5 Healthful and Easy-to-Grow Herbs
1. Yarrow

The Latin name for yarrow is Achillea millefolium, and the genus name Achillea is derived from the legendary Trojan War warrior, Achilles, who was said to have used yarrow to stop the bleeding of wounded soldiers.
Erica Kuo, a registered herbalist in the United States, certified aromatherapist in the UK and the United States, and founder of the Rosemary Garden, said that yarrow is a commonly used medicinal herb for stopping bleeding in the wild, “but personally, I think that it is the best herb for reducing fever.” Unlike fever-reducing medications, which can cause chills, drinking yarrow tea during a fever can warm the body and induce sweating, leading to a reduction in fever. Since it heats the body, people who are prone to cold hands and feet in the winter can also benefit from drinking it.
“Yarrow is also very effective in stabilizing blood pressure. I grow it in my own home,” Kuo pointed out. “I think it is the easiest (herb) to grow.” Yarrow is a commonly found herb in the wild, growing in coastal areas as well as high-altitude regions. It is very resilient and easy to grow.
2. Echinacea

Many people plant echinacea in their gardens for ornamental purposes, without realizing that every part of the plant has medicinal value.
“Many people do not know how useful echinacea is,” Kuo said. “Both yarrow and echinacea are important components of my tea recipes.” Both the leaves and roots offer beneficial properties, but the roots are the best in terms of efficacy, especially echinacea roots that have been planted for at least two years.
Echinacea roots can be used to make tinctures, which offer the additional benefits of easy storage and year-round availability. Alcohol is a better extractant due to the poor water solubility of alkamides.
When taking echinacea to reduce fever, it is best to add some cooling peppermint, especially when the throat is inflamed, as it can improve its effectiveness.
3. Peppermint, spearmint

Peppermint is commonly used to improve gastrointestinal conditions. For example, if you experience bloating after eating gas-producing foods, drinking peppermint tea can usually induce burping and flatulence within half an hour.
4. Rosemary

Rosemary is added to some meat dishes, which not only enhances the aroma and removes gaminess, but also helps promote fat metabolism in the body.
People who often experience indigestion or have upset stomachs after eating meat can try adding rosemary when cooking beef, pork, chicken, or other meats, or drink a cup of rosemary tea after meals.
Kuo suggests that individuals with gallstones or cholecystitis marinate meat dishes with rosemary to promote fat metabolism in the body. It is recommended to pair it with tea made from dandelion leaves or roots, which can help improve gallbladder function, as dandelion can also aid in fat metabolism and support the functions of the gallbladder and pancreas. People who have poor fat metabolism are more prone to pancreatic cancer and gallbladder cancer, she added.
5. Oregano

The aromatic Origanum vulgare, known better as oregano, is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is a prolific herb that possesses the characteristics of a wild plant, readily flowering and producing seeds.
Kuo noted that carvacrol has the strongest antibacterial properties among all the essential oil components extracted from herbs, and oregano has the highest concentration of carvacrol.
1 Tip for Successfully Growing Herbs: Water
Simply using one to two leaves of these herbs is not enough to fully utilize their therapeutic benefits; a certain amount is needed.If echinacea roots are used, the amount can be reduced to 1 to 2 teaspoons.
Kuo, who has been advocating for self-care and healing using herbs and essential oils for many years, said that herbs are less likely to cause drug resistance. She explained that the environment, temperature, humidity, soil, sunlight, and other factors in which plants grow can affect the ratio of their chemical structures, such as that of carvacrol. Since the ratio is not consistent every time, bacteria and viruses are less likely to develop resistance.
However, the key is to use high-quality, organic, or locally grown herbs. It is recommended to understand whether the extraction methods of essential oils meet the standards, as well as the planting conditions of the plants. Growing your own herbs can naturally ensure safe use.
According to Kuo, many people struggle to grow these plants because of issues related to water. For instance, herbs such as rosemary and oregano naturally thrive in limestone soil with excellent drainage. Therefore, when growing these plants in the United States, it is crucial to pay close attention to proper drainage and consider the local rainfall conditions.
Overwatering is a common reason for failure when growing herbs in Taiwan, as it can lead to rotting and death of the plants. It is important not to overwater herbs recently purchased from a flower market. Adding vermiculite or perlite to the soil can help adjust soil texture, improving drainage, water retention, and air permeability.