Growing fruits and vegetables can be a very fun way to spend your time during the spring and summer seasons in Ohio as you can enjoy your own food by the time they ripe. In addition to that, planting medicinal plants in Ohio will add plant diversity to your garden. Besides, these herb plants offer health properties that will be beneficial as herbal remedies to cure colds, coughs, headaches, stomachache, fever, etc.
Furthermore, some of the native medicinal plants in Ohio are also a great spice to enhance the flavor of your cuisines, for example, basil. You can plant them in small containers, place them on your windowsill, then pick the leaves whenever you need them. The rest will be happy to grow in your herb garden.
Are you curious which medicinal plants in Ohio you can grow during this season? Let’s take a look at our collection below!
Table of Contents
- 1. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
- 2. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides)
- 3. Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla)
- 4. Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
- 5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)
- 6. Dandelion (Taraxacum)
- 7. Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea)
- 8. Henbane (Hyoscyamus Niger)
- 9. Lavender
- 10. Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
1. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
Ocimum basilicum or Basil is an annual herb belonging to the mint family with an aromatic scent from its leaves. Besides being an additional ingredient to the cuisine, this herbaceous plant possesses several health benefits related to its chemical properties.
It contains eugenol, a chemical compound that will block calcium channels, resulting in lowering your blood pressure. Moreover, the essential oil helps to reduce your cholesterol. You can plant basil in a small container and grow them on your kitchen’s windowsill where it can get 6-8 hours of sun per day.
2. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides)
Despite not being so attractive, Blue Cohosh or Caulophyllum thalictroides, hides incredible health benefits, especially as an alternative medicine to relieve the pain in the uterus when a woman gives birth. Additionally, it also stimulates your menstrual flow and keeps it on track.
Additionally, the seeds of blue cohosh are usually roasted as a substitution for coffee although some argue that they might be poisonous. The health properties of Blue Cohosh are also under debate since there is no or limited research evidence to back up the claims.
However, you can still plant this herb in your garden if you are interested in broadening your insights into medicinal plants.
3. Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla)
Enjoying your chamomile tea? Well, that’s great! Because in fact, these flowers offer incredible medicinal virtues for those consuming them. The tea improves your sleep quality, thanks to apigenin, an antioxidant that can reduce insomnia.
Moreover, the research showed that apigenin helps to combat certain cancer cells, particularly those related to the uterus, digestive tract, prostate, skin, and breast. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties can prevent cell damage in your pancreas that will eventually lower your blood sugar.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
Echinacea purpurea or Coneflower is one of the most common herbal medicines that you can easily find in Southern Ohio. Native Americans had used the beautiful purple flowers for centuries to treat colds and flu. Some also use them to cure migraines.
Today, several studies have shown the benefits of these flowers, especially their properties as natural antioxidants in treating inflammation, lowering blood sugar levels, boosting the immune system, and fighting cancer cells.
If you want to grow this herb, prepare sandy or loamy well-drained soil under the full sun so that they bloom abundantly.
5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)
Similar to Basil, Wild Thyme or Creeping Thyme is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the mint category, Lamiaceae. They grow vines on the ground with tiny exquisite purple flowers that grow in clusters. The edible leaves are usually harvested to make teas as they emit minty scents.
Meanwhile, some people consider creeping thyme or thymus serpyllum as one of the medicinal plants in Ohio that flowers may treat breathing-related issues, such as coughs, bronchitis, and swollen airways.
Besides the benefits, you can also grow this enchanting ground cover to adorn your garden. Just make sure you have a spot with full sun for them to thrive.
6. Dandelion (Taraxacum)
You may see the seeds of dandelions fly, especially in summer when this herb begins to thrive after the ground melts. But who would have thought that this plant that looks like lawn weed has many health benefits? And also, the dandelion greens are edible and loaded with vitamins and minerals!
Studies have found that dandelions or Taraxacum contain high antioxidant potential, such as beta carotene, which is able to ward off free radicals that often lead to chronic diseases. In addition, it also contains polyphenols that can reduce inflammation. Amazing, isn’t it?
7. Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea)
Another member of the mint family joins our list of medicinal plants in Ohio! Ground Ivy or Glechoma hederacea is a flowering perennial herb that grows stunning purple blooms with mint-like green-purplish leaves.
Even though it is known for its invasive nature in native habitats in some states of North America, it is one of the native medicinals that have potential health benefits.
It has chemical compounds that help you deal with coughs, stomach problems, hemorrhoids, bladder infections, and many more. Furthermore, it also acts as an astringent to stop bleeding. People usually crush the leaves or dry the plants to use them as traditional medicines.
8. Henbane (Hyoscyamus Niger)
Don’t be confused between henbane and bittersweet nightshade because they look similar. Henbane or hyoscyamus niger, is a flowering plant that has bell-shaped, pale yellow flowers with green feathery leaves. The seeds, flowers, and leaves parts of the plant are often used as natural remedies for some health issues.
The plant contains chemical compounds called hyoscyamine and scopolamine. These two will help reduce tension in the muscles lining of your digestive tract, thus relieving pain and giving a calming effect. However, high doses of them can cause adverse effects.
9. Lavender
Who does not know this exquisite flowering plant? Lavender is a genus of flowering plants, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, that consists of 25 to 30 species. They grow wonderful, aromatic purple flowers that will pamper you through spring. Besides being stunning plants, it also brings you extraordinary health benefits.
The lavender oil emits a lovely scent that calms you from anxiety and improves your sleep. In addition, it also helps you deal with your hair loss caused by alopecia aerata disease. Some studies also show that two chemical compounds in Lavender, which are linalool and linalyl acetate, may reduce the severity of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
10. Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
Even though it has no similar appearance to peas and beans, red clover or trifolium pratense falls in the same family as them.
This flowering medicinal plant has been long used as a traditional remedy to treat symptoms of menopause as it contains isoflavones, a chemical compound resembling estrogen in the body, helping you with early signs of osteoporosis.
Moreover, it also performs well in maintaining the post-menopausal women heart healthy. A study found that taking red clover can reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. The chances of night sweats and hot flashes can be reduced by taking red clover supplements.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is basically those natural remedies that have health properties made of plant parts, such as flowers, leaves, roots, stems, and others.
What are the uses of medicinal plants?
Medicinal plants can work as a cure for common health problems, like coughs, colds, fever, stomachache, and headaches. Some of them are also edible, which you can consume as foods.
What is the most powerful herb in Ohio?
When stating the most powerful, you have to refer to specific purposes, for example, relieve the pain. Lavender is one of the most powerful herbs in Ohio as a painkiller. A study showed that inhaling lavender essential oil will effectively help reduce your headache compared to the placebo.
When to plant herbs in Ohio?
Early spring in March will be the best time to plant herbs in Ohio as the icing ground will start to melt and the soil is ready to grow your favorite medicinal herbs.
In addition to our collection, you can always check the Ohio herb education center to know what medicinal plants or herbs you may grow in your garden.