Medicinal Plants
High-value medicinal herbs for your homestead. From Western herbalism to Ayurvedic traditions, discover plants that heal and earn.
Echinacea
USEchinacea purpurea
Asteraceae
$15-30/lb dried root
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Easy
3-9
Fall (roots), Summer (flowers)
Not recommended for autoimmune conditions
Elderberry
GlobalSambucus nigra
Adoxaceae
$20-40/lb dried berries
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Shrub
Easy
3-9
Late summer (berries), Early summer (flowers)
Raw berries and leaves are toxic; must be cooked
Ginseng
USPanax quinquefolius
Araliaceae
$300-800/lb wild-simulated
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Difficult
3-8
Fall (5-10 year old roots)
Avoid with blood thinners; regulated harvest in wild
Lavender
GlobalLavandula angustifolia
Lamiaceae
$8-15/lb dried flowers
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
5-9
Early summer when flowers open
Chamomile
GlobalMatricaria chamomilla
Asteraceae
$10-20/lb dried flowers
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Annual
Easy
3-9
Summer when flowers fully open
Calendula
GlobalCalendula officinalis
Asteraceae
$15-25/lb dried flowers
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Annual
Easy
2-11
Throughout growing season
St. John's Wort
USHypericum perforatum
Hypericaceae
$12-20/lb dried herb
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Easy
3-8
Mid-summer when flowering
Interacts with many medications; causes photosensitivity
Valerian
USValeriana officinalis
Caprifoliaceae
$18-30/lb dried root
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
4-9
Fall of second year
Ashwagandha
IndiaWithania somnifera
Solanaceae
$25-50/lb dried root
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
8-11 (or annual)
150-180 days after planting
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
IndiaOcimum tenuiflorum
Lamiaceae
$15-30/lb dried leaf
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Easy
10-11 (or annual)
Throughout growing season
Turmeric
IndiaCurcuma longa
Zingiberaceae
$10-25/lb dried rhizome
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
8-11
7-10 months after planting
Brahmi
IndiaBacopa monnieri
Plantaginaceae
$20-40/lb dried herb
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
8-11
Year-round in tropics
Shatavari
IndiaAsparagus racemosus
Asparagaceae
$20-35/lb dried root
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Moderate
9-11
2-3 years after planting
Neem
IndiaAzadirachta indica
Meliaceae
$15-30/lb dried leaf
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Tree
Moderate
10-12
Year-round (leaves)
Moringa
IndiaMoringa oleifera
Moringaceae
$15-35/lb dried leaf
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Tree
Easy
9-11
Year-round in tropics
Gotu Kola
GlobalCentella asiatica
Apiaceae
$12-25/lb dried herb
Traditional Uses
Parts Used
Perennial
Easy
8-11
Year-round
Browse by Tradition
Market Value Guide
Getting Started with Medicinal Plants
Start with Easy Growers
Begin with chamomile, calendula, or tulsi. These forgiving plants build your confidence while providing useful harvests.
Learn Processing
Master drying, tincturing, and oil infusions. Proper processing preserves active compounds and extends shelf life.
Know Your Market
Research local demand. Farmer's markets, herbalists, and natural food stores often seek quality dried herbs.
Plan Your Medicinal Garden
Integrate medicinal plants into your homestead with our planning tools.