Starting a Medicinal Plant Herbarium

FernFellow

I've recently taken an interest in creating a small medicinal plant herbarium at home, and I'm looking for advice on getting started. I want to focus on common indoor plants that have known medicinal properties.

Does anyone have recommendations on which plants I should start with? I'm interested in learning their uses and how to properly label and preserve them. Also, any tips on displaying the herbarium would be appreciated!

Would love to hear about your experiences or must-know tips from those who have done something similar.

terracottatribe

Creating a medicinal plant herbarium sounds like a wonderful project! A few common indoor plants with medicinal properties you could start with are Aloe Vera, which is great for skin ailments, Lavender for its calming effects, and Peppermint, known for aiding digestion. To preserve these plants, consider pressing and drying the leaves, then mounting them on acid-free paper with clear labels detailing their uses. For display, use a simple binder or frame each plant for a more decorative look. It's a great way to learn about the properties of these plants while enjoying their beauty!

LeafLounge

Starting with Aloe Vera, Lavender, and Peppermint is a great choice for a medicinal herbarium. When labeling them, include both their botanical and common names, uses, and any personal experiences you've had. For preserving, pressing leaves between absorbent paper in a book can work well. Display them in a binder or frames to keep everything organized. Enjoy your herbal journey!

leaflegion

Another plant you might consider is Echinacea. It’s popular for its immune-boosting properties. When pressing, ensure minimal moisture to prevent mold. You could also include a small label with the plant’s history or cultural significance, which adds an educational layer to your herbarium. For display, arranging them by their medicinal purpose or geographical origin could be intriguing for viewers. Good luck with your project!