In my kitchen, two windows meet in a corner in front of the sink. It is a south-west-facing corner, and the sun shines directly into one or both windows for most of the day. I have many, many plants surrounding the sink and on the windowsills but not as many as I would like. So I’m designing a shelving system that can be installed inside the window frames to allow my plants to catch ALL the sun without crowding the countertop.

There are a couple of other spots in my house with windows facing the exact right direction. Still, in other areas (I’m looking at you, north-facing windows), I can grow plants that appreciate bright, indirect light, or, for the really dark spots, I’ve invested in grow lights. Sometimes, when someone says “I’m using a grow light!”, I imagine the kind I use in my workshop to start seeds, and even though they’re nicer than most, those are not something I want in my living room.

Last year, I purchased several grow lights from Soltech as a holiday gift to myself; although they are more expensive than your average big-box store grow light, they are lovely, high-quality, and will last for a good long time. Their holiday sale is still going on, by the way. (wink, wink)

But, what if you don’t have the resources or the room for grow lights? Then, we’re looking for the sunniest window in your place, and we’re setting up a windowsill apothecary. You will be shocked by how cheerful, abundant, and adorable even the smallest pot of growing medicine can be.

Pick your Plants

Once we’ve chosen a window, we are ready to pick our plants. A common challenge of growing in pots on a windowsill is rapid soil drying; it can be difficult to determine how much water is sufficient without overwatering the plants. If the sun is particularly strong, it will dry the soil more quickly, and during the winter, our homes are often drier overall because the heat is on. For herbs that can handle a little neglect and less frequent watering, choose drought-tolerant medicinal herbs such as:

1. Rosemary: digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, circulation boost, cognitive health, pain relief, hair growth, allergy support, blood sugar regulation, antioxidant, antimicrobial
2. Thyme: antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiovascular support, menstrual support, wound healing
3. Oregano: digestive aid, immune support, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, blood sugar regulation, respiratory support
4. Sage: cognitive health, menopause relief, metabolic health, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory

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If you can commit to providing more attentive care or add a bit of humidity to your space, medicinal herbs that are happy to grow on your windowsill are:

1. Peppermint: digestive aid, antispasmodic, cognitive health, immune support, pain relief
2. Lemon Balm: cognitive and sleep support, digestive aid, antiviral, antioxidant, menstrual support
3. Basil: digestive health, cardiovascular and liver support, cognitive health, blood sugar regulation
4. Catnip: stress relief, sleep support, digestive health, pain relief, menstrual support, cold and flu relief
5. Chives: cardiovascular support, immune support, digestive aid, bone strength, antioxidant, eye health, antibacterial and antimicrobial
6. Parsley: kidney health, immune support, bone health, eye health, antioxidants, cardiovascular support, digestive aid, antibacterial and anti-fungal

A layer of mulch, whether that’s a handful of wood chips or just detritus from harvesting, can be a huge help in preventing moisture loss – just like in the garden. Choose a high-quality potting mix that provides nutrients and use a planter with drainage holes, set on a dish to catch excess water. You might think waiting for your plants to get bigger before using them is the right call, but harvesting regularly encourages more growth and bushier shape.

Food is Medicine

There are several ways to use each of these medicinal herbs, and whichever method you choose will depend on time and preference, mostly. Harvesting and using fresh herbs in your culinary applications is a straightforward way to incorporate them; add to teas, salads, smoothies, sautéed dishes, baked goods, soups, and stews. Drying your herbs will allow for long-term storage and the option to grind herbs into powder. More traditional medicinal applications include alcohol tinctures, oil infusions, and topical uses.

If tending a tiny indoor apothecary feels like the first step toward a more rooted, intentional way of caring for yourself, I’d love to support you. My wellness coaching program helps you build simple, nourishing practices—herbal and otherwise—that fit the life you’re growing.
Explore coaching offerings and see what might bloom for you.

Love you to your roots,

Elizabeth

Everything shared here is offered for learning, curiosity, and empowerment. I’m a herbalist and educator, not a medical professional, and nothing on this site is meant to diagnose, treat, or replace the care of a qualified healthcare provider. Our bodies are sacred and complex—please consult with a licensed medical practitioner before making changes to your wellness routines, herbs, or treatments.