top of page

My Favorite Herbs to Grow In The Garden

Writer's picture: Feather & Leaf AcupunctureFeather & Leaf Acupuncture

Spring time has arrived!! Finally! It seems with all the gloomy weather and the heavy rain we have been experiencing, it was hard to not wish for sunnier days and warmer weather. So it is here and with it comes a Spring into full swing!


The sun is shining bright, the trees are full, the birds and bees are flying around, and the flowers are so vibrant. But one area that seems to be blossoming are the herbs!


I have a love for herbs that is undeniable! I really love all plants. The amount of uses they contain is so fascinating! I personally love growing them in my garden and having them on hand for multiple occasions. Plus, they're fun to grow!


Herbs are amazing in how they can be utilized. They can be added to dishes, used as a garnish to spice up the appearance of a meal or drink, used for medicinal purposes in a number of ways, they can even provide a helping hand in the garden when planted next to other plants that take a liking to their company.


During this time of the year, I love getting my hands in the dirt to plant or enjoy already planted herbs in the garden. This is the peak season for a lot of herbs to thrive. So I thought to share with you my favorite herbs to have in the garden and why!


1) Peppermint

This herb is a must. It is a hybrid plant that is a combination of mint and spearmint. A great herb for many uses. Specifically tea to calm the digestive system when stomach upset occurs or even notable inflammation. It can also assist the respiratory system in opening the airways by calming an irritation with the menthol cooling effect.

2) Lemon Balm

Oh I love me some Lemon Balm!! This is one of my absolute favorite herbs and one of my go-to herbs for stress and anxiety. It works with the nervous system to revert back from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. I recommend this plant as a tea or in the tincture form for my patients when they mention their stress levels are high and feeling a little on the edge with their current day to day. It promotes a calmer, better mood and improves sleep. I love having this herb in my garden to have ready for whenever I want to add a little more calm to the day. It's great as a tea to start the day.


3) Thyme

Thyme is a great defense herb to assist the immune system and fight off colds and flu. I love that I have this in my garden for when the cold and flu season approaches I can be ready. It is known for its use to give a little more pizazz with the appearance in dishes but it definitely comes with a punch.


4) Oregano

Oregano is well known and a commonly used herb in many meals to spruce the flavor. Along with adding some wonderful flavor to food, Oregano is another immune fighting herb. It is a great ally along with its cousin Thyme. I enjoy making a syrup or tea with the two during the winter months. I also love drinking Oregano tea by itself to really reap the immune support benefits. It contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, which aids in being an anti-inflammatory and is packed with antioxidants.


5) Fennel

Fennel is a great herb to have on hand. This herb is also great in meals but I generally love to have this herb as a tea to soothe my tummy after having a large meal or feeling bloated after overindulging on some sweets during the holiday season. It contains a wide range of nutrients that help support healthy skin, the immune system, and the digestive system.


6) Rosemary

This herb is a definite must! I love using Rosemary for different uses. I love the smell and the way it grow. It blooms beautifully with its white and blue flowers that bring the butterflies and bees. A few of its many uses include being an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and helps to relieve pain. Rosemary also assists the digestive system in helping to properly digest red meat. It can also be used to stimulate hair growth as well.


7) Chamomile

Such a dainty herb that provides a great benefit to our digestion. It is known as a calming herb to help relax the body and prepare us for sleep. However, this lovely herb is great at being an antispasmodic, which means it helps to relax muscles all over the body. This includes the digestive tract, the respiratory tract when irritated, and even muscle cramps. So if you are experiencing some upset stomach leading to diarrhea, menstrual cramps or even experiencing a cough that won't work itself out, then Chamomile is your friend!


8) Nettle

Nettle is awesome year around, however, the Spring time is when it is at its peak! When an herb or food is harvested during its peak season, it is packed with the most nutrients. Nettle is great for the immune system and joint health. It also has been known to keep blood sugar levels balanced. I usually have one cup of Nettle tea in the morning. It helps to keep immune system and joints strong.


9) Lavender

Lavender is known for its relaxing fragrance but it is so much more than that!

This herb is such a healing herb with some magic! It works great at protecting the body by being an antibacterial and an anti-fungal, reduces pain and inflammation, and, improves sleep. I love drying it and then using it in oils for pain and tossing some in a little pouch and place it under my pillow to help me drift off to sleep.


10) Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an old time friend of mine. This plant is known for its helpful hand in soothing skin after laying out in the sun all day. However, it gives us much more than just that. Aloe Vera provides antibacterial properties and contains antioxidants as well. It is great for wound healing, specifically canker sores, burns, and cuts. I like adding the juice to smoothies for an added boost to keep my blood sugar levels balanced and to get the bowels moving if they feel a little sluggish in the digestive tract. It is also great for the skin due to it being so hydrating. As we age, over time we lose moisture in our face and skin. So Aloe Vera is a great way to seal in some of the moisture that might be lost throughout the day.


These are just some of may favorite herbs to grow in the garden. I love all plants but these are all great herbs to start with if you aren't too familiar with having a green thumb. They are easy to grow, fun to work with, and can be used in simple remedies to heal yourself.


Recent Posts

See All

Comments


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Yelp

©2016 by Feather & Leaf Acupuncture. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page