MY HERBAL HEALING JOURNEY

In my last blog post, I shared my intention to be more mindful and intentional about my health decisions. I’m not new to growing herbs, but this time feels different... it feels purposeful. I’ve always believed that herbs have the power to heal and even cure illnesses, and this is where my renewed journey truly begins.

I’ve been refreshing my planting skills and expanding my little garden with a few new herbal additions. If you’d like to see how I repotted them, you can watch the video (here)

In this post, I’ll be sharing a closer look at each herb- their health and healing benefits, and how I plan to use them in my daily life. Take a read, watch the video, and maybe you’ll feel inspired to begin your own herbal healing journey too. 🌿✨

🌿 Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum)

Origins of the Herb
Greek oregano is often called the “true oregano,” and for good reason. Native to the mountains of Greece and long associated with the goddess Aphrodite, it has been cherished not just for flavor, but for its powerful healing spirit. While there are many varieties of oregano, this Greek strain is the one most often chosen for making oregano oil because of its strong medicinal compounds.

Health Benefits
Greek oregano is rich in carvacrol and thymol- compounds that are known for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Traditionally, it’s been used to ease coughs, soothe sore throats, fight infections, calm digestive troubles, and even support the immune system during seasonal changes. It’s a small herb with mighty strength, often referred to as one of nature’s most potent antibiotics.

What I Intend to Do With It
With this herb, I’ll be preparing oregano oil- a staple remedy I want to always have on hand for natural healing. In the kitchen, I’ll use it to bring bold flavor to my favorite Greek and Italian dishes, where its strong, earthy notes truly shine. And every so often, I’ll steep the fresh leaves into a soothing tea, a warm cup of comfort for both body and spirit.

🌿 Miracle Leaf (Kalanchoe pinnata)

Origins of the Herb
Miracle leaf, also known as Kalanchoe pinnata, is native to Madagascar but has found its way into tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. In many cultures, it’s been considered a “sacred healer,” and you’ll often hear it called “cathedral bells” or “life plant.” Its reputation for resilience is strong- even a fallen leaf can take root and grow multiple plants again, which feels symbolic of renewal and second chances.

Health Benefits
Miracle leaf is valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-supporting properties. It has long been used as a natural remedy for colds, coughs, fevers, and minor infections. Some traditions use it to soothe the digestive system or to calm skin irritations and wounds when applied topically. Spiritually, many also view it as a plant that brings grounding and protective energy into the home.

What I Intend to Do With It
I plan to use miracle leaf in fresh herbal teas, especially during those moments when I need to soothe a cough or settle my body after feeling run-down. I also see myself drying and storing some leaves for later use in tinctures and homemade remedies. There’s something about tending to this plant that feels symbolic- a reminder that healing is always possible, even after the hardest seasons.

🌿Basil

Origins of the Herb
Sweet basil, beloved in kitchens around the world, is thought to have its roots in India and tropical Asia. Over the centuries, it has traveled far, becoming a staple in Mediterranean cooking and a symbol of love, abundance, and protection in folklore. Though there are many varieties of basil, each with its own personality and charm, sweet basil is the classic; vibrant, aromatic, and uplifting.

Health Benefits
Beyond its beautiful fragrance and flavor, sweet basil carries medicinal gifts. It is known for its calming effect on the mind, often used to ease stress and anxiety. Basil supports digestion, helps reduce inflammation, and offers gentle antibacterial properties. Its essential oils are said to uplift the spirit, clearing away heaviness and bringing in clarity.

What I Intend to Do With It
I plan to start with sweet basil, knowing that other varieties will soon find their way into my garden. I’ll be using its leaves fresh in teas to soothe my mind, folded into everyday meals for both flavor and nourishment, and dried for storing so that I may have its comfort year-round. There’s something about basil that feels like an embrace, grounding yet light, practical yet sacred... and I look forward to tending it with care.

🌿 Vicks Plant (Plectranthus tomentosa)

Origins of the Herb
The Vicks plant, or Plectranthus tomentosa, is a member of the mint family, native to parts of Africa and India. Its velvety leaves and soothing fragrance make it a plant of comfort and quiet strength. The moment you touch its leaves, a cooling scent- much like menthol, lingers on your fingers, reminding you of healing and ease.

Health Benefits
Traditionally, the Vicks plant has been used as a natural remedy for respiratory discomfort. Its aromatic oils can help clear the airways, soothe congestion, and calm coughs when inhaled in steam or brewed into a tea. Its fragrance alone has a way of opening the senses, creating a refreshing and grounding presence in the home. Some also use it for minor skin irritations, taking advantage of its gentle antimicrobial qualities.

What I Intend to Do With It
I chose this plant first for its beauty, with its soft leaves and surprising fragrance, but I know it will become much more than a decorative herb. I imagine plucking a few leaves to steep into soothing teas, or simply rubbing them between my fingers when I need a breath of calm. The Vicks plant will also serve as a quiet guardian in my garden- a reminder that healing can be as simple as inhaling deeply and letting nature do its gentle work.

🌿 Worm Grass (Worm Bush)

Origins of the Herb
Worm grass has a name that is as curious as it is intriguing. Its roots run deep in tropical regions, and it has been used in traditional medicine for generations. The name may be obvious, but its charm lies not just in the title... it’s a plant of resilience and quiet strength, a humble reminder of nature’s wisdom.

Health Benefits
Traditionally, worm grass has been valued for its digestive, cleansing and for its antiparasitic properties, It’s often used to support gut health, aid in detoxification, and gently restore balance to the body. Some traditions also use it to soothe mild ailments and as a tonic for overall vitality, honoring the subtle yet powerful healing that nature provides.

What I Intend to Do With It
Worm grass is one of those herbs that carries a strong sense of nostalgia for me. If you’ve been following my journey, you’ll remember I shared a little story on YouTube about why this plant feels so familiar and comforting to me- you can (click here) to watch that video. In my garden, I plan to nurture it carefully, using it for teas or infusions when I need a gentle reset, a quiet moment of care, and a sip of connection to nature and memory.

🌿 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Origins of the Herb
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, has long been cherished in Europe and the Mediterranean for its sweet, uplifting aroma and calming presence. Known as a plant of peace and comfort, it has been used for centuries to bring calm, invite positive energy, and soothe the spirit. Brushing your fingers over its leaves releases a delicate citrusy scent that feels like sunlight captured in green.

Health Benefits
Lemon balm is celebrated for its soothing and restorative properties. It gently eases stress and anxiety, supports restful sleep, and promotes healthy digestion. Even the simple act of smelling its leaves can be comforting, a little balm for the senses that reconnects you with calm and ease.

What I Intend to Do With It
This is one of my absolute favorite herbs. I love sipping a warm cup of lemon balm tea after gardening, letting its gentle fragrance and flavor soothe and comfort me. I plan to grow it into abundance, harvesting and drying the leaves so I can enjoy them in teas and herbal mixes all year long. Lemon balm will always be a companion for quiet, restorative moments, a reminder to pause, breathe, and nourish both body and soul.

🌿 Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Origins of the Herb
Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon citratus, is native to tropical regions of Asia and has been cherished for centuries in culinary and medicinal traditions. Its tall, graceful stalks sway gently in the garden, releasing a bright, citrusy aroma that feels like a whisper of sunshine on a warm morning.

Health Benefits
Lemongrass is celebrated for its cleansing and soothing properties. Traditionally, it has been used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, ease tension, and refresh the mind and body. Its uplifting scent alone can awaken the senses, creating a feeling of lightness and calm. A simple cup of lemongrass tea is like a gentle reset; refreshing, fragrant, and grounding.

What I Intend to Do With It
Lemongrass is another one of my absolute favorites. I plan to grow it abundantly, harvesting the stalks to infuse teas, create herbal blends, and even use in cooking to add bright, fresh notes to my dishes. There’s something about tending to lemongrass that feels joyful and intentional- a reminder to care for myself and my garden, sip by sip, moment by moment.

As I look at my growing herbal garden, I feel a quiet joy in knowing this is only the beginning. I plan to expand it even more, nurturing each plant, each leaf, each root with care. I love making tinctures, extracts, and all the little remedies that connect me to the healing power of nature- a practice I’ve cherished ever since those early mornings spent with my grandmother, learning the rhythms of planting and tending.

I’m creating a lifestyle that feels like home, that gives me comfort, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. It’s about finding ways to heal the body, soothe the mind, and nurture the soul. I hope you stay with me on this journey, because there is so much for me to learn… and so much I hope to share with you as I go along.

Love,

Samantha ❣️

If you would love to see my transplantation video, (click here) to watch me give these herbal beauties their new home.

🌿✨ “The garden teaches us patience, intention, and the quiet magic of growth... one seed, one leaf, one moment at a time.”