One of the beautiful things about homesteading in Virginia is realizing how much is already growing around us. Nature provides so much to/for us, it’s only that we’ve become so accustomed to going to the local pharmacy for every little concern. Some of the most useful plants on the property are not tucked neatly into garden rows. They are growing in the yard, along the fence line, near the woods, or beside the garden path.
Here in Zone 7B, we have a wonderful variety of plants that have traditionally been used for natural remedies. Some are wild plants, some are easy-to-grow herbs, and others make beautiful additions to a pollinator or cottage garden.
This guide is meant to be a simple starting point for learning what grows well in our area and how homesteaders have traditionally used these plants.
Before using any plant medicinally, make sure you can identify it with confidence. Also remember that natural does not always mean safe for everyone. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a health condition, or treating children or animals, check with a qualified medical professional first.
Plantain
Plantain is one of the most useful “weeds” you can learn to recognize. It is commonly found in lawns, pastures, pathways, and garden edges throughout Virginia.
There are two common types: broadleaf plantain and narrowleaf plantain. Both have been traditionally used in similar ways.
Plantain is best known as a skin-soothing plant. Many people use the fresh leaves as a quick poultice and natural remedy for insect bites, bee stings, minor scrapes, splinters, or itchy skin. A simple field method is to crush or chew a clean leaf, place it on the irritated area, and let it sit for several minutes. I find that it works almost immediately!
This is one of the first plants I would encourage any homesteader to learn because it is easy to find, easy to use, and incredibly practical.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a beautiful perennial herb with fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny flowers. It grows well in sunny areas and is also valuable for pollinators.
Traditionally, yarrow has been used for minor wound care, especially for small cuts and scrapes. It has also been used in teas during cold and fever season.
Yarrow is drought tolerant once established, which makes it a great choice for a low-maintenance homestead herb garden. It also blends beautifully into wildflower areas, pollinator gardens, and cottage-style borders.
Elderberry
Elderberry grows naturally in many parts of Virginia and can also be planted intentionally on the homestead. American elderberry produces clusters of white flowers followed by dark purple berries.
Elderberries are commonly used in syrups, teas, and seasonal wellness recipes. Elderflower is also used in teas and infusions.
This is an important plant to handle correctly. The berries should be cooked before use, and the leaves, stems, bark, and unripe berries should not be consumed.
Elderberry prefers moist soil and can do well along low areas, fence lines, or the edge of a garden space.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is both beautiful and useful. It grows well in Virginia and is a favorite in pollinator gardens.
Traditionally, echinacea has been used for immune support, especially during cold and flu season. The flowers, leaves, and roots have all been used in herbal preparations.
For the homestead, echinacea is a wonderful dual-purpose plant. It supports bees and butterflies while also giving you a useful herb to dry for teas or tinctures.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow herb in the mint family. It has a bright lemony scent and makes a lovely tea.
Traditionally, lemon balm has been used for calming, relaxation, sleep support, and digestive comfort. It is one of the easiest herbs for beginners because it grows quickly and comes back reliably.
One warning: lemon balm can spread. If you do not want it taking over a garden bed, grow it in a container or give it a dedicated space.
Peppermint and Spearmint
Mint is another easy herb for Virginia gardens. Peppermint and spearmint are both traditionally used for digestion, nausea, and refreshing summer teas.
Mint is almost too easy to grow. Once established, it spreads aggressively, so containers are usually the best choice.
Fresh mint can be used in tea, infused water, baked goods, salves, and homemade products. It is a great beginner herb because it is forgiving and very productive.
Calendula
Calendula is a cheerful annual flower often used in skin-supporting preparations. The bright orange and yellow flowers are easy to grow and can often self-seed.
Traditionally, calendula has been used in salves, balms, oils, and soaps for dry skin, minor cuts, and general skin care.
For beginners, calendula is one of the easiest herbs to turn into a homemade product. Dried calendula petals can be infused into oil and later used to make a simple salve.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerful homestead plant with many traditional uses. It grows quickly, has deep roots, and produces large leaves.
Traditionally, comfrey has been used externally in salves and poultices for bruises, strains, and sore areas. It should not be taken internally.
On the homestead, comfrey is also valued as a compost activator and nutrient accumulator. Many gardeners chop the leaves and add them to compost or use them as mulch around fruiting plants.
Comfrey is very hardy and long-lived, so plant it where you truly want it to stay.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, also called Monarda, is a native-friendly perennial that grows well in Virginia. It produces beautiful flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Traditionally, bee balm has been used in teas for digestion and seasonal respiratory support. The leaves have a pleasant, slightly spicy flavor.
This is a wonderful plant for any homestead that keeps bees or wants to build a stronger pollinator garden.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle herb commonly used for relaxation, sleep support, and digestive comfort.
The small daisy-like flowers are harvested and dried for tea. Chamomile can be grown in sunny garden beds or containers.
It is a great plant for beginners because it is easy to use. A simple dried chamomile tea is one of the most familiar herbal remedies.
Mullein
Mullein is a wild plant often found in disturbed soil, fields, and roadsides. It has large fuzzy leaves in its first year and sends up a tall yellow flower stalk in its second year.
Traditionally, mullein has been used for respiratory support, especially in teas and herbal preparations for cough season.
If harvesting wild mullein, make sure the area has not been sprayed and is not growing near heavily polluted roadsides.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a nutrient-rich plant that has traditionally been used in teas and cooked greens. It contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
As the name suggests, fresh nettle stings, so always harvest with gloves. Once dried or cooked, the sting is neutralized.
Nettle is often used as a spring tonic herb and can be a valuable addition to a homestead herbal pantry.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most practical plants you can grow for both food and wellness. It grows well in Virginia and stores beautifully after harvest.
Traditionally, garlic has been used for immune support and general wellness. It is also one of the easiest medicinal foods to include in everyday meals.
Plant garlic in the fall, let it grow through spring, and harvest in early summer when the lower leaves begin to brown.
Ginger
Ginger is not winter-hardy in Virginia, but it can be grown in containers during the warm season.
Traditionally, ginger has been used for digestion, nausea, motion sickness, and warming teas.
Because it grows well in pots, ginger is a good option for gardeners who want to expand their natural remedy garden beyond hardy perennials.
A Simple Natural Remedy Garden for Virginia Zone 7B
If you are just getting started, do not feel like you need to grow everything at once. A useful beginner garden could include:
Plantain, yarrow, elderberry, echinacea, calendula, lemon balm, chamomile, bee balm, comfrey, and peppermint.
With those plants, you would have a strong foundation for learning about traditional remedies for minor skin irritation, seasonal wellness, digestion, relaxation, and pollinator support.
Safety Tips for Using Natural Remedies
The most important part of using plants is using them responsibly.
Always identify plants with certainty before harvesting. Avoid areas that may have been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. Introduce new herbs slowly and pay attention to how your body responds. Keep herbal preparations labeled and stored safely. Research each plant before using it with children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, pets, or livestock.
Natural remedies can be a wonderful part of homesteading, but they should be treated with the same respect as any other wellness tool.
Final Thoughts
Learning the useful plants that grow around you is one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading. In Virginia Zone 7B, we are fortunate to have access to many plants that are beautiful, practical, and deeply connected to traditional home remedies.
Start small. Learn one plant at a time. Notice what is already growing on your property. Add a few intentional herbs to your garden. Dry some flowers for tea. Make a simple salve. Build your confidence slowly.
Before long, you may realize that your yard, garden, and fence lines are full of plants worth knowing.
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