Are you curious about the medicinal value of natural, home-grown herbs? Many common herbs not only add flavor to your culinary creations but also boast impressive medicinal properties. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular medicinal herbs, their potential health benefits, how to grow them successfully, and how to use them in your home.
Basil (Ocimum): Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Basil may help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Basil in well-draining soil and full sun, either from seeds or seedlings; water regularly and pinch off flower buds to encourage more substantial leaf growth.
- Use It: Add fresh Basil leaves to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Make a healthy and flavorful pesto or steep in boiling water for a soothing herbal tea.
Sage (Salvia): With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Sage may improve cognitive function, memory, and menopausal symptoms.
- Grow It: Plant Sage seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil with full sun; water sparingly once established and prune to maintain its shape.
- Use It: Use dried Sage leaves for smudging (a widely used practice, especially by indigenous peoples, which involves the burning of what are considered sacred herbs), or purifying the air. Steep fresh or dried leaves in boiling water for a tea that may help with menopausal symptoms or digestive issues.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus): Boasting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Rosemary may improve cognitive function, memory, and digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Rosemary seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun; water regularly, and prune to maintain shape.
- Use It: Use Rosemary sprigs to flavor roasted meats, vegetables, or bread. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may help improve cognitive function and memory or infuse in oil for ready-made flavor any time of year. (These infused oils make wonderful gifts as well!)
Mint (Mentha): Mint's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may relieve digestive issues and support respiratory health.
- Grow It: Plant Mint seedlings or seeds in moist, well-draining soil in a partially shaded area; water regularly and contain roots to prevent spreading. Due to its prolific growth, many gardeners grow Mint plants in containers.
- Use It: Add fresh Mint leaves to salads, drinks, or desserts. Steep in boiling water for a refreshing tea, cold or hot, that may help with digestive issues or respiratory health.
Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its anti-anxiety and sedative properties, Lavender may improve sleep quality, enhance your mood, and contribute to healthy skin.
- Grow It: Plant Lavender seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun; water sparingly once established and prune after flowering.
- Use It: Use dried Lavender flowers in sachets or make a pillow spray for a calming scent that is commonly used to promote relaxation and sleep. Steep in boiling water for a soothing tea or scatter bowls of Lavender flowers around your home; the scent is heavenly.
Oregano (Origanum): With antibacterial and antifungal properties, Oregano may boost the immune system and support digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Oregano seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun; water regularly and prune to maintain its shape.
- Use It: Add fresh or dried Oregano leaves to pizza, pasta sauces, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may support immune and digestive health.
Thyme (Thymus): Thyme's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties may relieve respiratory issues and benefit skin health.
- Grow It: Plant Thyme seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun exposure; water sparingly once established and prune to maintain its shape.
- Use It: Use fresh or dried Thyme leaves to flavor soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may help with respiratory issues.
Parsley (Petroselinum): Rich in vitamins and minerals, parsley may support kidney, urinary tract, and digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Parsley seedlings or seeds in well-draining soil and partial shade, watering regularly. Parsley is grown as an annual in most zones and is an ideal container herb. You may want to bring your Parsley plants indoors for the winter.
- Use It: Add fresh Parsley leaves to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may support kidney and urinary tract health. Chewing its leaves cleanses your breath; it's a natural mouth wash!
Cilantro (Coriandrum): With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Cilantro may reduce blood sugar levels and support digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Cilantro seedlings or seeds in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, watering regularly. If you let it go to seed…voila…you have Coriander!
- Use It: Add fresh Cilantro leaves to salsa, guacamole, or Asian-inspired dishes. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may help reduce blood sugar levels.
Dill (Anethum): Dill's antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties may relieve digestive issues and support respiratory health.
- Grow It: Plant Dill seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun, watering regularly. Dill will not grow back after harvesting, so plant plenty if you enjoy the pungent flavor or make your own pickles.
- Use It: Use fresh or dried Dill leaves to flavor fish, potato salads, or dips. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may help with digestive issues.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Lemongrass may reduce anxiety and stress while supporting digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Lemongrass seedlings in well-draining soil with full sun exposure, watering regularly. Lemongrass is grown as an annual in colder zones or is often brought indoors for the winter.
- Use It: Use fresh or dried Lemongrass leaves to flavor Thai-inspired soups, curries, or teas. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may reduce anxiety and stress. Plant in containers where your family gathers and crush its leaves to release that wonderful, citrusy scent and repel mosquitos.
Tarragon (Tagetes): With antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Tarragon may relieve digestive issues and promote sleep and relaxation.
- Grow It: Plant Tarragon seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil with full sun, watering regularly and pruning to maintain its shape.
- Use It: Add fresh Tarragon leaves to salad dressings, sauces, or fish dishes. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may promote sleep and relaxation.
Arugula (Eruca): Rich in vitamins and minerals, Arugula may support cardiovascular and digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Arugula in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, watering regularly, as needed.
- Use It: Add fresh Arugula leaves to salads, sandwiches, or use as a pizza topping. Blend into pesto or green smoothies for a nutritious boost.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia): Boasting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Lemon Verbena may relieve stress, anxiety, and support digestive health.
- Grow It: Plant Lemon Verbena seedlings in well-draining soil with exposure to full sun. Water regularly and prune to maintain its shape. Grow as an annual in colder zones or bring indoors during winter.
- Use It: Use fresh or dried Lemon Verbena leaves to flavor desserts, jams, or beverages. Steep in boiling water for a tea that may relieve stress and anxiety. Lemon Verbena is also a good pest repellent; gently crush some of the leaves to release that delicious, citrusy scent.
Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener with potential benefits for blood sugar control, inflammation reduction, and dental health.
- Grow It: Plant Stevia seedlings in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water regularly and grow as an annual in colder zones; many gardeners bring it indoors during the winter.
- Use It: Use dried Stevia leaves or Stevia extracts as a natural sweetener in beverages, desserts, or baked goods.
By incorporating any or all of these medicinal herbs into your garden and daily life, you can enjoy their potential health benefits. They will add a delightful touch of greenery and enjoyable fragrance to your personal spaces, as well as enhancing your culinary endeavors. Storing fresh herbs properly will extend their shelf life through the winter months; most can be frozen or dried.
Please consult with your healthcare professional before using herbs for medicinal purposes, and always research the best growing practices for your specific climatic conditions and growing zone.
