What could be better than stepping into your garden and being welcomed by a natural pharmacy, all at your fingertips? Now imagine an oasis at your doorstep where each plant brings beauty to the surroundings and nurtures your body and soul. It’s lovely, isn’t it? And, it’s possible to build yourself an herbal garden with the choicest Ayurvedic herbs that are a blessing.
Ayurveda, the holistic healing system that originates in India, emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit through natural remedies and lifestyle practices, and some of it is practiced with Ayurvedic herbs and their natural benefits.
Understanding Ayurvedic Dosas
As we know, our body has a unique blend of three bio energies, or doshas: Vata (airy and spacious), Pitta (fiery and watery), and Kapha (earthy). Everyone has a unique doshic constitution, and with Ayurvedic herbs, we can find the perfect harmony with these energies.
What Are Ayurvedic Herbs?
Ayurvedic herbs are special plants known to aid in our wellness, heal pains and treat ailments, from head to toe. With potent healing properties, these herbs can help find harmony based on our doshas and can be used or consumed in various forms such as teas, powders, oils, tinctures, and fresh leaves.
They’re little powerhouses packed with active ingredients derived from leaves, roots, flowers, and bark that aid in wellness. These herbs offer many health benefits such as keeping stress at bay, aiding in digestive health, boosting immunity, and more.
Why Grow Ayurvedic Herbs at Home?
Growing up, we were always told to eat fresh and local. The seasonally produced vegetables, fruits, and herbs are fresh and have the highest benefits for your health. Growing herbs at home allows you to check quality regularly while avoiding chemicals, toxicants, and other harmful contaminants.
Plus, there’s something special about going to your backyard on a bright day and snipping fresh leaves for a calming tea or a delicious Ayurvedic recipe.
10 Ayurvedic Herbs for Your Garden
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Revered as a sacred plant in India, Tulsi’s immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties are prime. An adaptogenic herb, it can be chewed directly or brewed in hot water. It also aids in boosting mental clarity and has anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Growing tulsi (holy basil) in your backyard is straightforward.
- Choose the right location—pick a sunny spot in your backyard where the plant will get at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Prepare the soil—Tulsi thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Mix compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
- Sow tulsi seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Space them about 1 foot apart. If using seedlings, transplant them gently, keeping the root ball intact.
- Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Tulsi prefers consistent moisture.
- Use organic fertilizers like compost or manure every 4–6 weeks to provide essential nutrients.
- Regularly pinch off the top sets of leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early.
- Watch for pests like aphids and whiteflies. Use organic insecticides or natural predators to control them.
- Start harvesting leaves once the plant is about 6–8 inches tall. Always leave a few leaves on the plant to promote continuous growth.
Ashwagandha
Another adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps your body adjust to stressful and anxiety indiscing environments. Combine the powdered root with milk, smoothies, or hot water to aid in better sleep.
Ashwagandha thrives in warm, sunny climates and can be grown in your backyard using these simple steps:
- Ensure well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8.0. Adding compost can improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Sow ashwagandha seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Space them 2–3 feet apart to allow room for growth. Transplant seedlings carefully, ensuring the root ball remains intact.
- Water the plants moderately. Ashwagandha is drought-tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer once every 6–8 weeks. Monitor for common pests like spider mites and aphids.
- Harvest the roots in late fall, about 150–180 days after planting, when the plant begins to wither. Uproot the entire plant to collect the roots, which are the primary medicinal part.
Turmeric (Haridra)
This wonder root has a plethora of anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh turmeric root can be grated into curries or juices, or you can just powder and dry it and add it to milk, or hot water. It supports joint health, boosts immunity, and aids digestion.
Grow turmeric in your backyard in these five simple steps:
- Choose a warm, sunny spot with partial to full sunlight. Ensure well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich with compost or aged manure.
- Purchase fresh turmeric rhizomes and cut them into pieces with 2–3 buds each. Plant the pieces 2 inches deep with buds facing up, spacing them 12–16 inches apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially when the climate is drying. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites and use organic methods if needed.
- Harvest 8–10 months after planting, when leaves and stems turn yellow and dry. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, clean off the soil, and let them air dry for a few days.
Shatavari
Referred to as the “queen of herbs” for women, Shatavari is known to promote hormonal balance. But not just that, it also supports reproductive health for women. To consume, powder it and add it to a spoon of ghee or a mug of warm milk.
To grow Shatavari,
- You need sandy loam soil with a good drainage facility. Dig the soil up to a depth of 15 cm; transplantation of seeds is done on raised platforms.
- Depending upon how it grows, use a space of 4.5m x 1.2m and a height of 20cm. The crop is transplanted to the soil, at a height of 45cm.
- To protect the plant from soil-borne diseases and pests, soak the seeds in water, cow urine, or Gibberelic acid for 24 hours before sowing. After treatment, seeds can be sown in the nursery beds.
- Shatavari roots are typically ready for harvest 18–24 months after planting.
Carefully dig up the roots, clean them, and dry them in a shaded area for a few days before use.
Gotu Kola (Mandukparni)
If you’re looking to enhance your memory and focus levels, Gotu Kola is perfect with its brain-boosting properties. The leaves can be steeped in tea or consumed in powder form with warm milk.
You can grow gotu kola at home in five easy steps:
- Choose a spot with partial to full shade. Gotu kola thrives in indirect sunlight. Ensure moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Gotu kola prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7).
- Soak gotu kola seeds in water overnight to enhance germination. Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep and 6 inches apart. If using seedlings, transplant them with care, keeping the root ball intact.
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Gotu kola prefers damp conditions, so water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and mitigate weed problems.
- Feed the plants a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs.
- Harvest the leaves once the plant is well-established, typically after 2–3 months. Pick the leaves as needed. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
Here are a few more herbs that you can grow in your beautiful garden, that are very easy to grow and do not require much maintenance.
Peppermint (Pudina)
More than just a breath freshener, peppermint is a home remedy for digestion and nausea. Fresh leaves can be added to hot water as a calming tea, or you can pick up peppermint capsules to chew on.
Cardamom (Ela)
Apart from being used as an aromatic spice for delicious desserts, cardamom seeds improve respiratory health as well as digestion. You can add them to your curries or drink it in a tea.
Coriander (Dhania)
A staple in Indian cuisine, coriander leaves not only enhance flavor but also aid in digestion and reduce bloating. Enjoy them fresh in salads, chutneys, or curries. Coriander is particularly balancing for Pitta dosha.
Fennel (Saunf)
This licorice-flavored herb helps with fresh breath while also in digestive health. The seeds of a fennel plant can be chewed after heavy meals, or be added in tea.
Ginger (Shunti)
Found in every kitchen, ginger is an anti-inflammatory and nausea soother. The roots, fresh in nature, can be grated and added in curries, or tea. It can also be used in an easy-to-consume powder form.
Simple Home Recipes Using Ayurvedic Herbs