Herbs on the Homestead: Ways to Support Family and Livestock

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In this post, I’m sharing why we use herbs on our homestead, beginner herbs we love for families and animals, simple safety tips, and how you can start learning without feeling overwhelmed.

When you start a homestead, a million questions come with it. One of my very first thoughts was this:

“How can I take care of my family and animals in more natural ways?”

I’ll just be honest — I’m not a big fan of the modern medical system. I’m thankful it exists when it’s truly needed, but my momma heart wants to be as self-sufficient as I can, using the good things God already placed on this earth. If there’s a way to support health naturally, I’m absolutely interested.

And herbs?
They are one of those gifts.

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Herbs are everywhere

That’s one of my favorite things about them.

They grow in the backyard, around fences, in fields, along mountain trails, tucked between garden beds. Some people call them weeds — but so often they are medicine that God scattered generously.

When you learn about herbs:

• you support your family’s wellness
• you gain skills no one can regulate away
• you don’t have to maintain separate gardens for animals vs. humans
• you gain confidence as a homemaker and homesteader

Herbs have been used for generations — long before pharmacies and waiting rooms — and I’ve seen them do truly beautiful things in our home.

But with that said…

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A gentle but important word about safety

Just because something is an herb doesn’t mean it’s automatically harmless.

Some herbs are:

• only meant for short-term use
• only safe externally
• not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• not safe for certain animals
• able to interact with medications
• easily confused with dangerous look-alike plants

So we approach herbs the same way we approach chainsaws, livestock, or pressure canners:

with respect, learning and with prayerful common sense

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Why we love using herbs on the homestead

1. Herbs help save money

Once herbs on the homestead are established, many of them come back year after year like faithful old friends.

You can:

• dry them
• make tinctures
• store for months or years

Foraging can also help reduce costs — but plant identification matters. Some harmful plants look nearly identical to helpful ones, so slow down, double-check, and don’t guess.

2. Herbs support the body the way God designed it

God created our bodies with incredible ability to heal and restore when given what they need.

Herbs don’t “fix us.” They don’t magically cure everything.

But they can:

• nourish
• support
• encourage the body’s natural processes

alongside the basics:

• real food
• rest
• sunlight
• water
• movement
• prayer and peace

3. Fewer synthetic medications in everyday life

Sometimes prescription medicine is absolutely necessary. We are grateful it exists. But many everyday complaints — tummy upset, seasonal sniffles, little scrapes — can often be supported gently at home.

4. Most herbs are wonderfully easy to grow

Even if your “green thumb” feels more like a brown thumb, don’t stress. Most herbs are hardy little warriors. The biggest issue I’ve had is overwatering — and thankfully herbs are often forgiving.

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Friendly Reminder

This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical or veterinary advice. Herbs are powerful and may not be safe for every person or animal. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or veterinarian before using herbs, especially if pregnant, nursing, using medication, elderly, or giving herbs to children or pets.

Herbs commonly used for families and animals

Here are some herbs we love and basic knowledge about them. Most of the herbs are easy to grow, even for beginners. Many thrive in less-than-perfect soil and return year after year with little effort.:

• Aloe vera – the gel can support the skin for minor burns and skin irritation. Is best planted in a container and stored in your home on a window sill.
• Calendula – gentle, bright, and cheerful. Supports skin healing, irritation, and minor wounds.
• Cayenne – traditionally used for circulation, shock, occasional congestion and wound care. Can be irritating in large amounts.
• Comfrey – famous for tissue support externally. Internal use is controversial because of potential liver concerns, so most people stick to salves and poultices.
• Cramp bark – the bark of this bush can be helpful for muscle tension and menstrual cramping.
• Echinacea – supports immune response; is nurtiousing and is usually recommended for short-term use during illness.
• Elderberry – our winter favorite. Helps support the immune system.
• Garlic – supports immune health and has traditional use for worms in livestock. Do not give to dogs or cats—it can be toxic to them.
• Peppermint – wonderful for occasional digestive upset and stuffy noses.
• Yarrow – supports healthy circulation and is often used on minor cuts and scrapes to help slow bleeding and support normal healing.

There are so many other wonderful herbs out there, but these herbs are a perfect place to begin. What is even better is finding out what herbs grow in your area. Study these herbs and grow them yourself. Doing this you will be able to identify and use them no matter if you are at home or camping. Knowledge is power.

I still remember the first time I used herbs for one of our dogs who had gotten hit by a car. I can’t say the herbs saved his life, but he is still alive and kicking today. Herbs have not only blessed our animals, but they have come in handy during the flu season and a scraps. I am so grateful for the plants God has placed on this earth.

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Harvesting and storing herbs

When gathering herbs:

• choose vibrant, healthy plants
• avoid mold, discoloration, or bug-damaged leaves
• dry completely (air dry, dehydrator, or hanging bundles)
• store in labeled jars in a cool, dark place

Sunlight and moisture are the enemy of stored herbs.

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Building a simple herbal first-aid kit

We like keeping on hand:

• salves
• tinctures
• dried leaves and flowers
• poultice herbs

Spray-top tincture bottles are especially handy for scrapes and wounds. This method is what we use most on our homestead.

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How to begin without feeling overwhelmed

You don’t have to learn every herb on earth. Start small.

Pick 5–10 herbs and really get to know them:

• what they look like
• how to grow them
• how they are prepared
• who should not use them
• how they are stored

Then slowly add more to your knowledge basket.

Some learning resources I personally like:

• Homegrown Herbalist– has so many great books and has a wonderful course.
• Herbal Academy – has great posts and info. It also has several course that I have taken to help me with my studies.

And, of course, hours in the garden with dirt under your fingernails.

If herbs are something you want to learn more about, you’re in good company here. Tell me in the comments which herb you’re most curious about, or which ones you already love using on your homestead.

If you’re just getting started, I’d love to walk beside you. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future posts on herbal salves, tinctures, and growing your own medicine garden.

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