Aquaponics is not just for growing vegetables and fruits — it can also be an ideal method for cultivating medicinal herbs and plants. These powerful plants, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, can thrive in aquaponic systems, offering a sustainable way to grow remedies that are as effective as they are natural. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of growing medicinal herbs aquaponically, the best herbs to grow, and how you can integrate them into your aquaponic system.

What Makes Aquaponics Ideal for Growing Medicinal Herbs?

Aquaponics is a closed-loop, soil-free system where plants and fish work together in a symbiotic relationship. The fish produce waste, which is rich in nutrients, and these nutrients are filtered and used by the plants. The plants, in turn, help to filter and purify the water for the fish.

This eco-friendly, low-maintenance system offers several advantages when it comes to growing medicinal herbs:

1. Controlled Environment

Aquaponic systems offer a controlled environment where factors such as light, temperature, humidity, and water quality can be carefully managed. This level of control is crucial for growing medicinal herbs, as many of these plants are sensitive to environmental changes. The ability to control these variables leads to consistent growth, ensuring high-quality plants that contain the medicinal properties you desire.

2. Reduced Pest Pressure

Because aquaponic systems don’t rely on soil, they are less prone to pests that typically infest traditional garden beds. The absence of soil means no soil-borne diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and chemicals. This is especially important for medicinal herbs, as you want to ensure that the herbs are free from harmful substances.

3. Sustainability

Aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that uses significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture. In fact, aquaponic systems use up to 90% less water. This makes growing medicinal herbs in an aquaponic system a great choice for environmentally-conscious gardeners looking to grow plants in a more resource-efficient way.

4. Faster Growth

Plants in aquaponic systems tend to grow faster than those in traditional soil gardens due to the efficient nutrient delivery system. This is a significant advantage for medicinal herbs, which often require specific growth conditions and longer growing periods. By using aquaponics, you can enjoy quicker harvests of medicinal herbs with minimal effort.

Top Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Aquaponics

While many medicinal herbs can be grown in an aquaponic system, certain herbs are particularly well-suited due to their growing habits and nutrient needs. Here are some of the best medicinal herbs to grow in aquaponics:

1. Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its soothing properties and is commonly used in aromatherapy, teas, and skincare products. It grows best in a warm, sunny environment, and its fragrant flowers are a favorite in natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

In aquaponics, lavender benefits from consistent access to nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, which help promote its vibrant growth. Lavender also does well in media-based systems or deep water culture (DWC) setups.

2. Echinacea

Echinacea is a popular herb used to boost the immune system and reduce the duration of colds. It requires a lot of sunlight to thrive, making it a good candidate for aquaponic systems with adequate light or artificial grow lights for indoor growing.

Echinacea thrives in nutrient-rich water, and aquaponics can provide the stable growing conditions it needs to produce healthy, potent flowers that are packed with medicinal properties.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is a versatile herb used to treat digestive issues, headaches, and inflammation. It grows quickly and is easy to manage in an aquaponic system. Peppermint thrives in slightly cooler water temperatures, which makes it a great option for beginners in aquaponics.

Because peppermint is a spreader (meaning it can grow aggressively), aquaponics systems can help keep its growth controlled, ensuring that it doesn't take over your grow bed.

4. Basil

Basil, particularly Holy Basil (Tulsi), is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, stress-reducing, and immune-boosting properties. It grows well in aquaponic systems and thrives in warm temperatures with plenty of sunlight. Basil also enjoys a steady supply of nitrogen and phosphorus from fish waste, making it an ideal candidate for your system.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is used for its calming effects and its ability to soothe digestive issues. It does well in aquaponic systems, particularly in media-based systems where its roots are allowed to grow deep. Chamomile prefers slightly acidic conditions, so it’s important to monitor the pH level of the water to keep it between 6.0-7.0.

6. Calendula

Calendula, also known as marigold, is known for its healing properties and is used to treat wounds, skin irritation, and inflammation. This herb can be easily grown in an aquaponic system and benefits from the nutrient-rich water and controlled growing conditions that aquaponics provides.

7. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is an excellent herb for calming nerves and promoting better sleep. It grows well in aquaponics and has a strong citrus scent that is soothing. It is also a great herb to grow for beginners because it is hardy and adaptable to various growing conditions.

How to Grow Medicinal Herbs in Aquaponics

Step 1: Set Up Your Aquaponic System

Choose an aquaponic system that suits your space and needs. You can start with a small countertop setup for a few herbs or a larger media-based or deep water culture system if you plan to grow more herbs. Ensure that the system has a balanced fish tank, grow beds, and a filtration system to keep the water clean and nutrient-rich.

Step 2: Choose the Right Growing Medium

For medicinal herbs, you can use various growing media such as hydroton, coconut coir, or perlite. The media should allow good water retention while still providing proper drainage. The key is to maintain a balance between water flow and root oxygenation, especially for plants like lavender and chamomile that have delicate root systems.

Step 3: Add Fish to Your System

Select fish species that are compatible with the temperature and pH preferences of your medicinal herbs. Tilapia and trout are popular choices, but you could also use smaller fish like guppies or goldfish if you're working with a smaller system. The fish will produce the nutrients (in the form of waste) that your herbs need to grow.

Step 4: Monitor Water Quality

Regularly check the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in the water. Medicinal herbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, so ensure the pH is between 6.0-7.0. Maintain good water quality to support both the health of your herbs and the fish in your system.

Step 5: Harvest Your Herbs

Once your medicinal herbs have reached maturity, it’s time to harvest them. Be sure to harvest the leaves or flowers when they are at their most potent. For herbs like chamomile, you can harvest the flowers, while for others like peppermint and basil, you can take the leaves.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Way to Grow Medicinal Herbs

Aquaponics offers an ideal, sustainable solution for growing medicinal herbs. By creating a controlled, eco-friendly environment, you can cultivate herbs that are not only healthy but also packed with medicinal properties. From lavender to echinacea, the range of medicinal herbs that can thrive in an aquaponic system is vast, and the benefits of growing them this way are plenty.

If you’re interested in growing your own natural remedies, consider setting up an aquaponic system and start cultivating your favorite herbs today. Not only will you have access to fresh, potent plants, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable future for farming.

Are you ready to start growing medicinal herbs in your aquaponic system? Let us know which herbs you’re excited to grow in the comments below!