Soothe & Relieve · 2026

Medicinal herbs for pain & inflammation

The plants traditionally used to calm aches, bruises and swelling — what each does, and how to grow them.

Herbal compress and salve with yarrow flowers on a wooden table
01

Yarrow

A traditional compress plant for bruises and swelling, and field first-aid for small cuts.

02

Calendula

Anti-irritant for inflamed skin — the base of soothing salves and washes.

03

St. John's Wort

Infused oil has a long folk history for nerve-type aches and minor muscle soreness.

04

Lavender

Calming infused oil for tension and to soothe minor aches when massaged in.

Simple warm compress: make a strong yarrow + calendula tea, soak a clean cloth, apply to a bruise or ache. Not medical advice — see a professional for persistent or severe pain, and note St. John's Wort interacts with many medications.

Grown & used, on video

Grow your own relief shelf

Yarrow, calendula and St. John's Wort are all in Nicole Apelian's Medicinal Garden Kit — non-GMO seeds plus her remedy guide.

See all 10 herbs to grow →

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The Backyard Remedy Handbook

Ten medicinal herbs and the simplest way to turn each into a tea, salve or tincture — one printable guide. We'll email it to you.

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