Here’s an intriguing question. Is it possible to apply plant-based medicine to benefit plants themselves?

We know that companion planting is a gardening strategy that involves cultivating different types of plant in close proximity to another to achieve mutual benefits.

The practice has advantages for plants such as natural pest control, attracting beneficial insect pollinators, improving growing phases, and disease prevention.

Applying ‘herbal medicine’ to plants, whether topically on the surface or internally, such as treating the root system, mirrors the way humans utilise herbal remedies.

Much like a comforting cup of herbal tea can alleviate symptoms in humans, providing plants with a herbal-infused watering might offer similar benefits to the plant.

For those who have ever cultivated comfrey or inherited it in a garden, the challenge of eradicating this robust plant will be familiar. During spring, furry green leaves spring from the soil, and in summer, the plant graces the garden with an elegant blue flower that proves irresistible to bees. It is annoying and beneficial in equal measures.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) simply loves to live. You can’t kill it, you can’t smother it, and, it is, sometimes, the plant you wished you never planted.

On the other hand, you have a fertliser that you will never run out of. Comfrey contains constituents that apply both to humans and plants. Allantoin is a compound which is used for tissue regeneration and cellular regrowth in humans. Its old name, knit bone, is a reminder of its traditional use in healing fractures.

To perk up your plants, simply harvest fresh comfrey leaves, ideally before they flower, and chop them into pieces, throw them in a bucket and cover them with water. Steep the mixture just like you would a pot of tea but leave it for two weeks, stirring occasionally.

Strain the water and dilute the ‘tea’ with ten times more water than the tea. You are now ready to give your plants a herbal-based tea which is rich in nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous.

Another herbal plant you can use in the garden is neem (Azadirachta indica) which has a range of medicinal properties. It is used extensively in Indian medicine and all parts of the neem tree, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark, have been used in the treatment of inflammation, infections and skin diseases related to flea infestations in humans.

In the garden, neem oil is a natural pesticide which contains compounds that are effective against pests such as aphids, fluffy bums and spider mites as it disrupts the life cycle of insects, repels them and should only be used according to instructions.

And, of course, there’s garlic. Love them or hate them, garlic cloves act in the same manner as antibiotics to destroy the “bad” bacteria which cause sickness in humans. Garlic can also help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and boost the immune system. 

In plants, a garlic ‘broth’ is a natural and effective way to control pests and enhance plant health. Simply take one whole head of garlic cloves and crush them. They don’t need to be peeled or pretty and then add water and an organic liquid soap. The soap will enhance the uptake of the compound allicin in the garlic and help it adhere to plants easily.

Steep overnight and then strain. This is your concentrated garlic ‘broth’. Mix your broth with ten times of water and use sparingly on your plants with a spray bottle. If you notice any leaf burn, dilute your ‘broth’ further.

Yes, plants can help plants in just the same way plants can help humans. Healthy gardening!