Medicinal plants have been an integral part of Indian homes for centuries. Terrace gardens provide an ideal space to cultivate medicinal herb plants in India and create a natural sanctuary right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you have a spacious terrace or a cozy balcony, you can transform it into a green oasis filled with the healing power of nature. In this article, we will explore the top 10 medicinal plants suitable for terrace gardens and commonly found in Indian homes, learn about the uses of medicinal plants, and discover how to grow them successfully in pots or containers.
10 Best Medicinal Plants for Home Garden
You can easily grow these low-maintenance medicinal plants in your home garden. Let’s discuss the Top 10 Medicinal Plants for Home Garden and their uses.
1. Drumstick or Moringa
Uses: Drumstick, also known as Moringa, is a nutrient-rich medicinal plant that offers various health benefits. Its leaves, pods, and seeds are used in traditional medicine. Drumstick leaves are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, boosting immunity and promoting overall well-being.
How to Grow Moringa in Home Garden: Choose a large pot, at least 18 inches in diameter, with proper drainage. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny area on your terrace where it can receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. You can enjoy a thriving drumstick plant on your terrace with the right care.
2. Aloe Vera Plant
Uses: Aloe vera is one of the most commonly found 10 medicinal plants in India in every home garden. Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its healing properties. The gel inside its leaves is commonly used to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations. Aloe vera also has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
How to Grow Aloe vera at Home in Pot: Aloe vera can be grown in medium-sized pots. Use well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite. Place the pot in a sunny spot on your terrace. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Aloe vera is a low-maintenance Medicinal plant that will thrive in your terrace garden.
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3. Tulsi or the Holy Basil Plant
Uses: Tulsi, or the Holy Basil plant, is one of the most commonly found in the list of Top 10 Medicinal Plants for Indian Homes and holds great significance in Ayurveda. It has medicinal properties and is revered for improving respiratory health, reducing stress, and strengthening the immune system. Tulsi leaves are commonly used in herbal teas and Ayurvedic remedies.
How to Grow Tulsi at Home: Tulsi plants can be grown in medium-sized pots. Tulsi grow bag is best for growing Tulsi plant at home.Choose a well-draining potting mix and place the pot in a sunny location on your terrace. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune the plant to encourage bushier growth and harvest the leaves as needed.
4. Neem Tree
Uses: Neem is often referred to as the “wonder tree” due to its numerous medicinal properties. Its most common Medicinal Plants For Your Home Garden. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, effectively treating various skin conditions, dental issues, and infections. Neem leaves are also used in traditional Indian cooking.
How to Grow Neem Tree in the Pot: Neem trees require larger pots, at least 24 inches in diameter, to accommodate their extensive root system. Use well-draining soil and place the pot in a sunny area on your terrace. Water the tree deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Neem trees can grow quite tall, so consider the space available on your terrace before planting.
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5. Curry Leaves Tree
Uses: Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine, known for their aromatic flavor and medicinal benefits. That’s why it has been kept on the 10 Best Medicinal Plants For Your Home Garden list. They aid in digestion, improve hair health, and help manage diabetes. Consuming curry leaves regularly can contribute to overall well-being.
How to Grow Curry Leaves Tree at Home Garden: Curry leaves can be grown in medium-sized pots. Choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sunny spot on your terrace. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist. Prune the plant to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
6. Mint or Pudina
Uses: Mint, or pudina, is a refreshing herb with multiple health benefits. It aids digestion, relieves headaches, and has a cooling effect on the body. These medicinal plants are also a rich source of nutrients and minerals like vitamin A, iron, manganese, and folate. Mint leaves are commonly used in culinary preparations, teas, and natural remedies.
How to Grow Mint or Pudina at Home: Mint is a vigorous plant that can be grown in small to medium-sized pots. Use well-draining soil and place the pot in a partially shaded area on your terrace garden. Mint requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the leaves frequently to promote bushier growth.
7. Ajwain Plant or Indian Borage
Uses: Ajwain, also known as Indian Borage, is a medicinal herb with a distinct flavor. It aids in digestion, relieves stomach discomfort, and acts as a natural expectorant. Ajwain seeds are commonly used in Ayurvedic remedies for respiratory ailments and to alleviate colic in infants.
How to Grow Ajwain Plant at Home: Ajwain plants can be grown in small to medium-sized pots. Use well-draining soil and place the pot in a sunny location on your terrace. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist. Ajwain plants are low-maintenance and will thrive in your terrace garden.
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8. Lemongrass
Uses: Lemongrass is a fragrant herb with a citrusy aroma and several health benefits. It is known for its calming properties, aiding digestion, and acting as a natural insect repellent. Lemongrass is often used in teas, soups, and culinary dishes.
How to Grow Lemongrass: Lemongrass can be grown in medium-sized pots. Use well-draining soil and place the pot in a sunny spot on your terrace. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist. Trim the leaves as needed for culinary use and to promote fresh growth.
9. Ginger or Adrak
Uses: Ginger is a versatile spice with numerous health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, and helps alleviate nausea and cold symptoms. Ginger can be consumed fresh, dried, or used in the form of ginger tea for its medicinal properties.
How to Grow Ginger or Adrak at Home: Ginger can be grown in medium-sized pots. Choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm and partially shaded area on your terrace. Plant ginger rhizomes with the buds facing upward, about 2 inches deep in the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. With time, you’ll see ginger shoots emerging from the soil. Harvest the ginger when the leaves turn yellow and wither.
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10. Turmeric or Haldi
Uses: Turmeric, commonly known as haldi, is a vibrant yellow spice with potent medicinal properties. It contains a compound called curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Turmeric has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat various ailments, including arthritis, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. It is also a popular ingredient in culinary dishes, adding both color and flavor.
How to Grow Turmeric or Haldi: Turmeric is best grown in large pots due to its rhizomatous growth habit. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches in diameter. Fill it with well-draining soil mixed with organic matter. Plant the turmeric rhizomes about 2 inches deep, with the buds facing upward. Place the pot in a warm and sunny location on your terrace. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Turmeric plants will require regular watering and will grow to a height of about 3 feet. Harvest the rhizomes after 8-10 months when the leaves turn yellow and dry out.
Tips for Terrace Gardening with Medicinal Plants
- Pot Selection: Choose pots with proper drainage holes and sizes appropriate for the plants’ root systems. Larger plants like neem and turmeric will require bigger pots, while smaller herbs like mint and lemongrass can thrive in medium-sized pots.
- Soil Preparation: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter, like cow dung compost or vermicompost. This ensures good root growth and proper moisture retention without waterlogging.
- Sunlight Requirements: Most medicinal plants thrive in sunny locations, so place your pots in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, some herbs like mint and lemongrass appreciate partial shade.
- Watering: Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not overly saturated. Water your plants regularly, adjusting the frequency based on the weather conditions and specific needs of each plant.
- Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers or compost to provide essential nutrients to your plants. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency per each plant’s specific requirements.
- Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly trim and prune your plants to maintain their shape, promote bushier growth, and remove any diseased or damaged parts.
- Harvesting: Learn about the optimal time to harvest different parts of each plant, whether it’s leaves, stems, or rhizomes. Harvesting correctly ensures maximum potency and effectiveness of the medicinal properties.
With these tips in mind, you can create a thriving terrace garden filled with the goodness of medicinal plants. Enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs and spices, and embrace the joy of nurturing these healing treasures right at your fingertips.