Do you want to benefit from the medicinal properties of the freshest herbs available? The solution is simple: start your herb garden.
Growing your herb garden has numerous
advantages, ranging from stress relief to improved mood. According to a NASA
study, working with plants boosted astronauts' psychological well-being in the
harsh environment of space. Gardening, which requires concentration, critical
thinking, and planning, improves cognitive function, particularly in seniors.
Are you ready to start digging? Begin with these five simple-to-grow options.
1. Thyme
This member of the mint family grows in several
regions and thrives in sunny, less-humid circumstances. It's a staple in the
Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central American, and other cuisines—not to mention
herb gardens. It's high in thymol and other essential oils and chemicals that
help the immune system and may even protect you from viral illnesses. Thyme's
essential oils can also aid with coughing and congestion.
How to use it: In a cup of boiling water, steep
a few sprigs of fresh thyme for 10 minutes, then filter. Cut long sprigs, knot
the stems together with twine, and hang to dry in an excellent, dark spot,
leaves pointing down. Please place them in a sealed glass container once
they're dried. In a cup of boiling water, soak one teaspoon of dried thyme.
Alternatively, to reduce congestion and ease coughs, add a handful of dried
leaves to a kettle of boiling water, remove from heat, and use steam.
2. Oregano
This fragrant member of the mint family is
native to Europe and thrives in various conditions, making it an ideal addition
to any DIY herb garden. The antioxidant chemicals carvacrol, limonene, and
others that give the oregano its characteristic flavor and fragrance also
defend against viruses, bacteria, and other diseases. Studies have shown these
chemicals reduce inflammation, support immunological function, and maybe fight
antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
What to do with it: In a cup of boiling water,
steep a few sprigs of fresh oregano for 10 minutes, then strain. Make oregano
oil by gathering around two cups of loosely packed oregano leaves. Using a
mortar and pestle, gently crush half a cup of leaves at a time (you can also
use a muddler). Mix in one cup of warm olive oil with the crushed leaves.
Infuse for two weeks in a cold, dark environment, stirring every day or two in
a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Strain the oil, discard the leaves, and
store it in a firmly sealed glass jar using a cheesecloth.
3. Lemon balm
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis,
is another European native in American herb gardens. Lemon balm has long been
used to alleviate stress and sleeplessness, and research suggests that it may
also help with immunological health. It has a wide range of phytochemicals with
antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon balm
essential oil has been shown in studies to prevent influenza virus replication,
while water extracts boost immune system activation.
What to do with it: Fresh leaves should be
coarsely chopped and steeped in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes before
straining. The bright, citrusy flavor of the fresh leaves can be used in
cooking; chop them and add to salad dressings, lemon scones, fruit salads, or
citrus sorbets. To dry lemon balm, cut the stems about three inches from the
ground, knot the branches together with twine and hang in an excellent, dark
spot with the leaves looking downward. Remove leaves from stems and store in a
sealed glass jar until thoroughly dry. 2 tsp dried leaves, steeped in a cup of
hot water for 10 minutes, then strained
4. Rosemary
This aromatic evergreen shrub has been utilized
in culinary and medicinal applications for thousands of years, making it one of
the most potent additions to any herb garden. It is native to the
Mediterranean, but it grows well in various temperatures and is relatively
durable in chilly areas. Rosemary is high in antioxidants, including rosmarinic
acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid, which help reduce inflammation, boost
immunity, and protect against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
What to do with it: Steep one large sprig of fresh rosemary for 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water, then discard sprig; or remove needles from fresh rosemary sprigs, loosely packed 1 tsp. Into a tea ball, and steep in boiling water. Pack rosemary sprigs in a pint-sized glass jar, cover with vodka, and seal jar; let stand for 4–6 weeks in a cold, dark place, stirring the pot every day or two. Remove rosemary sprigs from the tincture and strain them into a glass jar with a tight-fitting cover.