PATRIOT INSIDER
When the shelves are empty and pharmacies are locked, what do you do for medicine?
(You should consider saving or printing this article.)
For thousands of years, our ancestors answered that question the same way: they turned to plants. From battlefield poultices to monastery gardens, humans relied on herbs, roots, and oils to fight infection, calm fevers, ease pain, and even lift the spirit. (You should consider saving or printing this article.)
As preppers, we know that self-reliance is health security. A natural apothecary isn’t just a hobby garden — it’s a lifeline, one that can be grown in the backyard, a few pots on the porch, or even on a sunny windowsill.
Let’s dig into the most powerful herbs and plants you can grow yourself, and what they can do for you.
Core Medicinal Herbs to Start With
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Uses: Stops bleeding, disinfects wounds, reduces fever, and soothes inflammation. Can be used fresh as a poultice or dried for teas and salves.
Grow: Hardy, drought-tolerant. Perfect in a pot or a corner of the yard.
2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Uses: Anti-inflammatory, promotes skin healing, soothes rashes and burns. The base for countless homemade salves.
Grow: Easy in containers; blooms bright orange/yellow flowers.
3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Uses: Boosts the immune system, reduces duration of colds, and supports wound healing.
Grow: Strong perennial; thrives in gardens or large pots.
4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Uses: Digestive aid, nausea relief, calms gas/bloating, and useful in salves for headaches when applied to temples.
Grow: Explodes in pots or window boxes — keep it contained or it will spread like wildfire.
5. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Uses: Gentle sedative for anxiety, stress, or insomnia; eases stomach upset.
Grow: Excellent in small pots on a windowsill, flowers can be dried for tea.
6. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Uses: Powerful antimicrobial — fights bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Great for immune support and heart health.
Grow: Easy to plant indoors or outdoors; just break a clove and stick it in soil.
Expanding Your Apothecary Arsenal
7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Uses: Improves memory and focus, supports circulation, and acts as an antimicrobial for food and wounds. Also a natural respiratory aid when inhaled.
Grow: Loves sunlight — thrives in a pot on a sunny windowsill.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Uses: Legendary for burns, sunburn, and skin irritation. Can also soothe digestive issues if prepared properly.
Grow: Perfect for indoor pots — needs little water and lots of light.
9. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Uses: Potent natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral. Oregano oil is one of the strongest plant medicines for infections.
Grow: Very easy in pots or window planters; thrives on neglect.
10. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Uses: Antimicrobial and antiseptic; thyme tea helps with coughs, colds, and sore throats.
Grow: Low-maintenance herb; works indoors on a windowsill.
11. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Uses: Antiseptic mouth rinse, helps sore throats, supports digestion, and even balances hormones.
Grow: Hardy perennial, grows beautifully in containers.
12. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Uses: Calms anxiety, supports sleep, and soothes skin. Lavender oil is a prepper’s favorite for relaxation and first aid.
Grow: Loves sun, tolerates pots — keep it near a window.
13. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Uses: Reduces anxiety, aids sleep, eases indigestion, and calms viral outbreaks like cold sores.
Grow: Thrives indoors or outdoors; grows like mint, so keep it in a pot.
14. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Uses: Known as “knitbone,” comfrey helps heal sprains, bruises, and broken bones when used topically.
Grow: Needs space outdoors, but worth it for salves.
15. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Uses: Traditionally used for mild depression, nerve pain, and wound healing.
Grow: Hardy perennial; can be potted with enough light.
Turning Plants into Real Medicine
It’s not enough to grow the plants — you have to know how to process them into useful forms.
Salves: Infuse herbs (like calendula or comfrey) into oil, blend with beeswax, and pour into tins. Instant portable medicine.
Tinctures: Chop herbs, soak in alcohol (vodka/brandy) for 4–6 weeks, strain into dark bottles. Potent medicine with a years-long shelf life.
Teas: Dry the herbs and steep in hot water. Simple, but incredibly effective.
Poultices: Crush fresh herbs and apply directly to skin under a cloth for immediate use.
Indoor Apothecary Gardening
Don’t think you need a farm. Most of these herbs grow beautifully indoors.
Window Sills: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, basil, and sage all thrive in small pots with good sunlight.
Balcony Boxes: Chamomile, calendula, and lemon balm grow perfectly in rectangular planters.
Kitchen Pots: Aloe vera, garlic, and lavender do great in terracotta or ceramic pots indoors.
If you can grow kitchen herbs, you can grow medicine.
A natural apothecary isn’t a luxury. It’s a survival necessity.
When pharmacies close, your health will come down to two things: what you have stored, and what you know how to make. By cultivating herbs like yarrow, rosemary, aloe, oregano, and more, you’re building not just a garden — but a living, renewable medicine chest that can protect you and your family for decades.
Start small. Grow a handful. Learn one tincture, one salve, one tea. Then expand. With time, your windowsill and backyard will quietly become your pharmacy of freedom — one that no collapse can take away.
Stay strong. Stay healthy. Stay sovereign.
—George Shepherd
P.S. If you missed my presentation and want to get a head start on building a bullet-proof survival apothecary - check out my 54 min micro course here.
Until next time… STAY PREPARED
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Forward this newsletter to fellow patriots who value self-reliance and preparation.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, stay alive.
