5 Top Medicinal Plants to Grow for Profit

For decades, India has been a country rich in medicinal plants, and we have always been strong believers in Ayurvedic medicine. We have always used plants, herbs, and roots as medicine to cure various diseases. Now, natural remedies are becoming a trend, and organic health products are in huge demand domestically and internationally. This is a good time to invest in growing medicinal plants for profit. These five top medicinal plants are low-maintenance and meet an ever-growing market demand. 

1. Aloe vera 

Scientific Name: Aloe Barbadensis Miller

Climate: Hot and dry climate

Profit Margin: ₹4–6 lakh/acre annually (approx.)

Aloe vera is one of the most demanded medicinal plants to grow for profit, it is easy to grow and harvest. It is used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. It requires less water, so best for dry regions. It is ideal for organic farming. Also, check the 5 Best Crops to Grow in Gujarat for Maximum Profit in 2025.

Uses:

• Skin and hair care products.
• Digestive supplements.
• Juice and beverages
• Burns and skin treatments.

Cultivation Tips:

• It requires well-drained sandy loam soil.
• Grows well in areas with 20–50°C temperatures.
• It can be harvested within 8-10 months.

2. Ashwagandha 

Scientific Name: Withania somnifera

Climate: Dry subtropical

Profit Margin: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/acre

Ashwagandha has been known for its medicinal properties for so long time, it can reduce stress and increase immunity. Its demand in the Ayurvedic and nutraceutical markets is skyrocketing due to increased health consciousness. It is cultivated in well-drained soils and dry regions. Also, check the 7 Smart Factors to be Considered by Farmers Selling Crops.

Uses:

• Supplements that reduce stress and anxiety.
• It boosts body energy. 
• Adaptogens and sleep aids.

Cultivation tips:

• It requires less water, thus a great sustainable medicinal crop to grow for profit.
• It can tolerate unfavourable soils.
• Duration of crops: 150 to 180 days. 

3. Mint 

Scientific Name: Mentha arvensis

Climate: Cool and moist

Profit Margin: ₹1.25–2 lakh/acre per season

Mint is a high-yield crop that grows quickly and is used to make essential oils, cosmetics, medications, and food items. Its cultivation can yield several harvests in a year, making it a very lucrative endeavour. It requires proper seed planting techniques, pest control and fertilisers. Check the Indore mandi bhav today on the Shuru app.

Uses:

• Digestive tonics.
• Products for oral hygiene.
• Oils for aromatherapy.
• Tea and drinks.

Cultivation tips:

• Needs rich soil with enough drainage.
• Harvesting starts 90 - 100 days from now.
• Ideal for intercropping with vegetables.
  

4. Isabgol

Scientific Name: Plantago ovata

Climate: Cool and dry

Profit Margin: ₹1–1.5 lakh/acre

Isabgol or phyllium husk is a commonly growing medicinal plant in India. It is cultivated in winter in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Also called Psyllium husk, it is a common ingredient in natural laxatives and vitamins for digestive health. The world's biggest producer and exporter of isabgol is India. Also, check the mandi bhav of Madhya Pradesh mandi. 

Uses: 

• Supplements for bowel regulation.
• Constipation remedies are made using Ayurvedic medicine.
• Products for detoxification and weight loss.

Tips for Cultivation: 

• Sown in October or November and harvested by March.
• Needs little water and loamy soil.
• Uses fewer pesticides and less money.

5. Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Climate: Temperate and sunny

Profit Margin: ₹3–5 lakh/acre (with essential oil extraction)

Lavender is well-known for its essential oil, scent, and therapeutic properties. Despite being more common in Europe, it is becoming more popular in temperate, hilly areas of India like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir. Also, check 'Digital tools for farming: Helping towards sustainable agriculture'.

Uses:

• It is used in aromatherapy and stress reduction.
• It is used in making creams for skin care and inflammation reduction.
• It is also used in the making of soaps and fragrances.

Cultivation tips:

• It needs well-drained soil and full light.
• Lavender is harvested once its flowers are fully bloomed. 
• Profits are increased by essential oil extraction.
• It requires maintenance as it is susceptible to pests and diseases. 

Investing in these five low-maintenance medicinal plants offers Indian farmers a fantastic opportunity as the demand for natural cures and organic health products continues its sharp rise both domestically and internationally.  They are not only a sustainable option, but also a very lucrative business for the years to come because of their capacity to produce several harvests from a single plantation and their high market absorption.