When it comes to growing anything in Alaska, it’s a challenge, but not impossible. With the right techniques and a little determination, you can cultivate a thriving medicinal herb garden, even in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I’ve spent time researching not only how to grow these herbs outdoors in our short, intense growing season, but also how to successfully grow them indoors for year-round use.

Yarrow, calendula, chamomile, mint, and lemon balm are five of the most beloved and beginner-friendly herbs to start with. Each one has centuries of traditional use, gentle yet powerful healing properties, and a natural resilience that makes them ideal for Alaskan gardeners whether you’re working with raised beds, containers, greenhouses, or sunny windowsills.

From soothing stress and calming the skin to supporting digestion and overall well-being, these herbal allies are small but mighty additions to any wellness routine.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these plants so special and how you can grow them right here in Alaska.

The More I Learn About Yarrow, the More I’m Obsessed

For a while now, I’ve been diving into the world of herbal medicine not as an expert, but as a curious student. Yarrow keeps coming up over and over again in everything I read and watch, and the more I learn, the more I’m convinced: this is a plant I want to grow, get to know, and one day use in my home apothecary.

I don’t use yarrow yet, but I’m paying attention. I’m drawn to the way it grows wild and free, how it’s been used for centuries, and how it seems to do a little bit of everything from first aid to menstrual relief to helping with digestion and skin. Honestly, it’s one of the first herbs I plan to grow when I have the space and setup to start a proper medicinal garden.

I’m sharing what I’ve learned so far in hopes that it might help you too — especially if you’re dreaming about growing your own herbs or building a life more rooted in the natural and the local. Here’s why yarrow is going straight to the top of my must-learn, must-grow list.

1. It has ancient roots literally.

Yarrow has been used for over 3,000 years as a healing herb. Archaeologists even found traces of it in Neanderthal burial sites! And if you’ve ever wondered why it’s called Achillea, it’s because Achilles supposedly used it to treat his soldiers’ wounds in battle during the Trojan War. I love that. Plants with history feel like they carry stories in their leaves.
(Sources: Buhner, 2012; Bone & Mills, 2013)

2. It’s a natural wound healer.

Yarrow is one of those herbs that belongs in your first aid kit, especially for small cuts or nosebleeds. It’s naturally astringent and antiseptic, meaning it helps stop bleeding and supports healing while fighting off bacteria. I’ve chewed a bit of the fresh leaf and applied it directly to a scrape before — it works shockingly fast.
(Source: Gladstar, 2001)

3. It breaks fevers the old-fashioned way.

Instead of reaching for over-the-counter meds, I often make a strong cup of yarrow tea at the first sign of a fever. It’s a diaphoretic, which means it helps your body sweat — a natural way to break a fever gently.
(Source: Hoffmann, 2003)

4. It helps soothe digestion.

Yarrow is a classic bitter herb, which makes it amazing for bloating, cramping, or sluggish digestion. I like to mix it with peppermint or chamomile if I’ve had a heavy meal or feel off. It helps your body produce bile and move things along in the gentlest way.
(Source: Wood, 2009)

5. It’s good for the skin and keeps bugs away.

I’ve used yarrow-infused oil in salves for skin irritations, bug bites, and rashes. It also works as a natural mosquito repellent, thanks to its aromatic oils. Think of it as a multi-use skin soother you can grow right outside your door.
(Source: Green, 2000)

The Gentle Power of Chamomile

Chamomile is one of those herbs I’ve leaned on consistently especially when I need to calm my body, quiet my nerves, or just settle into rest. It’s been a steady part of my routine for years, whether in tea, a bath, or blended into homemade salves and oils. It’s gentle, comforting, and incredibly effective.

But here’s the thing: as much as I’ve used chamomile, I’ve never grown it myself. That’s something I’m working toward the idea of harvesting my own herbs from the soil, drying them, and making medicine with plants I tended from seed to bloom. There’s something deeply healing about that process, and chamomile is high on my list of what I want to grow first.

1. It’s deeply calming without making you groggy.

Chamomile is one of the most well-known nervines in herbalism. It gently calms the nervous system, helping with anxiety, overwhelm, and restlessness — especially for folks who are sensitive to stronger herbs. I use it most often in the evening to help my body wind down naturally.
(Source: Hoffmann, 2003; Gladstar, 2001)

2. It’s my go-to bedtime tea.

It might sound cliché, but a cup of chamomile tea before bed is one of my favorite rituals. It’s warm, floral, slightly sweet, and helps me fall asleep more peacefully , especially after long days when my mind won’t stop spinning.
(Source: Bone & Mills, 2013)

3. It soothes digestion and bloating.

Chamomile is also a digestive aid, great for gas, indigestion, or cramping. I reach for it when my stomach feels off, especially paired with peppermint or fennel. It’s also gentle enough for kids and elders.
(Source: Wood, 2009)

4. It’s great for the skin.

Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing to irritated skin. I’ve used it in bath soaks, facial steams, and even made a chamomile oil to use on dry patches or rashes. It’s especially great for eczema and sensitive skin.
(Source: Green, 2000)

5. It’s kid-friendly.

Chamomile is safe for little ones (in small amounts), and it’s often used to soothe teething pain, tummy troubles, or crankiness. If you’re a parent or caregiver, this herb can be such a gentle and helpful tool.
(Source: Gladstar, 2001; Weed, 1989)

Calendula/Marigolds More Than Just a Garden Pest Reducer

I’ve planted calendula in the garden before not for tea or skin salves, but simply because I heard it was great for keeping bugs away and attracting pollinators. And it was. It grew beautifully, with those bright, cheerful blooms that always caught my eye.

But here’s the thing I never used it beyond that.

Lately, as I’ve been diving deeper into herbal medicine, calendula keeps coming up. In every book, blog, or class, it’s listed as one of those essential herbs especially for skin healing, immune support, and gentle detox. The more I read, the more I realize: this flower I’ve already grown might just be one of the most versatile herbs I’ve overlooked.

So while I haven’t used calendula in my apothecary yet, I’m starting to understand why so many herbalists consider it a must-have. Here’s some reasons why calendula is essential to your new apothecary.

1. It has a long tradition in women’s health.

Calendula has been used to support uterine health, menstrual cramps, and pelvic congestion. Some traditions use it in sitz baths or teas for postpartum care. It feels like a beautiful addition to a woman-centered herbal cabinet.
(Source: Weed, 1989; Hoffmann, 2003)

2. It makes a rich, golden infused oil.

One of the first things I want to make with calendula is an infused oil. Dried calendula flowers steeped in olive oil turn golden and healing perfect for skin salves, massage oils, or even hair care.
(Source: Green, 2000)

3. It’s safe and soothing for sensitive skin.

Everything I’ve read says calendula is so gentle, it’s often used on babies, postpartum moms, and people with eczema or fragile skin. That makes me feel even more confident about eventually using it in homemade products.
(Source: Weed, 1989)

4. It supports the lymphatic system.

This part really caught my attention — calendula is considered a gentle lymphatic mover, which can help the body flush toxins and reduce stagnation. It’s often used when someone’s immune system is bogged down or sluggish.
(Source: Wood, 2009)

5. It’s naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.

That alone puts it high on my list for first-aid use. Calendula is said to help with minor infections, athlete’s foot, and even oral health (like gum inflammation). That kind of versatility is exactly what I look for in herbs I want to grow and use.
(Source: Green, 2000)

Mint: One of My Favorite Herbs Now I Just Need to Grow It

I love mint. Fresh mint tea, mint in smoothies, mint for digestion, mint in the bath, I use it all the time. There’s something about the cool, crisp, clean vibe it gives that instantly lifts my mood. It's been one of those herbs I’ve leaned on for years, without even thinking twice.

But here’s the funny part: I’ve never actually grown it myself.

For all the ways mint has supported me, I haven’t yet had the joy of stepping outside and harvesting a handful from my own garden. That’s something I really want to change. Growing mint feels like the natural next step not just to have it fresh on hand, but to build a deeper connection with a plant that’s already such a big part of my daily life.

So as I get ready to finally make space for mint in my garden beds and pots, I’ve been brushing up on all the ways this powerful little plant works beyond what I already love it for. If you’ve been using mint here and there but want to explore more of its benefits (or maybe grow it for the first time too), here’s what makes it such an amazing herb to keep around.

1. Soothes Digestive Discomfort

Mint has long been used to help ease indigestion, bloating, and gas. The menthol it contains relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, which can help things move along more smoothly.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 2016

2. Eases Headaches and Tension

The cooling nature of peppermint oil or fresh mint compresses can help reduce tension headaches. When applied to the temples, it increases blood flow and relieves pain naturally.
Gobel, H., et al. (1996). Phytomedicine Journal

3. Natural Decongestant

Mint’s menthol helps to open airways and thin mucus, making it an effective natural remedy for colds, allergies, and sinus congestion. I love using it in herbal steams!
WebMD & NIH Herbal Medicine Compendium

4. Supports Mental Clarity

That invigorating scent of mint? It’s more than pleasant it can help improve alertness, concentration, and even memory in short bursts.
Moss, M., et al., 2008. Northumbria University, UK

5. Relieves Nausea

Mint can help calm the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea — especially helpful during long car rides or when dealing with stress-induced upset.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Herb Database

Lemon Balm: A Calming Herb I Can’t Wait to Grow and Use

Lemon balm has been on my radar for a while now always popping up in herbal books, in calming tea blends, and in DIY salve recipes. I’ve heard it described as “sunshine in herb form,” and honestly, that alone made me curious. But I haven’t actually used it myself yet and I definitely haven’t grown it.

That’s about to change.

The more I’ve been learning about lemon balm, the more I see why so many herbalists consider it a must-have, especially for emotional balance, digestion, and gentle immune support. It’s one of those herbs that seems to do a little bit of everything, while still being incredibly safe and soothing.

If you’re also curious about lemon balm, or you’ve seen it mentioned and want to know what all the buzz is about, here are some reasons I’ll be adding it to my future garden and hopefully my everyday routine, too.

1. Calms the Nervous System

Lemon balm is best known for its ability to calm the mind and body. It’s been used for centuries to ease anxiety, restlessness, and tension both physically and emotionally.
University of Maryland Medical Center; Chevallier, A. (2000).

2. Supports Better Sleep

Sipping lemon balm tea before bed may help improve sleep quality, especially when paired with other calming herbs like chamomile or valerian.
Kennedy, D.O. et al., (2006). Psychosomatic Medicine

3. Eases Digestive Upset

Traditionally used for upset stomach, gas, and bloating, lemon balm gently supports healthy digestion, especially when stress is the root of the issue.
Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition

4. Antiviral and Immune-Boosting

Lemon balm has natural antiviral compounds, particularly helpful in cases of cold sores (herpes simplex virus). It can be used in salves, teas, or tinctures to help shorten duration and reduce recurrence.
Planta Medica, 1999; NIH Phytotherapy Resources

5. Cognitive Support and Focus

Research suggests lemon balm may improve memory, alertness, and focus — making it a great herb for days when your brain feels foggy.
Kennedy, D.O. et al., (2002). Neuropsychopharmacology

Each of these herbs holds its own kind of magic from calming the mind to supporting the immune system. I hope this inspires you to try growing even just one of them in your garden, windowsill, or wild corner of your yard. I’m learning right alongside you, and sharing as I go, because I truly believe that plants and food are powerful medicine. My dream is to help others in our Alaskan community reconnect with the healing wisdom growing all around us.

5 Medicinal Herbs to Grow In Alaska