upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated area, or use a dehydrator for roots and fruits. For herbs with delicate oils, such as chamomile or lavender, air drying ensures their aromatic properties are retained. Storage in airtight glass containers, away from light and moisture, further safeguards their potency. Freezing fresh herbs like mint or parsley is another option, preserving both flavour and medicinal value for months. Don’t forget the importance of food as medicine and include herbs in your everyday diet.

Experiment with various preparation methods such as teas, tinctures, oil infusions and poultices to determine the best way to utilise each plant’s benefits and don’t forget to keep your recipes as a valuable addition to your home remedies first aid kit for minor ailments.

• The Ultimate Herbal Compendium by Kerry Bone

• https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/aloe

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6349368/#S9
• Phytomedicine Compendium by Kristin Gilmour and Julianne Grant

• https://foodforestplants.com.au/lemongrass-how-to-distinguish/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_bKxUN1M5pBtTl46fQuL-kxKy5L-snSNTCSfbF7IW5xQwGW9P

• Phyotherapy Desk Reference by Michael Thomson
• Harvest time optimization for medicinal and aromatic plant secondary metabolites by Saeid Hazrati, Zahra Mousavi, Silvana Nicola, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry,Volume 212, 2024,