9 Healing Plants to Always Have on Hand, According to Experts These plants do more than just look pretty. Close Credit: Carlina Teteris / Getty Images There are so many reasons to love plants—they add color both indoors and outdoors, nourish essential pollinators, boost curb appeal, and can be harvested for cooking. But beyond these benefits, some plants also contain healing properties that can help treat common ailments. Whether you're looking to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, or soothe anxiety, these healing plants can be grown and used at home. Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors Monica Vermani, C.Psych., a clinical psychologist Brie Arthur, horticulturist and author of Gardening With Grains How to Mist Your Houseplants—and Which Varieties Actually Benefit From It Lavender Credit: CBCK-Christine / Getty Images Known for its calming effect, lavender has a wonderful aroma, immune-supporting capacity, and a soothing fragrance. "Once it blooms, take the flowers and make small sachets or bouquets to leave in places around your home, in drawers or dressers," says Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. How to Grow and Care for a Lavender Plant, One of Martha's Favorite Perennials Marigold Credit: schnuddel/Getty Images This happy orange flower is not just a bold vision in nature—the marigold (Calendula officinalis) can also help alleviate pain when applied topically. The dried petals of the calendula plant are used in tinctures, ointments, and washes to treat burns, bruises, and cuts. How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Marigolds to Enjoy Their Bright Blooms Mint Credit: Moyo Studio / Getty Images Mint, which is a great windowsill herd, is used for its ability to calm a nervous stomach and address nausea. "Gently boil mint leaves in water and let sit a bit before drinking," says Dr. Rothenberg. "You can also dry your mint leaves to use at a later date. Once dried, store in a small container or freeze to be taken out when needed." How to Grow and Care for Mint in Your Garden or on Your Windowsill Aloe Vera Credit: BCFC / Getty Images One of the most well-known healing plants, aloe can be used to retain skin moisture, prevent ulcers, improve wound healing, and treat burns. "Aloe is an easy-to-grow houseplant that has been noted by experts for decades to reduce skin inflammation," says Brie Arthur, horticulturist and author of Gardening With Grains. "The clear gel from the plant has been used to treat home burns, cuts, and small skin infections." How to Harvest Aloe Vera for Its Gel—Without Harming the Plant Lemon Balm Credit: Yuliia Bilousova / Getty Images Like mint, lemon balm is also a great digestive tonic and immune supporting herb. "Leaves can be boiled and drank as tea or you can make a lemon balm tincture," says Dr. Rothenberg. "It's great to take during cold and flu season to help bolster immune function." Rosemary Credit: Kirill Rudenko / Getty Images Rosemary is carminative, meaning it helps to decrease gas and bloating, says Dr. Rothenberg. Additionally, when used as an oil, rosemary is an effective natural medicine for treating nervous system pathological conditions, including anxiety and depression. Spider Plants Credit: Nattawat Jindamaneesirikul / Getty Images A popular houseplant that can thrive in areas with low light, spider plants may also be beneficial to your overall health. "They produce excessive chlorophyll which enables them to give off lots of oxygen so they can be helpful for breathing for those with asthma and other respiratory ailments," says Dr. Rothenberg. Gardenia Credit: magicflute002 / Getty Images Gardenia can be grown in the garden or indoors as a houseplant. Wherever it's grown, be sure to place it in an area where you can enjoy its calming fragrance. "The crocetin in gardenia, via the scent of this plant, is known to aid in sleep," says Monica Vermani, C.Psych., a clinical psychologist. 16 Plants That Will Transform Your Bedroom Into a Relaxing Oasis Eucalyptus Credit: Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Eucalyptus is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. "Eucalyptus branches—often used as accent greenery in floral arrangements—are purported to have antimicrobial properties that not only help freshen the air indoors but can also have a calming effect," says Vermani. Explore more: Garden Sources decorvow is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Peterfalvi A, Miko E, Nagy T, Reger B, Simon D, Miseta A, Czéh B, Szereday L. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System. Molecules. 2019 Dec 11;24(24):4530. doi: 10.3390/molecules24244530. PMID: 31835699; PMCID: PMC6943609. Calendula. Mount Sinai Health System. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019. Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2020. 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