Cooking with fresh herbs benefits you in two ways. You’re food will taste amazing and some herbs are highly beneficial for your health. You can plant and grow your own organic herbs in pots on your deck. Or you can grown them indoors. If you’re worried about the plants getting enough light, there are lots of indoor growing kits that come with everything you need, including lights. Here are 5 herbs to add do your diet for health and flavor.
Dill
You’re probably familiar with the flavor of dill because of dill pickles. It is a powerful herb that is easy to grow. It only takes 8 weeks to mature and it loves full sun. Dill is loaded with plant flavonoids which are antioxidants and ant-inflammatory compounds that also support the immune system. The www.webmd.com site says that there have been studies that show that dill can be used to help manage diabetes. Research on animals shows that it can help reduce cholesterol.
Oregano
Oregano, and the essential that comes from it, has long been used medicinally. Like dill, it is easy to grow at home, both indoors and outdoors. Fresh oregano can be taken for it’s antibacterial properties. Having some consumable oregano oil in your medicine cabinet is a good front line of defense for colds, flues, and stomach upsets. The oil is very strong, so follow the package directions. You may have some dried oregano in your kitchen cabinet. There is still some benefit to consuming dried oregano. Just not as many as fresh. And know that the dried herb looses it’s potency over time and should be replaced after 6 months.
Thyme
Not only is thyme a flavorful spice, it has medicinal properties as well. It is a member of the mint family and is another herb that is easy to grow at home. It is a low growing plant that spreads and comes back every year. It is originally from the Mediterranean area and is naturally drought tolerant. Like the other herbs in this article, it supports your immunity and has antibacterial qualities. It has been studied for it’s health benefits, including it’s anti-fungal products. You’ll see it in products that deter pests. As an essential oil, it can be used to improve your mood because of it’s uplifting scent.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen that can be easily grown at home, both indoors and outdoors. Like thyme, it is from the Mediterranean region, so it doesn’t require a lot of water and likes lots of sun. It is known to stimulate the mind and support cognition. Many people find the fragrance of the essential oil contained in rosemary to be very uplifting. It is often used medicinally to support digestive issues and is readily available as a tea.
Sage
Sage is also in the mint family, along with these others herbs. It grows in well drained soil and can reach 30″ in height. So you’ll want to grow it outside and replace it every couple of years to keep it productive. It has a strong scent and and an earthy taste. It has been used for it’s healing qualities for thousands of years. Some traditional ceremonies involve burning a bundle of sage and using it as smudge to purify the energy of the space. Sage is loaded with anti-oxidants and is a powerful herb. It has been studied for it’s ability to support dental health along with it’s ability to support healthy blood sugar levels.
Did this help you? If so, I’d greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.
Email: sharonledwards@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonledwardsbiz/