How to set up a natural pharmacy with 7 easy-to-grow plants

The Power of Medicinal Plants in Modern Life

In a world where the pharmaceutical industry dominates with expensive drugs full of side effects, set up a natural pharmacy emerges as a revolutionary alternative.

Imagine being able to treat minor health problems with plants you grow yourself, without harsh chemicals or exorbitant costs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that 801% of the global population has used traditional medicine at some point in their lives.

This data is not a mere coincidence – it is a clear sign that people are rediscovering the ancient wisdom of medicinal plants.

But where to start?

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover how to transform a small space at home – be it a backyard, balcony or even a sunny window – into a veritable living pharmacy.

With seven essential plants that are easy to grow and have proven therapeutic properties, you will be prepared to:

• Relieve common pains
• Treat digestive problems
• Improve sleep quality
• Strengthen immunity
• And much more

And the best part: all this at almost zero cost after the initial planting.

Read more: How to Grow Chives from Kitchen Scraps

Why Have a Natural Pharmacy at Home? (Proven Benefits)

1. Autonomy in Health

In times of economic uncertainty and overwhelmed healthcare systems, having access to homegrown natural remedies is an act of independence.

You no longer depend exclusively on pharmacies and can treat minor problems immediately.

2. Quality Assurance

When you grow your own medicinal plants, you know exactly how they were treated – no pesticides, no preservatives, no mysteries.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2024) showed that organically grown plants have up to 40% more active ingredients than industrialized versions.

3. Significant Savings

Let's do the math:

• A package of 20 industrial chamomile tea bags costs on average R$1.4T 15.
• A well-cared-for chamomile plant can yield more than 200 teas over the course of a year.
• The initial investment? Just a few seeds or a small seedling

4. Dual Therapy: For Those Who Cultivate and For Those Who Use

Therapeutic gardening is recognized as a powerful tool against stress.

Researchers at Harvard University (2024) found that caring for plants reduces cortisol levels by 28%, while contact with soil increases the production of serotonin, the well-being hormone.

4. Lavender – The Natural Sedative that Purifies the Environment

Properties:

• Natural anxiolytic (reduces cortisol by 25% according to a study by the University of Vienna)
• Air antiseptic – purifies environments
• Topical analgesic for muscle pain

Cultivation:

• Alkaline, extremely well-drained soil (mix wood ash into the soil)
• Requires full sun (minimum 8 hours daily)
• Tolerates drought, but dies with excess water

Smart Use:
For sleepless nights: place a sachet of dried flowers on your pillow.

The essential oil released acts on the limbic system 2x faster than industrialized herbal tablets, according to research by Unifesp.

Lavender also naturally repels moths and dust mites – a triple benefit for those who suffer from respiratory allergies.

+ What to plant in each season of the year in your home garden

Golden Tip: Radical pruning after flowering (cutting up to 2/3 of the branches) ensures more vigorous plants for up to 15 years.

This secret is used by producers in Provence, where lavender fields remain productive for decades.

Practical Example: Carla, an architect from Curitiba, replaced anxiolytics with lavender tea + essential oil on her wrists. In 3 months, she reduced her anxiety attacks by 68% (with psychiatric monitoring).

His balcony now houses 12 plants that he harvests at different times to have a year's supply.

Growing lavender is like having a 24-hour therapist in your garden – silent, efficient and that also perfumes your environment.

While pharmaceutical antidepressants act as chemical “bombs,” lavender works as a gentle modulator of the nervous system.

Alert: Pregnant women should avoid pure essential oil (it can stimulate contractions), but they can safely use sachets.

This crucial nuance shows why set up a natural pharmacy requires study – not everything that is natural is indiscriminately safe.

+ How to use rice water to nourish your plants without spending anything

The 7 Essential Plants for Your Natural Pharmacy

1. Aloe Vera – Nature’s Cure-All

Properties:

• Powerful healing agent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Natural moisturizer

Cultivation:

• Full sun (at least 6 hours a day)
• Sandy, well-drained soil
• Water only when the soil is dry.

Practical Use:
For sunburn: Apply cool gel directly to the affected area.

The refreshing action is immediate and healing occurs up to 50% faster than with conventional creams, according to a study by the University of Campinas (2023).

2. Mint – The Digestive Painkiller

Properties:

• Relieves nausea and motion sickness
• Improves digestion
• Natural decongestant

Cultivation:

• Can be planted in pots (grows quickly)
• Prefers moist but not soggy soil.
• Warning: may become invasive

Pro Tip:
For tension headaches: make a compress with crushed fresh leaves on your forehead.

Menthol acts as a natural muscle relaxant.

3. Calendula – The Natural Antibiotic

Properties:

• Powerful healing agent
• Natural antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory

Cultivation:

• Full sun or partial shade
• Fertile, well-drained soil
• It blooms almost all year round

Innovative Use:
For diaper rash in babies: an infused calendula oil (flowers in olive oil for 40 days) is 3 times more effective than conventional ointments, according to research by UFMG.

Advanced Cultivation Techniques

1. The Secret of Medicinal Plant Rotation

Just like in conventional farming, rotating where you grow your medicinal plants prevents soil depletion and reduces pests. Here’s a simple scheme for beginners:

2. Harvest at the Right Time

The content of active ingredients varies depending on the time:

• Early morning: best for leaves (mint, basil)
• Midday: ideal for flowers (chamomile, marigold)
• Afternoon: roots and bark

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much space do I need to get started?
One square meter is enough for the 7 basic plants. In apartments, use vertical planters.

2. Can I use these plants together with conventional medicines?
Always consult a doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners or antidepressants.

3. How to dry and store correctly?
Dry in the shade in a ventilated place. Store in dark glass jars, away from moisture.

Conclusion: Your Garden as an Ally for Health

Setting up a natural pharmacy is more than a gardening project – it’s a revolution in health care. With these seven plants, you’ll be prepared to:

• Reduce visits to the pharmacy by up to 60% (data from the Institute of Medicinal Plant Research)
• Save hundreds of dollars a year
• Have natural treatments always at hand

The ideal time to start? Today. Your health will thank you.