The world of herbs thankfully has expanded over the past few decades. Gone are the days (and good riddance) when all that was on the store shelves were tiny bottles of dried bits. And they're not just used to add color and flavor anymore. Many herbs have become known for healing properties that we can all benefit from.
Herbs are available in any grocery store. You can still pick them up in small bottles, but you can also opt for big bags and jars if you use a lot of them.
In the mood for something fresh? Many stores offer a wide array of herbs for you to choose from. Or better yet, buy them all.
For the home-gardener though, there is another option. Growing your own herbs means being within reach of the freshest of the fresh. Some herbs are wonderfully aromatic and their fragrance when cut or torn can be intensified to fill the room.
You can put a tiny pot of your favorite in your kitchen window. You can spread half a dozen or more potted herbs out on a table or sill if you have the space and the inclination. Hang them in your window, stick them in planter boxes, fill your patio with herbs in urns, or plant them in your garden.
Like a uniform look with all your plants in similar containers that ties everything together? Or maybe you have an eclectic conglomeration of unique cans, jugs, jars and bowls that will decorate as well as nourish.
Use them fresh from their pots in your meal preparation. Enjoy the view of your indoor pots inside the house. Experience the satisfaction of looking at your herbs outside through a window, or from an outdoor vantage point of being on your knees in the garden or relaxing in a lawn chair.
Here are just a few of the herbs out there for you to choose from:
1) Aloe vera
Slice open an aloe leaf and scoop its gel out to rub it on your skin. Minor wounds may heal as much as eight days faster than they otherwise would have.
2) Basil
The essential oils found in basil are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Basil relieves flatulence, stimulates a lagging appetite, treats cuts and scrapes. In a salad or stir fry, basil provides vitamin A and iron.
3) Chamomile
Chamomile in a tea or a salve can aid with colic and indigestion. It can decrease tension and anxiety. It may help to heal skin irritation and inflammation.
4) Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, can assist in detoxification from heavy metals. It supports the liver. Use it in curry, juice, smoothies, salad and stir fries.
5) Lemon balm
Lemon balm helps ease anxiety, and supports sleep. It is antiviral. It helps to heal wounds as well as herpes and insect bites.To treat a cold sore, make a tea, dip a cotton ball in it, then apply to the cold sore. Do this every day until the sore is gone.
Lemon balm is related to mint. Like its minty cousins, lemon balm reduces flatulence and eases stomach upsets.
6) Mint
The mind family is freshens breath and aids digestion. These herbs may help get rid of headaches.
Peppermint may help ease IBS symptoms and intestinal muscle spasms when it's taken as a supplement. Tea made with peppermint can help settle indigestion or an upset stomach.
7) Parsley
Parsley supports the immune system and flushes out excess fluid. It may promote healing of the nervous system. It also freshens breath and reduces flatulence.
8) Rosemary
Rosemary contains antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid memory and the ability to concentrate, and may elevate mood. Rosemary also freshens breath.
9) Sage
This herb is anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It aids in purifying blood. Gargling with sage tea may help soothe a sore throat and tonsillitis.
10) Thyme
Tea made with thyme can help to relieve bronchial spasms congestion in the chest because of its thymol and carvacrol. It is antiseptic, and is beneficial for relief of coughs, gas and indigestion.
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Reviewed April 28, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN