Whether you’re looking to soothe a restless mind or ease for a seasonal sniffle, the world of medicinal herbs offers a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern wellness. Long before we had pharmacies on every corner, the "apothecary" was often found right in our backyards and forests.

Exploring herbalism isn't just about brewing a better cup of tea; it’s about reconnecting with the earth’s original medicine cabinet. However, while "natural" is often synonymous with "gentle," these medicinal plants can be potent—understanding their chemistry is just as important as appreciating their history.

When using any herbal remedy, it is important to make informed decisions. Consult your trusted healthcare provider to help review and individualize your use to be sure it is safe and supports your health needs.

Beyond their healing properties, many of these plants are a masterclass in natural design, offering a visual feast of textures and colors that can transform a garden into a living sanctuary. When we cultivate medicinal herbs like echinacea, blue skullcap, or borage, we aren't just stocking our cabinets—we are providing a vital lifeline for pollinators, inviting bees and butterflies to share in the harvest.

Find these new varieties at Painters this season!

Mountain Arnica

Arnica montana

Native to the mountains of Central Europe, Mountain Arnica’s bright yellow flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for healing salves. Do use caution when handling though, as raw sap can cause skin irritation.

• Perennial herb (z4-9) 

• Full sun-part shade

• 1-2' tall, 1-3' wide

• Needs well-drained soil to thrive

• Unsafe to consume (toxic if ingested)

Narrow-Leaf Coneflower*

Echinacea angustifolia

Native to the prairies and plains of central North America, this echinacea species has been long cherished by indigenous peoples for its immense medicinal value. (But the birds won’t pass on this secret. They would rather keep it for themselves!)

• Perennial (z3-8) 

• Full sun

• 1-2' tall and wide

• Highly adaptable, tolerant of heat, humidity, drought, and poor soils

• Showy, light pink summer flowers; fantastic for pollinators and birds

*We anticipate this plant to be available for sale early May. Check back on our website or watch for updates in our Rooted and Ready feature in the newsletter!

Blue Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

This woodland beauty has long been prized in folk medicine for its calming properties.

• NATIVE perennial herb (z3-9) 

• Full sun-part shade

• 2-3' tall, 1-2' wide

• Small, pale blue blooms summer to fall

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Also known as knitbone. Common comfrey has been cultivated since the 12th century for dying and medicinal properties. And it’s true medicine is also for the soil! Comfrey’s nutrient-rich foliage makes excellent fodder for compost or liquid fertilizer for crops. A real earth-enriching superstar. 

• Perennial herb (z4-8) 

• Full sun-part shade

• 1-3' tall and wide

• Purple bell flowers spring to summer, loved by bees

• Deer resistant

• Easy to grow; can spread aggressively (best kept contained)

Calendula 'Resina'

Calendula officinalis 'Resina'

‘Resina’ Calendula is a highly medicinal strain of Calendula officinalis prized for its superior resin content, making it ideal for making healing salves, tinctures, and teas. It is known for its sticky, golden-yellow daisy-like flowers, which have been long treasured for their medicinal properties, as well as their uses in fabric dyeing and cosmetics. 

• Annual herb 

• Full sun

• 1-2' tall and wide

• Can also be used culinarily in lieu of saffron

• Undemanding and easy to grow; aka pot marigold