Heritage Gardens

Pioneer Woman’s Backyard Pharmacy


Creeping Phlox	Bergamot	Black-eyed Susan	Lilac

“How much pleasanter is the aspect of a house surrounded by a garden…What home affections can it nourish in the heart of the immigrant wife..?”
~ The Canadian Settler’s Guide, 1855

The Pioneer Woman’s Backyard Pharmacy
In the early settlement days of this area, doctors were few and far between. Pioneers had to rely on their own knowledge of herbs and plants for homemade medicine. These are just some of the plants found in a pioneer garden, and what they were used for.

Basil	To calm the stomach
Borage	A tincture from the roots was used for menstrual disorders
Chives	Antibacterial oil can be made from the stems
Echinacea	An immune system stimulant and anti-oxidant
Foxglove	To alleviate heart pain
Horehound	To soothe coughs
Hyssop	An expectorant
Mullein	Tea made from these leaves was used for coughs, cramps, and general pain relief
Oregano	An antispasmodic when taken as a tea
Rosemary	A common circulatory stimulant and anti-oxidant
Rue	To alleviate “chest complaints”
Tansy	Tea made from the leaves was thought to cure colds, fevers, and stomach aches
Yarrow	Crushed leaves were used to staunch bleeding; a tea was used for “lung complaints”

NOTE: This information is for interest and education only and is not meant to be medical advice.