Herbs with health benefits can be the answer for you in many cases. I prefer to use something natural for relief when I have aches and pains before I try an over the counter medicine. Herbs with health benefits have been used for thousands of years long before traditional medications were available. Many herbs have more antioxidants that some fruits and vegetables. I like that I can grow herbs in my herb garden and have them available when I need them. There’s no trip to the store. They are relatively inexpensive and I know what’s *in* them since I grow most of them myself. Here are a few of my favorite herbs that may have health benefits.
Herbs with Health Benefits
- Garlic may provide cancer protective benefits. To get the most benefit, let the garlic sit for ten minutes after chopping and before cooking.
- Oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs. Oregano is great to add to tomato soup or any dish with a tomato base.
- A study in Cancer Prevention Research shows that parsley may help prevent breast cancer.
- Peppermint soothes an upset stomach. Even at 19, my daughter still requests peppermint tea when her stomach is upset. Grow it fresh and then dry it to make an herbal tea.
- Thyme has the second highest amount of antioxidants and is a very good source of Vitamins A and C.
- Aloe Vera is not an herb. I grow it as a houseplant and the healing and soothing benefits are well known. I keep some on hand for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
- Chamomile – The small golden buds of chamomile are known to help people relax and have been said to help with insomnia. I enjoy chamomile tea every night before bed.
- Fennel is another herb that is known to help with stomach issues and particularly with colic and constipation.
- Lemon balm has been said to relieve stress and tension. This is another herb that works wonderfully as a tea.
- Sage combined with echinacea is very soothing as a tea when you have a sore throat.
When you’re planting your garden this spring, consider adding a few of these herbs with health benefits. Always purchase herbs from a trusted gardener or garden supply store and be certain of what you are growing or preparing before you use it. These herbs grow well for me in zone four in Vermont with the exception of the chamomile which I purchase from our local food coop. Herbs are best used fresh because they retain the most of their goodness in that form. However, they can be used dried as well.
Do you use any herbs with health benefits? Are there any you use regularly that I’ve forgotten to list?
About Ellen Christian
No wonder I wanted to focus more on growing herbs this year instead of so many veggies – thanks Ellen!!
I eat a clove of garlic every day….to keep the yeast infections at bay. LOL that rhymed.
Wow, thanks for the awesome info and the great post!! I have always wanted to grow herbs, but never have done it. Thanks so much for the inspiration and for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent!! :)
Kathy
I never seem to keep herbs alive, but I keep trying. I won’t give up. I love cooking with fresh herbs.
I would love to try to grow some herbs this spring!
Thanks for such useful information! I have been gathering a list of things to plant I want to start growing more of my own veggies, herbs this year.
Love this post. Thanks for sharing Ellen!
I always have trouble growing chamomile. Any suggestions?
Honestly, I’ve tried several times with no luck which is why I get mine from our coop.
Thanks for sharing Ellen! I have wanted to grow my own herbs!
You’re welcome, Courtney. Gardening is a great stress relief.
I have tried growing herbs but they ALWAYS die – or get too many aphids/gnats whatever. I want to do a little more research, especially after reading this post, to try to actually be successful this Spring!
I’ve never tried growing herbs. How easy is it to get started?
It’s not difficult at all really. If you are new to gardening, you may want to start with plants from the nursery center instead of starting them from seed. The easiest ones to get to grow well are probably a mint of some sort which is perennial and will come back each year and basil which is an annual and I generally plant in a big pot near the front door so I can snip it as I want it.
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I had heard some of these before but not all. Now if only I could grow a green thumb, I might could grow my own herbs, I have killed them all every time I ever tried, lol! PS Thanks for linking up at Motivating Monday on CEO of Me this week!
i have a ton of herbs in my garden. i love being able to walk out and just pick a few things whenever I need them!
Thanks for sharing! I am definitely in favor of natural solutions whenever possible. Garlic is so great for a variety of things, and I do love fresh herb teas!
So do I, Tiffany!
Thanks for sharing. Very helpful! We started growing our own herbs 2 years ago and truly believe in using herbs to keepour family healthy. We find that oregano oil helps our seasonal allergies and also helps clear the sinuses.
Glad to! I have never tried oregano oil for allergies. I need to check that out.
Thank you for this information. There are also toxic medicine plants but those aren’t good to have in a garden if a person has pets.
You’re welcome, Vikki!