For thousands of years people have used plants for healing and soothing. As a bonus these therapeutic plants are really pretty. Learn more about the five essential medicinal plants you can grow in your desert garden.
The post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policies. If you purchase after clicking an affiliate link, we may receive small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain our own.
What’s in a Medicinal Garden?
From soothing chamomile for a bedtime tea to lavender for stress relief plants you can create a garden for the senses. A therapeutic garden is not just about beauty; it’s about creating a living apothecary.
Medicinal Plants Anyone Can Grow
Some therapeutic plant ideas for your desert garden includes:
Calendula
Pot Marigolds or calendula officinalis is one of the easiest plants to grow and is probably one of the most popular and easily recognizable plant traditionally used to soothe skin irritations and as tea. The flowers can range from yellow to a deep orange. Unless you live in gardening zone 9 or above, Calendula is an annual flower.
Echinacea
One of my favorite flowers. Echinacea or Purple Coneflower is often used to make tea. You can use the whole plant: roots, stems, leaves, and flowers for tea. Traditionally, Echinacea treats sore throats, UTIs, and to strengthen the immune system.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb used for centuries to soothe sore muscles. Use the flowers to make a relaxing tea.
Aloe
Use the gel of the Aloe to treat burns and soothe abrasions. The stalk will produce pretty flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Lavender
A calming and relaxing herb, lavender is a favorite in a therapeutic garden. Traditionally the flower is used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety.
Medicinal Garden Layout
Accessibility is key to a medicinal garden layout. For some great inspiration check out a few of the
- UCONN School of Pharmacy Medicinal Gardens
- University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden
- Royal College of Physicians Garden of Medicinal Plants
- University of California Botanical Gardens at Berkely
**We are not medical professionals. Content on this site is for informational purposes only. It should not be used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure an illness and it has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You should consult a physician before using any herbal remedies or alternative forms of medicine. Any application of or reliance on any information provided on this site is solely informational and to be used at your own discretion and risk.