Amazing Plants and Herbs You’ll Find (and Grow!) in Portugal.


Spring is upon us and this post is about discovering some of the most beautiful plants growing in Portugal, their traditional uses, and how you can grow them in your own garden or balcony. Download your free gardening log here👇

Portugal isn’t just known for its coastlines and castles, it’s also home to a rich tradition of herbal remedies passed down through generations. Many of these medicinal plants grow wild. Most people have herbs in their  gardens as well as in local communal parks. 



In this post, I’m sharing some of the most popular healing herbs and plants used in Portuguese culture, along with tips for growing and using them in everyday life.

🌱 Note: Always research further or consult with a professional before using any medicinal plant internally. 

Portugal has long embraced the healing power of plants. From mountain villages to sunny terraces, herbs are deeply woven into everyday life such as in teas, baths, rituals, and recipes passed down through generations.

Most of these plants are accessible wherever you will be in Portugal.  Whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll find many of these herbs in markets, gardens, or even growing wild. Even better, most grow beautifully in pots, making them perfect for balconies and small spaces.

1. Lavender (Alfazema or Lavanda)



Use: Calming, sleep aid, stress relief
Traditional Use in Portugal: Found in sachets under pillows, brewed into relaxing teas, and added to homemade salves.

Grow Tip: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for sunny balconies.

🌸 Folklore: Lavender was used to ward off nightmares and the evil eye.

2. Rosemary (Alecrim)

This is normally planted along fences and edges.  

Use: Boosts memory, digestion, and circulation. I use some for hair rinses and it leaves hair smelling great. 
Tradition: Burned to cleanse homes and often placed near doorways for protection from evil energies as my neighbour insists. 

Grow Tip: very easy to propagate. Heat-loving and low-maintenance. Keep it trimmed for lush growth.  I managed to propagate some plants from sprigs I got from my neighbours garden. 

✨ On Saint Anthony’s Day, rosemary was gifted as a symbol of love and remembrance.

3. Lemon Balm (Erva-cidreira)

I truly love this plant and can not get enough of it. Its sweet scent is so calming and tastes great as a herbal tea infusion.  I recently gave some to two friends and they absolutely love it. I think I will try making lemon balm soon.  



Use: Anxiety relief, aids digestion and better sleep.
Typical Use: Infused in teas. Also known  for its mood-lifting lemony scent.

Grow Tip: Easy to grow but can be invasive.  Grow in pots to help control it.


Bees love it! Its name, “Melissa,” means honeybee in Greek. great need those pollinators in gardens. 


4. Bay Leaf (Louro).

This is found in most peoples gardens. My neighbour told me they have had theirs for over 40 years! 

Use: Aids digestion, eases coughs, reduces inflammation. 
Common Use: Infused into teas or stews. Most Portuguese kitchens will have  a bay leaf or a bunch for use in soups , stews and curries! It can be used fresh or dried. 

Grow Tip: Hardy and slow-growing. Perfect for a large pot in the sun.

Tea tip: Use fresh leaves for stronger flavour. 


5. Chamomile (Camomila)



Use: Soothes upset stomach, calms nerves, promotes restful sleep
Portuguese Tradition: A beloved remedy for kids and adults alike.

Grow Tip: Needs full sun. Harvest the flower heads as they bloom. Dry them in a shaded area.

DIY: Use dried flowers in a calming tea blend or facial steam.


6. Olive Leaf (Folha de Oliveira)

Use: Supports immunity, lowers blood pressure
Old Remedy: Tea from olive leaves has been used for generations to fight fever and improve heart health.

Grow Tip: If you have access to an olive tree, harvest healthy leaves and dry them for tea. 

Symbol: Olive trees represent peace and longevity in Portugal.

7. Lemongrass (Capim-limão or erva- principe)



This another of my favourites. It’s great for teas.  


Use: Calming, digestion aid, immune support. Lemon grass has antibacterial and anti fungal properties. 
Modern Use in Portugal: Gaining popularity in herbal tea blends, especially in coastal regions. Its refreshing citrus scent also makes it ideal for natural bug sprays.

Grow Tip: Needs warmth, sun, and regular watering. I cut mine back in winter to allow for new growth in the spring.  See picture below.



Lemon grass tends to grow tall but it’s great in pots and along garden edges.  


8. Hibiscus (Flor de Hibisco)



Use: Rich in antioxidants and full of vitamin C.
How It’s Used: Dried hibiscus petals are brewed into a tangy, ruby-red tea that’s delicious hot or cold. In Portugal, hibiscus blends are often sold in herbal shops and in most regular supermarkets.  Hibiscus tea is great in the summer, you can  drink it with lemon and honey.

Grow Tip: Prefers a warm spot and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to encourage blooms. Can be grown in large pots. 

Did you know? Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free. The flowers come in different colours, ranging from reds, pinks and some orange. 

Growing a herb garden in Portugal (or Anywhere!). You don’t need much space as many of these herbs love pots, terraces, and balconies. Here’s what they need most:

  • ☀️ Sunlight: At least 5–6 hours a day

  • 🌱 Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline for Mediterranean plants.

  • 💧 Water: Water deeply but let soil dry between watering intervals.

  • ✂️ Harvest: Pick often to promote fresh, healthy growth.

Why not add a bench or a comfy chair nearby and you’ve got a peaceful little sanctuary to start or end your day as most of theses plants give off lovely scents and are beautiful to look at too. 

✨ Why This Matters

In a digital world full of distractions, growing and using herbs is a simple, beautiful way to reconnect with nature, with culture, and with yourself.

Each herb tells a story. Each cup of tea or bundle of leaves ties you to traditions older than any screen. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious, tending to these plants is a quiet act of self-care. Remember to research before use and if in doubt check with a qualified professional. 

💬 What About You?

Do you grow any of these herbs in your garden? Have memories of your avó (grandma) brewing herbal teas or using bay leaves in a stew or  in a curry?
Share your story in the comments I’d love to see your herbal corners and tea moments 🌿.