February is a transitional month in South Africa, with the last heat of summer still lingering while cooler autumn days approach. It’s a great time to plant herbs that will support your health in the coming months.

Here are **10 common ailments** and the **best medicinal herbs** to plant this month to treat them naturally!

1. Immune Support & Cold Prevention**

– **Echinacea (*Echinacea purpurea*)** – Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established. Sow seeds directly in late summer.

– **Oregano (*Origanum vulgare*)** – Prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Water moderately and trim often to encourage growth.

– **Garlic (*Allium sativum*)** – Best planted in late summer; requires full sun and loose, well-draining soil.

2. Anxiety & Stress Relief**

– **Lemon Balm (*Melissa officinalis*)** – Grows well in full sun to partial shade; keep the soil evenly moist.

– **Passionflower (*Passiflora incarnata*)** – Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; grows well along fences and trellises.

– **Lavender (*Lavandula spp.*)** – Drought-tolerant, grows best in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil.

3. Digestive Health**

– **Fennel (*Foeniculum vulgare*)** – Prefers full sun and loose, well-draining soil; keep consistently watered.

– **Dill (*Anethum graveolens*)** – Thrives in full sun with slightly moist soil; avoid transplanting as it prefers direct sowing.

– **Basil (*Ocimum basilicum*)** – Loves warm weather and full sun; keep soil slightly moist and harvest regularly.

4. Respiratory Health (Colds, Coughs & Congestion)**

– **Thyme (*Thymus vulgaris*)** – Drought-resistant, grows in full sun and well-drained soil; avoid overwatering.

– **Mullein (*Verbascum thapsus*)** – Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil; water moderately.

– **Peppermint (*Mentha × piperita*)** – Grows in partial sun and moist soil; best grown in containers to prevent spreading.

5. Sleep & Relaxation**

– **Chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla*)** – Grows well in partial shade with moderate moisture; sow seeds in well-drained soil.

– **Valerian (*Valeriana officinalis*)** – Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, rich soil.

– **Lemon Balm (*Melissa officinalis*)** – Can be grown in full sun or partial shade with moist soil.

6. Skin Healing (Burns, Wounds & Irritations)**

– **Calendula (*Calendula officinalis*)** – Thrives in full sun; deadhead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

– **Aloe Vera (*Aloe barbadensis*)** – Requires minimal watering; thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

– **Comfrey (*Symphytum officinale*)** – Prefers partial shade and moist, rich soil; grows well in cooler temperatures.

7. Joint Pain & Inflammation**

– **Turmeric (*Curcuma longa*)** – Best grown in warm, humid conditions with partial shade; plant rhizomes in well-drained soil.

– **Ginger (*Zingiber officinale*)** – Requires well-drained, fertile soil and partial sun; plant rhizomes directly in warm soil.

– **Rosemary (*Rosmarinus officinalis*)** – Drought-tolerant; grows well in full sun with well-drained, sandy soil.

8. Detox & Liver Support**

– **Dandelion (*Taraxacum officinale*)** – Prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil; grows easily in garden beds.

– **Milk Thistle (*Silybum marianum*)** – Thrives in dry, well-drained soil and full sun; self-seeds easily.

– **Parsley (*Petroselinum crispum*)** – Grows in full sun to partial shade; keep soil moist for continuous leaf production.

9. Energy & Focus**

– **Gotu Kola (*Centella asiatica*)** – Prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil; grows well in containers.

– **Ginseng (*Panax ginseng*)** – Grows best in cool, shady areas with well-drained, fertile soil.

– **Rosemary (*Rosmarinus officinalis*)** – A Mediterranean herb that thrives in full sun and needs minimal watering.

10. Headaches & Migraines**

– **Feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*)** – Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; prune regularly to prevent spreading.

– **Peppermint (*Mentha × piperita*)** – Grows well in containers with moist soil and partial sun.

– **Basil (*Ocimum basilicum*)** – Prefers warm, sunny conditions and regular watering.

**Earthborn Growing Tips:**

**Companion Planting:** Grow basil near tomatoes and peppers for pest control; plant calendula near vegetables to attract pollinators.

**Watering Strategy:** Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent evaporation in February’s summer heat.

**Harvesting Reminder:** Regular pruning encourages new growth and keeps plants producing longer.

Planting these medicinal herbs now will ensure a thriving garden ready to support your health naturally. Which herbs are you growing this February? Let us know in the comments!

#EarthBornAfrica#MedicinalHerbs#GrowYourHealth#HerbalHealing#organicgardening