Fresh herbs are the best way to add flavor and the health properties to your favorite dishes. I love growing an herb garden. Some years I’ve had them outdoors. Last year our sweet rescue wanted to use my herb planters as her bed so I figured I should probably plant them inside this year.
Herb gardens are easy to maintain, take up very little space, and many actually purify the air inside your home to help remove toxins and allergens. Below are some of my favorite herbs that are essential for any herb garden.
Basil – While basil can be used to add flavor to your dishes, it can also be used to make pesto. Strangely, basil has a hint of licorice which makes it go well with sweet dishes especially those containing lemon. It also pairs well with the acidic and robust flavor of tomato sauces. Powerfully, basil helps fight cancer, diabetes, stress, inflammation, and depression.
Oregano – Another herb that flows well with Italian dishes and pairs well with basil is oregano. You can use it along with basil in your tomato sauces, as a topping on pizza or salads, or even as the main seasoning in your oil and vinegar salad dressings or even as a seasoning on sandwiches. God sure knew what He was doing when He created Oregano. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K. It is full of folate, fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, and potassium. Interestingly, oregano is anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-bacterial. We use oil of oregano for colds, flus, and bacterial infections. When browning ground beef, I add oregano as it reduces toxins created by cooking. Oregano is one of the herbs we run out of frequently just because we use it so often.
Thyme – Pairing well with the above herbs mentioned, thyme is another that works well for Italian dishes. It is also used frequently in marinades or sauces for meat. Thyme is very versatile and convenient, because you don’t necessarily need to chop the leaves since they are so small. Thyme has tons of health benefits and uses because it is antibacterial, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, It can be used as an expectorant when you have colds. Calming, Thyme helps with anxiety and hypertension. Hair loss and acne can be prevented by using thyme. Thyme oil is an excellent natural bug repellant.
Cilantro – Controversial–that’s usually the main word used to describe this herb. It has a very pungent aroma and flavor, which I love, but not everyone likes it. Most people are either on one end of the spectrum or the other when it comes to their love for cilantro. It is another that works well with Mexican or Italian cuisine and even pairs well with Chinese dishes. Although Cilantro contains many vitamins and antioxidants, it is a powerhouse of properties that make it antifungal, antibacterial, disinfectant, antiseptic. Interestingly, it can lower cholesterol, aid with arthritis, reduce allergic reactions, eczema, reduce stress, prevent diseases like smallpox, and ease nausea.
Parsley – Parsley can be used as a garnish or to flavor most ethnic dishes from Chinese, Mexican, Jamaican, Italian and more. Containing antioxidants, Vitamins K, A, C, iron, folate, magnesium, potassium and Calcium, this little herb packs a powerful punch of health benefits. It aids in digestion easing constipation, IBS, acid reflux, and bloating. Parsley is good for inflammation, kidney stones, bladder infection, immune deficiency, arthritis, and free radical damage.
Chives – Chives can be used to liven up just about any savory dish. From loaded baked potatoes to tacos, casseroles and soups, and even sandwiches, chives add a flavor you’re sure to miss once you begin using them on a regular basis. I bet you didn’t know that chives have immune boosting and disease fighting properties as well. They aid in weight loss, bone health, and blood clotting. They prevent heart disease and cancer by lowering inflammation.
Mint – This is by far my favorite herb. Mint is very versatile because it adds remarkable flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. You can find many varieties of mint to suit your needs. One year I grew chocolate mint and it was amazing! Mint can be used to add flavor to your water, smoothies, fruit, desserts, and pairs well with meats and veggies for a savory flare. Mint sooths digestion, freshens breath, assists in mental focus, relaxes tight joints and muscles, aids in clearing nasal congestion, reduces fever, soothes sunburns, and relieves headaches. Mint has antimicrobial properties that boost energy and fight disease. Because it is inexpensive, in many cases mint is a less expensive option to many prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It is also a very effective insect repellant.
Herb gardens are essential to any home for their many benefits and uses. You can plant them in whatever size container for which you have space. I like to use mason jars because you can view the progress from the bottom to the top, and they’re just my style! Treasured Sparrow Designs sells herb labels, and you can customize them for your needs. I hope you enjoy growing yours as much as I do. Happy, HEALTHY gardening!
