Gardening with Medicinal Natives

Written by Lynsey Johnston
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Long before Colonel Eli Lilly stepped onto the pharmacy scene, humans were creating medicine from plants using knowledge passed down from generation to generation.  Using plants as medicine isn’t exclusive to humans. Animals have also been found to self-medicate. Scientists, and probably you, too, have observed this behavior. Some examples of this are dogs eating grass or rabbits lining their nests with herbs. Self-medication in animals is known as zoopharmacognosy and it is used as both preventative and therapeutic. Ready to start your own “FARMacy” for you or your pets?  
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Do your research. 
Check out the lists below to learn how you can grow a piece of history, enhance the health of your local ecosystem, support your health, and add beauty to your space!  

My favorite way to start a medicinal garden is to make a list of the ailments that come up most frequently in our household and find the corresponding plant support. As an example, if you are interested in supporting your immune system, you may add echinacea to your gardens.  

The simplest way to start your herbal journey is with teas. Herbal teas are also known as “hot infusions”. The infusion process helps extract the beneficial components of the herbs (plants). Depending on the herb, a tea can be made of dried plant material or fresh and can be comprised of one or multiple herbs.  
 
Native medicinal plants and their practical uses 

Native medicinal plants for full sun: 

• Bergamot (Monarda sp.) 

Practical Uses – antiseptic, anesthetic, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) 

• Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) 

Practical Uses – diuretic, antiseptic, joint pain, anti-fungal, treatment of seasonal allergies 

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) 

Practical Uses – cosmetic skin toner, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant  

• Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) 

Practical Uses – antifungal, anti-inflammatory, healthy gut support 

Native medicinal plants for part sun: 

• Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) 

Practical Uses – wound healing, respiratory ailments, mind diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial 

• Short’s Goldenrod (Solidago shortii) 

Practical Uses – diuretic, antiseptic, joint pain, anti-fungal, treatment of seasonal allergies 

• Blue Vervain (Verbena hostata) 

Practical Uses – pain of rheumatism, treatment of cold and flu, speed healing of wounds 
 
Native medicinal plants for shade: 

• Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) 

Practical Uses – wound healing, respiratory ailments, mind diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial 

• Bluestem Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) 

Practical Uses – diuretic, antiseptic, joint pain, anti-fungal, treatment of seasonal allergies 

• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemose) 

Practical Uses – hormone balancing for women, anti-anxiety, osteoporosis,  
 
Many of these plants can be found at one of the great native nurseries in the state. You can find a list of native nurseries here.  

**This article is purely educational. Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation does not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. It is advised that a health care provider be consulted before pursuing any herbal treatments. 
 
Sources: 
https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/education/native-american-plant-use.htm#:~:text=Nonetheless%2C%20they%20made%20use%20of,sages%2C%20and%20many%20other%20plants 
untitled (imhm.org) 
Pharmacy - indyencyclopedia.org 
PowerPoint Presentation (indiananativeplants.org) 

Blog by Lynsey Johnson (SWCD Volunteer Coordinator, HC Master Gardener, and permaculture consultant)