Few things are as satisfying as stepping outside to snip fresh herbs you nurtured yourself. The collection below offers a wide selection, so you can pick what suits your kitchen and climate.
Whether you have a sprawling plot or just a couple pots on a balcony, tender favorites like basil, oregano, or thyme quickly reward your effort with fragrant leaves. After those basics take root, feel free to experiment with bolder, less common species.
Here is our complete list of herbs to explore and expand your garden! If your favorite is missing, drop a note in the comments so we can add it.
While you browse, check our guide to fourteen healing herbs you can grow at home and our full list of adaptogens.
Agrimony
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a sturdy perennial found wild across Europe and North America. Its tall spikes of pale-yellow blossoms earned the plant a place in folk remedies for skin complaints, thanks to its gentle astringent action.
Plant it in full sun and loose, quick-draining soil, and agrimony will thrive with little fuss, bringing color and old-world charm to your plot.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, known botanicly as Medicago sativa, is a hardy perennial flower that thrives in warm-temperate zones. Farmers cut it regularly for nutrient-packed fodder, while home cooks toss young green shoots into fresh salads.
Because it prefers deep, well-drained soil, alfalfa develops extensive roots that draw moisture from below and shrug off short dry spells.
Aloe Vera
Although technically a succulent and often kept as an easy houseplant, the clear gel inside its thick leaves remains a go-to home remedy for sunburn and minor skin scrapes.
Many people claim it eases slight stomach upset, calms acne breakouts, soothes eczema, and even promotes fuller hair. Curious? Learn how to grow Aloe Vera at home.
Angelica (wild celery)
Angelica has been grown as a culinary and medicinal herb since medieval times, winning fans across Scandinavia by the twelfth century. Cooked or raw, the roots, seeds, and stems all add flavor to dishes and drinks. Learn more.
Anise
Anise offers a sweet, licorice-like note that can brighten breads, stews, and teas. Use the whole seeds or grind them fine to aid digestion after the meal. Learn more.
Aralia
Aralia racemosa, called American spikenard, grows wild throughout eastern North America. Its aromatic root flavors herbal teas and tonics and is collected in late summer. Once dug, the tubers can be cleaned, sliced, and dried for long-term use.
Belonging to the same family as ginseng, spikenard is thought to support energy and recovery. Healers apply a strong root mash as a poultice for rheumatism, eczema, and muscle aches. For more details, consult field guides or herbal references on Aralia.
Arnika
Arnica montana, known by names such as wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, mountain tobacco, or mountain arnica, contains compounds that are harmful when swallowed. In Europe its bright yellow blooms are still prized for external applications only.
The flowers are infused into oils, balms or compresses and quietly erase bruising and swelling, all while putting a warning label on the jar.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a bush-like perennial whose roots and berries arise in dry fields across India and North Africa. In Ayurvedic practice the plant is sacred, praised for crafting an adaptogenic remedy that steadies the body and mind amid stress. Full sun, low water, and loose sand suit it perfectly.
Astralagus
Astragalus propinquus, often labeled Astragalus membranaceus or Mongolian milkvetch, is a leguminous herb central to traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners dry the fibrous root, slice it, and brew long decoctions said to tonify qi and support immune function.
Classified as an adaptogen, the herb nourishes vital energy without overstimulating..
Basil
Basil derives from a Greek word that means royal, reflecting its prized status in the kitchen. More than one hundred basil varieties exist, yet while fresh basil ranks among the most beloved herbs, many strains serve non-culinary purposes.
You may choose from a broad palette of basils, with leaves that range in size from tiny to expansive and in colour from deep green through red and purple, plus flavours that hint at cinnamon or lemon.
Basil is nutrient dense, supplying notable amounts of flavonoids, vitamins A, K, and C, and exhibiting both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. For tips on cultivation, read more about growing basil.
Bay
Bay, often called bay laurel or sweet bay, comes from a hardy perennial shrub that adapts well to container gardening. The whole leaf flavours stock or is steeped in tea, and it appears frequently in French, Spanish, Italian, and Creole fare-soups, stews, sauces, and pickling brines alike. Over the ages, the bay tree has stood as a symbol of honour.
In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths adorned the heads of champions and poets alike. To explore its cultivation, learn more about growing bay.
Bayberry
Bayberry tolerates moderate salt and flourishes in loose, well-drained sand. People have long used its berries for candle wax, its leaves to season meat and soup, and its dried roots ground to powder.
Find more on growing bayberry varieties. Known also as wax myrtle, this shrub is prized along coastal gardens.
Bee balm
Bee balm-ranged from Oswego tea, horsemint, to bergamot-belongs to the mint clan. It reaches peak color under full sun, offering red, white, pink, lilac, or deep purple heads.
As a hardy perennial, bee balm invites bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Learn the details of raising bee balm here.
Bilberry
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a perennial shrub native to Northern Europe. Producing small, dark-blue berries, as many people believe, bilberry is noted for helping maintain clear sight. Preferring acidic, well-drained soils, it often carpets woodland paths and heathland edges.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Actaea racemosa, is a tall North American wildflower. Its slender spikes of white blooms have long eased menopausal discomfort. Plant it in part shade and keep its roots moist.
Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa)
Black cumin, or Nigella sativa, is an annual herb that first appears in the sun-soaked fields of southwest Asia. Its pale blue or creamy white flowers hide small, dark seeds prized as a zesty spice across Middle Eastern and Indian tables.
The plant flourishes in loose, quick-draining loam and pulls toward the sun all day.
Boneset
Boneset, or Eupatorium perfoliatum, springs up again each year in the damp woods and meadows of East North America. Its flat clusters of white blooms once made it a household remedy for chills, fevers, and flu-like pains.
The plant prefers consistently moist ground but will grow in full sun or soft shade as long as drainage stays good.
Borage
Topping out at roughly two feet, borage slips easily into flower beds, veggie plots, and casual herb circles. Plant it near tomatoes to draw friendly bees and, some claim, keep pesky hornworms at bay.
Both the bright blue flowers and the soft leaves dress salads, while folk healers note its soothing, mildly anti-inflammatory bite. Try adding borage for color and small wildlife, then taste or brew the parts you harvest.
Burdock
Burdock, often lumped under the genus Arctium, is a two-year wonder growing huge, wavy leaves and spiny, thistle-like blooms. Once a common European stowaway, its knobby roots now flavor stir-fries and broths and show up in detox teas.
The plant marches through the seasons best with full sun, plenty of water, and soil deep enough to let those long roots stretch.
Burnet
Burnet is a hardy herb that originated in western, central, and southern Europe, as well as north-west Africa and south-west Asia; it is now widely cultivated and naturalised across North America.
Its young leaves add a fresh cucumber-like taste to salads and vinaigrettes. Learn how to grow burnet.
California bay
The leaves can be eaten whole, but they taste intense, sharp, and slightly bitter. Like many fragrant herbs, the aroma of fresh or dried bay far exceeds its weak underlying flavour.
Dried leaves give off an herbal, faintly floral scent reminiscent of oregano and thyme. Learn more about California bay.
Calamint
Calamint is a native UK plant with stout, upright stems and a bushy habit that spreads by underground rhizomes. The leaves are textured, covered in fine hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance. Learn how to grow calamint.
Calendula
Calendula produces cheerful yellow and orange flowers that are both edible and medicinal. Learn to grow calendula.
Caraway
Caraway is a hardy biennial herb that first took root in Europe and western Asia. Both its slender taproot and distinctive crescent-shaped seeds find their way to the table. Cooks often sprinkle the anise-like seeds into sauerkraut, rustic breads, broths, sauces, and tangy pickles.
The young roots can be simmered until tender and served like a root vegetable. Herbalists rely on caraway to ease rheumatism, soothe inflamed eyes, and dull nagging toothache. Gardeners wanting to try it can learn more about growing this willing crop.
Cardamom
Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a fragrant perennial herb that hails from Indias southern hills. Its upright stems bear aromatic green or dark seeds and pods beloved in Indian curries and Middle Eastern coffee. The plant thrives in humid, shady conditions and demands regular moisture to flourish.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara Sagrada, or Rhamnus purshiana, is a leaf-shedding shrub found along the moist woodlands of western North America. Its bitter, aged bark has long served as a gentle, natural laxative for those seeking herbal relief.
The plant favors well-drained, cool soil and happily grows beneath a canopy of higher trees.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a sprawling vine that drapes itself over rain forest trunks in the Amazon basin. Traditional healers prize its tough bark and inner root, which are said to bolster the immune system. Like most tropical plants, it enjoys high humidity, constant warmth, and soil that drains quickly after rain.
Catnip
Though it sits within the mint family, catnip spreads even faster than most people expect. This hardy perennial bears small blue flowers and serves as a stunning border or bee refuge. Because gardeners use the leaves to fill cat toys, neighborhood cats often drift over to sniff around. Discover more tips for cultivating catnip in your own yard.
Cayenne
Technically a fruit, the cayenne pepper is usually treated as a culinary herb. Chefs dry the bright red pods and grind them into the hot powder shoppers recognize. For planting advice on cayenne and other peppers, visit our pepper-growing guide.
Chamomile
Well-known for calming nerves and easing digestion, chamomile winds up in many bedtime teas. Both its daisy-like blooms and feathery leaves add flavor to salads and sweet dishes. The plant adapts to shade or full sun and even thrives inside a sunny windowsill. Read our detailed page on growing chamomile.
Chervil
Often called French parsley, chervil adds a subtle anise note to classic sauces. Sow seeds directly, since tender seedlings usually collapse if moved. Chefs sprinkle its delicate stems into omelets, soups, and herb blends.
To ensure a steady supply, succession-sow every few weeks before summer heat triggers bolting. Learn more about starting and harvesting chervil here.
Chickweed
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a spreading, one-season herb that first appeared in Europe. Its tiny, starry white blossoms reveal why cooks and herbalists alike appreciate the plant. Moist soil and cool air keep it happy; extreme heat will push it to seed.
Chives
Chives, hardy perennials from Asia and Eastern Europe, soothe digestion and may ease mild hypertension. Patience is key, because their seeds germinate slowly and seedlings take time to bulk up. For growing steps and tips on snipping without damaging clumps, visit the full guide.
Cicely
Cicely, or Myrrhis odorata, flourishes in shady woods across central Europe. Its feathery leaves, tasting faintly of anise, can grace salads or warm dishes alike. Deep pots and even, moist soil encourage steady growth away from direct sun. Explore further tips for planting and care.
Cilantro
Cilantro thrives in cool weather and bolts at the first hint of summer heat. To harvest steadily, sow fresh seeds every three to four weeks. Watch for quick blooms; the plant self-seeds easily, ensuring new plants appear.
Culinary users call the leafy part cilantro while the dried seed is coriander. For details on planting, weeding, and choosing favorite types, read the full article.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from the soft inner bark of Cinnamomum trees that grow mainly in Sri Lanka and southern India. While cooks know it as a beloved spice, herbalists praise its mild health effects. The trees thrive in humid, rain-soaked tropical lowlands.
Cleavers
Cleavers, or Galium aparine, is an annual weed that appears almost everywhere people garden. Its thorny hairs let it latch onto socks and animal fur, hitching a ride to new places. It prefers damp soil and the filtered light found along woodland edges.
Clove
Cloves are the unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, a tree first cultivated in the spice islands of Indonesia. Their pungent, slightly sweet taste lingers in both sweet pastries and savory stews. The trees grow best in hot, humid weather with steady, generous rainfall.
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, is a hardy perennial found across Europe and parts of Asia. Its bright yellow flowers, born before the leaves appear, mimic small dandelions and once soothed coughs. The plant flourishes in muddy banks, old gravel pits, and other moist, sunny gaps.
Comfrey
Comfrey, often called blackwort, is a vigorous perennial with a long taproot that can invade a tidy herb patch. The stems reach nearly five feet, spreading outwards to form a dense, leafy mound.
Packed with calcium and vitamin C, its poultices are still popular for bruises and fractures. For tips on cultivating comfrey, see the link below.
Coriander
Coriander appears in countless Latin and Indian dishes. Many cooks call the same plant cilantro instead. It is an annual herb, and every part-leaves, stems, and seeds-can be harvested and eaten.
Coriander is also valued for its medicinal qualities. Discover its health benefits in the link below.
Costmary
Costmary grows back year after year, sometimes reaching four feet. It was once added to ale for a warm, spicy kick. Learn about Costmary here.
Cotula
Cotula is an annual herb with a cloying, pungent scent. That sharp smell gives rise to its nickname, stinking chamomile. While people brew it in tea, its health effects are weaker than true chamomile. For details, see the link below.
Cramp Bark
Cramp Bark, or Viburnum opulus, is a tall shrub found in Europe and Asia. Herbalists strip the bark to ease menstrual and muscle cramps. It thrives in loose, well-drained soil and enjoys partial to full sun.
Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano, a hardy perennial, boasts a bold taste that far exceeds common oregano. Cooks and herbalists alike turn to it for seasoning meals and addressing minor health complaints. Test-tube studies suggest it shows both antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Read more about Cuban oregano here.
Damiana
Damiana, or Turnera diffusa, grows as a low shrub across Central and South America. Its fragrant leaves and sunny yellow blooms have made it a traditional ally for mood support. The plant thrives in dry, heat-soaked gardens and is often harvested in late summer.
Dill
Dill is a quick-growing annual herb closely related to celery. Home cooks favor its feathery foliage for pickling vegetables and garnishing salmon. Because the leaves quickly lose potency, using them fresh is best. Dill is also simple to sow and adds mild, caraway-like flavor to tea. Read more about dill here.
Dittany of Crete
Though not common today, dittany once starred in village pharmacies across Crete. Healers reputedly applied it to wounds and scraped skin. Botanically, it resembles marjoram and oregano, sharing their aromatic, slender leaves. Small pink or lavender flowers crown the hairy stems. Discover more about dittany of Crete here.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai, or Angelica sinensis, is a hardy herb that grows wild in the cool, misty mountains of China. Often called female ginseng, its thick, fragrant roots figure heavily in Chinese medicine. The plant thrives at high elevations with moderate sunlight and plenty of moisture.
Echinacea
Echinacea, better known as purple coneflower, blooms across North American meadows. Celebrated for its ability to gently lift immune function, it remains a go-to remedy during cold season. For best growth, give the plants well-drained soil and full sunshine.
Elder (Elderberry, Elderflower)
The elder shrub, known botanically as Sambucus nigra, flourishes along European hedgerows. Cooks and herbalists harvest both deep-blue berries and fragrant blossoms for syrups, wines, and remedies. It roots best in damp yet airy loam and grows happily beneath light tree cover.
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Eleuthero, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a spiny bush found in Manchurian forests and Korean mountains. Revered as an adaptogen, its thin brown roots are thought to fortify stress resilience. Keep the soil moist yet never soggy to see healthy growth in your garden.
Epazote
Epazote, a staple in Mexican kitchens, lends beans and salsas their pungent, earthy edge. This robust perennial can stretch to nearly four feet and release an unmistakable aroma.
While popular among cooks, it is rarely carried in big-box stores. Learn how to harvest and cook with epazote here.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees, hailing from Australias dry bush, now fill city streets worldwide with swaying blue-green crowns. Their leathery leaves steam out pungent oil prized for easing coughs and opening airways. Plant them in draining gravel and full sun; after settling in, they shrug off drought.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a two-year plant that first appeared in North America. Its tiny seeds hide oil prized for soothing skin and gently nudging hormones back in line. The flower flourishes in dry lots that get full sun.
Eyebright
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a short annual that wandered over from Europe. The dainty white blooms, marked with yellow, earned it old tales about easing tired eyes. It nests happily in meadows and thin grasslands.
Fennel
Fennel comes in two clear versions: the feathery herb and the hearty bulb. The herb, much like dill, can reach five feet, and cooks use every green bit and seed. The bulb plant stays shorter, darker, and shares the same sweet anise scent. Learn more.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a one-season legume from Asia and the Mediterranean. Chefs rave about its toasted seeds; herbalists praise its long list of wellness perks. Give it full sun and loose soil.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a tidy daisy cousin that many gardeners grow just for the cheerful blooms. Its petals ring yellow centers and blanket the border in lasting white and gold. Folk stories link the herb to fewer migraines, and modern users still test that claim. Learn more about feverfew.
Flax
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a one-season herb with bright blue flowers. Its tiny seeds, called flaxseeds, pack plenty of fiber and heart-friendly omega-3s. The plants thrive in full sun and need light, well-drained ground.
Foxglove
The tall stem of foxglove carries large, tubular blooms in pink and purple. Because every part is toxic, people nicknamed it dead-mans-bells. Inside the leaves lie cardiac glycosides-portions of digitoxin and digoxin-prescribed today for some heart patients. Read more about foxglove here.
Galangal
Galangal (Alpinia galanga) is a thick-rooted spice cousin of ginger, hailing from Southeast Asia. In Thai and Indonesian dishes, its sharp, citrus bite brightens curry pastes and broths. The plant flourishes in warm, humid weather and prefers loose, well-drained soil.
Garlic
Few kitchen ingredients rank as beloved or as frequently used as garlic. Closely related to onions and shallots, it also belongs to the lily family. When chewed raw, garlic delivers a pungent, almost biting heat that lingers on the palate.
Garlic is also widely used for medicinal purposes. You can learn more about how to grow garlic here.
Geraniums
Geraniums are perennial herbs that produce showy five-petaled blooms in pale pink or white and long, slender stems. In kitchens and herbal shops, the leaves and flowers steep into a tea that tastes floral, light, and slightly minty.
Distillers extract an essential oil from the petals, and practitioners value it for soothing skin and mood. Learn about the health benefits from geraniums here.
Germander
Germander is a low-growing, spreading perennial often used as drought-tolerant ground cover. Though its scent is mild, botanists note that it belongs to the mint family. Clusters of small purple flowers appear in summer, attracting clouds of buzzing bees.
Gardeners appreciate its easy care; it flourishes in full sun or light shade. It has medicinal uses as well. Learn more about Germander here.
Ginger
Ginger is a hardy perennial that sends ginger-colored rhizomes sideways while its leafy stems rise about three feet each season. Cooks across Asia and the Caribbean chop the root into stir-fries, congee, and sweets, relying on itsginger warm bite.
Beyond the kitchen, modern research and tradition praise ginger for easing nausea, inflammation, and general stomach upset. It is often used for motion sickness and stomach upset.Learn more about how to grow ginger here.
Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, usually shortened to ginkgo, is remarkable because it is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth. The female trees form a foul-smelling fruit that people consider inedible.
However, many herbalists harvest the dried fan-shaped leaves for teas and supplements. Continue reading to discover more about the ginkgo’s history and modern uses.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a hardy, slow-growing herb that produces a single, thick taproot. That root is the part sought after by consumers and health practitioners alike. Among the best-known types are American ginseng and the widely praised Asian variety.
Goji Berry
Goji Berry, scientifically called Lycium barbarum, originates in the dry hills of Asia. Its glossy red berries pack a dense mix of vitamins and antioxidants, so many people enjoy them dried in snacks or teas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can live happily in full sun or light shade.
Golden Rod
Goldenrod, known botanically as Solidago, blooms with golden plumes that feed bees and butterflies. Herbalists value the plant for its gentle diuretic effect and use it in washes for minor wounds.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a creeping, water-loving herb that grows in tropical Asia and Africa. Herbalists prize its small, fan-shaped leaves for the brain, and the plant plays a regular supporting role in folk medicines across the region.
Gravel Root
Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum) flourishes in wet North American meadows and woodland edges. Tall stems rise above the muck, sporting loose clusters of purple petals once relied on to ease bladder and kidney discomfort.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn shrubs and small trees belong to the Crataegus family, whose sharp spines guard glossy leaves and summer blooms. Generations of herbalists have turned to its vivid red fruits for gentle heart support, weaving the plant into folklore across temperate lands.
Heather
Heather (Calluna vulgaris), a mat-forming shrub blanketing European moors and rocky hills, displays countless tiny purple bells. Once brewed in folk remedies, its long association with humble landscapes still echoes in retreating herbal lore.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus large, trumpet-shaped blossoms give herbal teas their deep crimson hue and refreshing, tangy kick, and the easy-care shrubs that bear them also brighten gardens through summer. Curious growers can find simple tips for cultivating these showy plants at home.
Holy Thistle (Blessed Thistle)
Holy Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a one-year herb that naturally grows around the Mediterranean Sea. Valued since antiquity as a gentle stomach remedy, it sports jagged, spiny foliage and clusters of cheerful yellow blooms.
Hops
Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a hardy climbing perennial that grows best in temperate climates. Most people know it for giving beer its aroma and slightly bitter bite; the plant produces small green cones and thrives in loose, well-drained soil.
Horehound
Horehound is a bitter, mint-family perennial sporting fuzzy green and white leaves. Once common in British hedgerows, it now grows almost everywhere in Europe. Learn more about horehound.
Horseradish
Horseradish, a sharp-rooted crucifer, was used as a herbal remedy in medieval kitchens and apothecaries. Learn more about horseradish.
Horsetail
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a fern-like, jointed plant with deep ancestry, spreading across the Northern Hemisphere. Often praised for its high silica content, it forms tufted columns, gaining popularity as a gentlesupplement for bones and hair.
Hyssop
Hyssop prefers dry, sandy ground and full sun, making it a champion of drought gardens. Chefs use its bold leaves in roasts and teas, while herbalists recommend it for respiratory care. Learn more about hyssop.
Johnny Jump Up (Heartease or Wild Pansy)
This cheerful herb displays purple-and-white blossoms, earning it nicknames like wild pansy and Johnny jump up. Folklore and modern herbalists alike prize the flower for gentle calming and throat support. Learn more about Johnny Jump Up.
Juniper
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) is a worldwide conifer, recognizable by its needle-like leaves and blue berries. The berries are prized for giving gin its distinctive flavor and for giving gin its characteristic flavor.
Kava Kava
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) originates from the Pacific Islands. Islanders prepare it as a ceremonial drink, celebrating its soothing effects while the plant has broad heart-shaped leaves.
Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) grows as a tall, tropical tree across Southeast Asias humid lowlands. Its bright green leaves stand out; herbal users prize them for a mix of energizing and calming alkaloids.
Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) spreads through damp European woods and Asian meadows. Believed to ease menstrual discomfort, the plant carries round, scalloped leaves and clusters of soft yellow-green blooms.
Laurel
Laurel denotes fragrant evergreen trees or large shrubs in the Lauraceae family, most famous as bay leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, its leaves add depth to soups, stews, and roasts. Learn more about laurel.
Lavender
Lavender clusters upright stems with dense spikes of purple flowers, growing between one and three feet. The scent calms, while the sturdy roots thrive in sunny, well-drained soil. Learn more about lavender. Learn how to grow lavender.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a hardy, spreading mint-relative that returns year after year. Cooks add its bright leaves to teas and desserts, while herbalists praise its calming effects. Learn more about lemon balm.
Lemon verbena
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a sun-loving shrub prized for its intense, clean citrus fragrance. Though temperamental to cultivate, its leaves make sublime infusions and flavoring extracts. Learn more about lemon verbena.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tall, grassy clump from warm climates, noted for its fresh, lemony zest. Chefs slash the tender stalks into soups, curries, and marinades. Learn more about lemongrass.
Licorice Root
Licorice root comes from a deep, sweet-flavored taproot found across Europe and Asia. Herbalists note its soothing throat action and stress-easing adaptogenic qualities. Learn more about the benefits of licorice and its use as an adaptogenic herb.
Linden Flower
Linden flowers (Tilia spp.) bloom on broad-leaved trees that grace many northern streets. Their delicate, sweet scent steeps into calming teas favored for restful sleep. Learn more about linden flower.
Lovage
Lovage is a tall, celery-like perennial native to the British Isles, surveyed by cooks and home apothecaries alike. Its robust leaves and stems season broths, breads, and herbal salts. Learn more about lovage.
Lungwort
Lungwort is a medicinal, flowering herb. Learn more about lungwort.
Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy root crop that grows at extreme altitudes in the Peruvian Andes. Revered as an adaptogen and rich in vitamins, it looks much like a small turnip and appears in cream, red, or black skins
Marjoram
Marjoram is a flowering herb with edible petals that is very similar to oregano. Learn more about growing marjoram.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a hardy perennial found wild across Europe, western Asia, and north Africa. Its thick mucilage soothes throats and skins, while the pale pink blooms add charm to gardens.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) grows in wet meadows from Europe to central Asia. The fluffy white flower heads and fern-like leaves release a sweet, almond-like scent, and the plant contains compounds related to aspirin.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a striking purple-flowered herb long used to support liver health. Learn more about milk thistle and more here.
Mint
Learn how to grow mint and the health benefits of mint.
Motherwort
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), native to Eurasia, now flourishes in old fields across North America. Once brewed for childbirth and heart care, its spiky clusters of pink or purple flowers sway on sturdy stems.
Mugwort
Mugwort, officially called Artemisia vulgaris, has served as a healer and charm since medieval times, its small yellow blooms lingering in old garden corners.
Mullein
Mullein, a fuzzy-leafed member of the Scrophulariaceae clan, offers soothing aid for coughs and other lung troubles, its tall spike bearing yellow blooms nodding in the breeze.
Myrtle Herb
Myrtle is a fragrant evergreen that thrives from North Africa to the Mediterranean, its leathery leaves steeped for bronchitis and other respiratory woes.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are bright garden flowers; their peppery leaves and bright petals double as a lively herb in salads and vinegars.
Neem
Neem, the Indian subcontinents hardy Azadirachta indica, grows dark green serrated leaves and tiny white flowers respected for skin, dental, and pest-control remedies.
Nettle
Common nettle-Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle-is long praised as a practical herb for aching joints, sore muscles, and benign prostate trouble.
Nosegays
Once tucked into belts and worn as breathing aids, nosegays blended blooms and herbs to cover foul smells; the petals still grace salads today.
Oat Straw (or Oat Tops)
Oat straw (Avena sativa) is an annual grass that flourishes in temperate climates worldwide. Farmers cut the green stem before grain ripens, collecting a nutritious forage high in fiber and vitamins.
Oregano
Many cooks link oregano to Italian and Latin meals, yet the herb traces its roots to rocky European hillsides. Called Origanum vulgare, its name comes from ancient Greek ori- for mountain and ganos for joy. Try growing oregano at home to enjoy both its flavor and health perks.
Parsley
Parsley is a flexible herb that brightens soups, salads, and sauces alike with its fresh aroma. Discover easy tips for growing parsley in containers or garden beds.
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), a vigorous vine from the southeastern United States as well as Central and South America, drapes fences and trellises in bold greenery. Revered for calming tea, the plant displays elaborate purple blooms and deeply lobed leaves throughout the summer.
Patchouli
Patchouli is a bushy herb in the mint family, thriving in the warm humid climates of tropical Asia. Its heavy, earthy fragrance now scents perfumes, soaps, candles, and coils of incense sold around the globe.
Practitioners of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine apply patchouli leaves for their reputed antibacterial and antifungal effects. Healers also rely on the dried leaves as a natural repellent against moths and other household insects.
Pau d’Arco
Pau dArco, or Tabebuia impetiginosa, grows tall in the humid rainforests of Central and South America. Herbalists prize the trees inner bark for teas and extracts, while the showy pink or purple blossoms brighten the canopy.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a low-growing, mint-scented plant that spread from Europe to Asia and then to North Americas gardens. Its sharp aroma marks food and drink, and folk healers have relied on it for centuries.
Traditionally, pennyroyal leaves eased bloating and gas, opened tight airways, and calmed ache-filled heads. Yet caution is vital: the concentrated oil can harm the liver and nervous system in high amounts.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a hybrid mint that forms when water-mint crosses with spearmint. The result is a leaf that gives off a sharp, cool aroma and taste. Many herbal tea brews include peppermint, as folk remedies say its menthol may ease upset stomachs and dull headaches.
Its essential oil meanwhile enjoys a place in aromatherapy and bodywork; the oil is rubbed on skin or inhaled to cool sore muscles and knots.
Plantain (herb)
Common Plantain (Plantago major) spreads low across the ground in almost every corner of the planet. Its wide leaves and upright greenish flower spikes mark trails and fields, and folk wisdom links it with treating minor wounds.
Red Clover
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a sturdy perennial that calls Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa home. Its trifoliate leaves and clusters of small pink-purple blooms hold prized isoflavones that many herbalists mention.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus), a perennial found in woodlands and hedgerows, grows across Europe and parts of Asia. Its dark serrated leaves once gathered by grandmothers who sought to support reproductive health in women.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb that hails from the sunny Mediterranean. Its needle-like leaves add a bold flavor to roasted meats and grilled vegetables, making it a favorite in countless kitchens.
Beyond seasoning food, people have long turned to rosemary in folk medicine, relying on it for mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and brain-boosting effects.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola, known scientifically as Rhodiola rosea, grows as a low, resilient plant in Europes Arctic, Siberia, and Alaskas glacial outcrops. Its vivid yellow blooms and reputation as an adaptogen help it survive harsh winds and shifting seasons.
Rose Hips
The round, colorful fruits called rose hips-Rosa spp.-ripen wherever wild roses take root, from meadows to urban hedges. Bright red or deep orange, these little drupes offer a punch of vitamin C and flavor countless teas, syrups, and homemade jams.
Rue
Rue, a sturdy, lemon-scented shrub, thrives in dry, sunny soils around the Mediterranean coast. Its small, aromatic leaves carry a bitter kick, and cooks have folded them into pestos, brines, and medicinal infusions for centuries.
Herbalists once praised rue for settling upset stomachs, easing skin irritations, and easing the throb of headaches. The leaves can be steeped fresh or dried, yet caution is wise; too much can trigger nausea or worse.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) grows like a short palm in the humid fields of the southeastern U.S. Its dark berries, tucked under fan-like fronds, have long been linked to men s urinary and reproductive care.
Schisandra
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) winds through the cool forests of northern China and Russia. Its clusters of glossy red fruit are celebrated for boosting endurance and chasing away fatigue.
Shepherd’s Purse
Shepherds Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a tiny annual herb that pops up almost anywhere people walk. Its flat, heart-shaped pods mark the plant, and herbalists praise it for stopping minor bleeding.
Skullcap
kullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) hugs wet woods across North America with its low, leafy clumps. People brew its tubular blue flowers into tea, seeking a gentle calm for restless days.
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) rises in eastern forests, rough-barked and sturdy. Healers scrape the soft inner bark, turning it into a gentle demulcent for throats and uneasy stomachs.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) carpets fields and riverbanks worldwide, its jagged leaves guarded by razor-tipped hairs. Though they sting, the plant brims with vitamins and, when cooked or dried, eases joints.
St Johns Wort
St. Johns Wort is a hardy, creeping herb that first appeared in Europe and Asia and now grows in many parts of the world. Its small, star-shaped yellow blooms have earned the plant a place in home pharmacies, where people turn to it in hopes of soothing low moods, anxious thoughts, and even minor skin irritations.
Saffron
Saffron is the dried threadlike stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, gathered by hand before the morning dew disappears. Chefs prize it for the warm, earthy taste and deep gold hue it brings to paella, risotto, and sauce, making the spice an unmissable ingredient in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian kitchens alike.
Because gathering saffron is painstaking work-lasting only a few hours each bloom-forced workers to kneel in rows and pluck each filament one by one, a kilogram demands the labor of over 150,000 flowers and costs more than gold by weight.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a woody, evergreen shrub that first appeared in the Mediterranean but has since spread to gardens around the world. Its leaves carry a warm, earthy punch laced with gentle bitterness and serve as a go-to seasoning in countless recipes.
The plant thrives in sunny, free-draining spots, soaking up full sun but also managing in light shade. A slightly alkaline mix suits it best, and once settled, sage shrugs off drought, needing water only now and then. Too much moisture, however, invites root rot, so gardeners must tread carefully.
Santolina (Lavender Cotton) (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Santolina, or Lavender Cotton, shares a Mediterranean origin with sage and grows as a woody, evergreen mound. Its fragrant, finely divided leaves release an herbal scent, while bright yellow, button-like blooms brighten summer beds and lend themselves to dried arrangements.
Silver-green foliage makes santolina a favorite in landscape design, where it contrasts boldly with darker plants in borders and rockeries. Like sage, it demands well-drained soil and full sun to light shade, flourishing on minimal water once established.
Savory
Savory refers to two closely related herbs-summer savory and winter savory. Both varieties are fragrant and taste faintly peppery. Summer savory is a soft, short-lived annual used fresh, while winter savory is a tough perennial more often added dried.
Either kind is simple to grow, thriving in full sun and loose, drained soil. Once established, plants tolerate short dry spells and need watering only now and then.
Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Scullcap is a North American perennial often found in damp woodlands and meadows. Herbalists prize it for gentle calmative effects documented over many generations. Its leaves and pale blue flowers appear in teas and tinctures aimed at anxiety, restless sleep, and nervous tension.
Gardening enthusiasts find scullcap easy to cultivate in cool partial shade and moist, loose soil. Even during dry spells the plant keeps going once roots are settled.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a bright, lemony herb prized in classic French cooking. Garden sorrel and wood sorrel are the main types, each carrying a subtle twist on the others taste. Cooks add fresh leaves to salads, sauces, and broths, while some dry the leaves for seasoning later.
The plant is tough and easy to tend, thriving in full sun or light shade and loose, moist soil. Once settled, it withstands short dry spells and needs only sporadic watering.
Southernwood
Southernwood, sometimes called wormwood or lads love, is a low, woody shrub originally from southern Europe. Its fragrant, bitter leaves and tender stems serve as a natural insecticide and aromatic repellent in old-world gardens.
The same plant appears in perfumery and in folk tonics for upset stomachs. Southernwood enjoys full sun or partial shade and well-drained, damp soil. Once rooted, it brushes off drought with little fuss.
Stevia
Stevia is a tropical herb from South America that many cooks and food makers rely on as a calorie-free sweetener. Depending on the growing season and climate, gardeners treat it as either an annual or a perennial.
The plant thrives in warm, frost-free weather. For best results, grow it in full sun or light shade, in soil that drains well and stays damp without becoming soggy.
Sweet bay
Sweet bay, or Laurus nobilis, is an aromatic evergreen staple of Mediterranean kitchens. Cooks use its leathery leaves, tender stems, and even small pieces of wood to infuse soups, sauces, and braises with subtle depth. Although described as a shrub, it matures slowly into a small tree that can lend height and texture to a home garden.
Like stevia, it prefers full sun or partial shade and soil that drains yet retains some moisture. Tough and adaptable, sweet bay tolerates marked temperature swings and varied moisture levels, making it a dependable choice for both ornamental scenes and culinary plots.
Sweet cicely
Sweet cicely, scientifically called Myrrhis odorata, is a sturdy perennial herb that first established itself across Europe and parts of Asia. Cooks and herbalists alike rely on its leaves, seeds, and roots, using them both as flavoring and as a natural sweetener.
Because its foliage and seeds carry a hint of anise, the plant often steps in where sugar would usually sit, gracing puddings, teas, and cold drinks with easy sweetness. For best growth, sweet cicely prefers moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade but will soldier on in full sun if water remains steady.
It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and does well in cool climates.
Sweet Grass
Sweet grass, scientifically named Hierochloe odorata, is a North American grass cherished for its clean, vanilla-like scent. When the blades are dried, many Indigenous communities burn them in a smudging ceremony that blends aroma with sacred meaning.
Crafters also fold the leaves into baskets, the aroma quietly seasoning each weave. The plant prefers loamy, well-drained soil and grows best in partial to full sun, reaching heights near three feet.
It withstands short dry spells and adapts to sandy or clay-rich ground, making sweet grass a reliable choice in many gardens.
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff, or Galium odoratum, is an evergreen groundcover native to Europe and Asia. Its fine white flowers perfume woodland trails, and when dried, the leaves are added to wine, desserts, or potpourri as a gentle herbal note.
Sweet woodruff thrives in dappled light and loose, well-drained soil, typically rising no higher than six inches. This tough, low-care perennial spreads steadily, making it ideal for quick ground cover or as a filler in patio pots.
Its fine leaves and the faint scent released when crushed endear it to shade gardens and woodland borders.
Tansy
Tansy, or Tanacetum vulgare, is a tall, erect herb native to Europe and Asia. In mid-summer, flat clusters of small yellow buttons bloom and continue into early fall.
TFor centuries, gardeners prized the plant for remedies aimed at digestion, skin irritation, and even repelling bugs. However, because the leaves contain compounds harmful in quantity, users should proceed cautiously. Tansy demands full sun and well-drained earth, reaching heights near four feet.
Once established, it proves vigorous enough for dedicated borders or as a solitary feature but often overshadows timid neighbors. Since the species can self-seed and spread invasively, consult local guidelines or contain it to a defined bed.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a fragrant herb in the sunflower family. Its slender leaves taste strongly of anise, making it popular for seasoning chicken, fish, and stews.
The herb is also one of the most important spices in the French mix called Herbes de Provence. For best growth, plant tarragon in well-drained soil in full sun and water it regularly. It requires little care and can be cut back several times during the growing season.
Thyme
Thyme is a hardy, perennial evergreen that serves culinary, medicinal, and decorative roles. See our guide to growing thyme for tips on planting and care.
Tulsi / Holy Basil
Known as Tulsi, or Holy Basil, this plant is revered in India as The Queen of Herbs because of its healing power. Used for millennia in Ayurveda, it is said to ease stress, support detox, and boost overall vitality. Discover why Tulsi is classed as an adaptogen and how to add it to your routine.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a rhizome-bearing perennial closely related to ginger. As with ginger, cooks and healers use the root in food and remedies. Learn how to grow turmeric and explore its many benefits.
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing shrub that thrives across the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Herbalists collect its tough, glossy leaves and small red berries to support healthy urinary function.
Valerian
Valerian is a robust perennial herb known for its calming aroma. Its slender stems rise nearly five feet, topped with clusters of pale pink or white flowers. Distillers once extracted oil from the blooms for perfume, yet today the plant is more celebrated for easing restless nights. Learn about Valerian herb.
Vitex
Vitex, widely called Chaste Tree or Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus), originates around the Mediterranean and in parts of Central Asia. Healers dry its dark fruits and brew them into tonics said to nurture hormonal balance and ease menstrual discomfort in women.
To thrive, Vitex demands well-drained soil, full sun, and only moderate watering. Once established, it endures drought, attracts bees and butterflies, and adds vertical interest to gardens.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a vining plant with starchy tubers native to North America. Herbalists have long processed its rhizomes for womens health, weaving its story into the broader history of North American plant medicine.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a deciduous shrub that grows wild across North America. Renowned for its strong astringency, people have long tapped its bark and twigs to soothe skin irritations and calm swollen tissues.
From these parts distillers craft an amber extract now filled into countless lotions and drug-store toners. The plant prefers damp, well-drained soil and will flourish in spots that range from light shade to full sun. Beyond that, witch hazel keeps itself tidy, shrugging off pests and disease while shaping a relaxed, informal hedge.
Woodruff
Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low-growing perennial that hails from European woodlands. In Germany its dried leaves perfume May wine, syrup, and milky desserts with a whisper of sweet clover.
The leaves emerge bright green, whorled around a stiff stem that carpets ground in evening light. Woodruff thrives in cool, shady pockets where moisture lingers, yet it recoils from soggy feet. Tough and tidy, the herb demands little more than occasional trimming, earning its place in any casual kitchen plot.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a bitter member of the Artemisias, found wild in temperate Europe and northern Africa, and now common in Canada and the northern U.S. Gardeners grow it for the silvery foliage and chefs use it in the historic spirit absinthe. Learn more about wormwood uses.
Yarrow
Yarrow presents clusters of small edible blossoms that range from white to gold, pink, or crimson. Valued as a healer, it remains an easy, fragrant, drought-tolerant companion in borders and herb beds. Learn how to grow yarrow.
Zedoary
Zedoary, or white turmeric, kentjur, shines in traditional kitchens from India to Indonesia. Like its brighter cousin, the knobby rhizome is the prized part for flavor and folk medicine. Learn more about zedoary.