My Top 5 Herbs and How I Use Them!
Aren’t herbs nifty? Across the ages people have been bewitched by the universality of herbs. They’ve been used in broad waves as cuisine enhancers as well as in natural medicines such as salves, tinctures, and more. I can hardly believe that I could filter all the lovely herbs down to just 5, but, inevitably, there are a few that tend to make the cut more than others. So here we go
1.Lavender
I’m sure, to some, lavender may be one of the most overrated of herbs, but I just can’t help it. It’s so soothing and gentle. I just love this relaxing herb. Lavender has been known to be the “go to” herb for relaxation, but did you know that lavender can also aid in digestion and help with headaches and skin issues too? I know many people who, when they first got into essential oils, admit lavender was their first buy. Whenever I grow my own I like to use the flowers in sachets to put in drawers and pillow cases. It’s especially delightful in teas, soaps, and ice cream too. You can also use the leaves or a whole sprig to infuse into olive oil! Lavender is often thought of as a perennial, and most varieties can handle zones 5-8. Look into your zone though, you might find a variety that does particularly well (or not)!
2.Mint
As much as a person can love an herb is how much I love mint. And my husband HATES it. I mean I can’t have a single hint of that glorious minty freshness if I want to be near him. Come on – minty breath is the best! Since mint makes up about 80% of toothpaste flavors I’m sure you’ve run into it’s intense flavor before.
In the past I’ve read that people would also use mint to improve skin health, digestion, and nausea. Personally, I love putting my mint leaves in tea, but it really is a versatile herb! It’s great for salve, tinctures, DIY scrubs, lotion, and lip balm! When I’m not using it for my tea, I’m infusing it in water! I’ll grab a couple sprigs and fill up a few mason jars with water and store them in the fridge. It’s a subtle splash of minty freshness – YUM.
Mint is an easy to grow perennial, and does best in zones 3-10ish. It’s one of those super growers that’ll take over everything so watch out! You’ll have more mint than you know what to do with! (And that’s a good thing. ?)
3.Lemon Balm
Speaking of easy growers! Lemon balm is as easy as mint, and as versatile too! Lemon Balm is an herb that reminds me of mint a little though it’s leaves have a rougher texture compared to mint. Similar to lavender and mint, lemon balm can also aid in digestion. Surprisingly it can also help with menstrual cramps and cold sores!
This is another herb that I love to use in teas. I just throw a few leaves in my tea diffuser, steep, and enjoy. This was a nightly thing for me for a long while! In fact…I think I’ve inspired myself to start again. I always sleep well with my lemon balm tea. 🙂
Lemon Balm does well in zones 5-9, and it’s a super hardy perennial. My own Lemon Balm plant is quite obnoxious. I planted one bitty plant years ago and now BOOM. I find shoots springing up when the weather turns nice in the oddest of places. Don’t be afraid, though, it’s a stage 4 clinger you’ll actually like having around.
4.Basil
Basil is a beautiful, fat, smell-good herb that’s full of that rustic Italian flavor that you dream of. It’s can be robust and subtle at the same time. Betcha didn’t know it makes a great tea! It does! Check out a few recipes here! (coming soon) I like to balance it with some floral or minty notes. Basil is another good one for managing your bad breath, and it’s also helpful in reducing inflammation and boosting your immunity. This one is obviously a go-to for almost ANY Italian dish and, of course, pesto! Bonus, you can freeze it! Unfortunately, basil isn’t a perennial for most, but it’s very easy to grow! I’ll also add that my own basil plant has come back on it’s own in my garden for the last 3 years! I always let the herb flower – maybe that’s the trick?!
5.Rosemary
Now, I really can’t leave this one out. Not only because it’s an herbs herb, like the real deal, but also because it’s the name of my darling first born. Rosemary will always have a special place in my heart (the herb and my sweetie). Rosemary is an amazing herb to put with chicken – as part of a rub or sometimes I’ll even throw a sprig in with my chicken noodle soup and in my rice! Yummmm. Outside of the kitchen Rosemary can play some awesome roles in our body as well! It’s well known that Rosemary EO can be used to stimulate hair growth and circulation, but it’s also associated with helping improve your skin, memory and your immunity! It’s also a surprisingly hardy. It’s a perennial and does best in zones 7-10. So go grab you some this spring and you could potentially enjoy it for many years to come!
Bonus Herb!
I couldn’t forget this one!
Thyme!
This little gem is super hardy and so easy to grow. This herb smells like heaven and is as cute as a button. It’s a perfectly delicate garnish for dishes and drinks alike. Surprisingly, some even use Thyme in desserts too! In the garden, Thyme is a natural repellent which makes it more than just a charming addition. Medicinally, it has been used to ease sore throats, boost moods, lower stress, dental health, to improve respiratory quality, and the list goes on. *super herb?*
Herbs are quality resources, not only for what they bring to our plates or bodies, but also more personally the intrinsic value that they’ve stamped on my heart. It’s a pure feeling every time I snip one of these from my garden, and it takes me back in time to a place I’ve never actually been. Maybe a great-great’s garden somewhere, you know…a simple, quiet place. I hope you can see it because it’s heavenly. I would encourage you to grow your own herbs, at least once, even if it’s just one and it’s sitting on your windowsill. You’ll love the freshness they bring to your life!
