Build Your Own Botanical Medicine Garden with Our Naturopathic Doctors

The basis of naturopathic medicine is identifying root causes of illness & supporting the body's innate healing process by using a variety of natural therapies.

Herbalism is just one of many, evidence-based & diverse treatment options utilized by our team of naturopathic doctors at Serenity Holistic Health! As a holistic health clinic located in the Chicago area, we asked our lead naturopathic doctor & clinic owner (Dr. Cass) about their favorite & most accessible healing botanicals - Perfect for growing in your backyard raised garden bed or small pot on your windowsill!

A Naturopathic Doctor's Healing Herbs for Spring

Melissa officinalis - more commonly known as lemon balm - is one of Dr. Cass' favorite herbs for modern-day “frazzled nervous system” support. It’s a gentle member of the mint family with a bright lemony scent & it has traditionally been used to calm the mind, support digestion, and help the body unwind after chronic stress.

Dr. Cass describes lemon balm as an herb for people whose stress shows up physically: Tight stomach, tension headaches, trouble sleeping, feeling “wired but tired,” or that sense of being overstimulated all the time. It’s traditionally used as a calming nervine herb - Meaning it helps soothe the nervous system without making you feel heavily sedated.

Historically, herbalists have used lemon balm for digestive discomfort, bloating & stress-related stomach upset - especially when anxiety & gut symptoms seem connected. Modern research is exploring lemon balm's role in mood, cognition, sleep & antiviral support. It’s varied uses make it a powerhouse of any home apothecary & one of my favorite botanical medicines!

Lemon balm is commonly found in teas, tinctures, glycerites & "calming" herbal blends. It’s approachable, pleasant tasting & often a wonderful starting herb for people new to botanical medicine.

Origanum vulgare - better known as Oregano - is often thought of as a culinary herb, but it has a long history in botanical medicine as a powerful herb for immune & microbial support.

The same aromatic compounds that give oregano its bold flavor (Compounds like carvacrol & thymol) are what makes it so beneficial therapeutically!

Traditionally, oregano has been used to support the body during acute illness (Especially respiratory tract conderns), digestion, or unwanted microbial overgrowth. In practice, Dr. Cass often thinks of oregano as a “strong” herb - Not necessarily something you use casually in daily practice forever, but oregano is a targeted tool that can be incredibly supportive when used thoughtfully.

Herbal oregano can show up in teas, tinctures, capsules, or essential oil preparations (Dislaimer: The oil is much more concentrated & should be used carefully). Many people are familiar with oregano oil during cold & flu season, but herbalists have also historically used the plant to support digestion, gut balance & overall immune resilience.

One of Dr. Cass' favorite things about oregano is it’s a reminder that medicine is often hiding in plain sight! So many of the plants sitting in our kitchens have incredibly rich medicinal traditions behind them.

Ocimum tenuiflorum / Tulsi - Also called Holy Basil - is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurvedic medicine & it has traditionally been used to support resilience during times of chronic stress, overwhelm & burnout. Dr. Cass often uses this herb for people who feel like they’ve been “running on stress hormones” for too long.

Unlike sedating herbs, Tulsi is often considered an adaptogenic herb - Meaning it may help the body adapt to physical, emotional & environmental stressors more gracefully. Many people report feeling more grounded, clear-headed & emotionally steady when using it regularly. It’s one of Dr. Cass' favorite herbs for that modern combination of exhaustion + overstimulation that so many people experience.

Also, Tulsi has traditionally been used to support immune function, respiratory health, digestion & overall vitality. It has a warm, aromatic flavor - Commonly enjoyed as a tea, tincture, or incorporated into herbal blends for stress support and nervous system regulation.

One of the beautiful things about Tulsi is that it feels both uplifting & calming at the same time - Supportive without being overly stimulating or sedating! It’s a lovely example of how herbal medicine can help support the body’s resilience rather than simply “forcing” a symptom in one direction.

Matricaria recutita - aka Chamomile - is one of those herbs that many people can immediately recognize, but most people don’t realize just how medicinal it truly is!

Traditionally, Chamomile is used across many herbal systems - It has long been valued for its ability to calm the nervous system, support digestion & gently ease the body out of a stress response.

Dr. Cass thinks of chamomile as an herb for people who are exhausted, but can’t fully relax — Especially when stress starts manifesting as physical symptoms like digestive symptoms, muscle tension, irritability, headaches, or poor sleep. It’s commonly used for restlessness & “tension digestion,” where the stomach & nervous system seem deeply connected.

Chamomile can be used to support occasional bloating, cramping, gas & nervous system dysregulation (Especially when stress is a contributing factor). It is also known for being one of the gentler, more approachable herbs in botanical medicine.

It’s frequently used in teas for both adults & children because it is calming without feeling overly strong or sedating. One of Dr. Cass' favorite ways to use Chamomile is in a “tea-cicle” - A homemade popsicle made from a strongly brewed tea. Add a little honey or fruit juice & it is a tasty “yes!” for little ones.

Beyond tea, chamomile can also be found in tinctures, baths, topical preparations & skincare products. It’s a beautiful example of how herbal medicine doesn’t always have to be intense to be effective.

Want to Garden with One of Our Naturopathic Doctors In-Person?

The naturopathic medicine team & other holistic health practitioners from Serenity Holistic Health will be attending the What's Blooming on Harrison Street Festival & hosting a "Build Your Own Botanical Medicine Garden" event where you can create your own seed packets for free at our event!

You won't want to miss our other promotions & offerings that are exclusive to this event - Raffle prizes that include a discounted naturopathic intake appointment & function labs, free ear seeding with acupuncture booking, AND 25% discount of any appointment booked at our booth during this event!

Event Details:

Outdoor event on Harrison St (Humphrey Ave to Ridgeland St)

Oak Park, IL

Saturday, 05/30/26

11:00am - 7:00pm

*There will be food trucks, live music, artists & other local small businesses as vendors, carnival for the kids AND so much more!