Green Gift Giving – Herbs for Health

What better way to help celebrate the festive season with a gift that just keeps giving!

No matter how big or small you or your friend’s living space is, there is always room for a pot of herbs. Herbs are wonderful nutrient rich plants that are a useful addition to any household.

Why not grow your own or expand your own garden. Planting and looking after your herb garden can be fun and rewarding for the kids (and big kids.)

They make great presents and in the future you can do swaps with your friends and family. Next year you could give them a gift of your produce – try a flavoured oil or homemade face mask.

You may be thinking – “but I don’t have a green thumb”, alas there are plenty of hardy herbs that are easy to grow and maintain – I recommend Rosemary and Peppermint.

Buy a plant from your local green grocer, market or nursery, then you can pick the growers brain for tips to properly care for the plant.

Aromatic herbs (eg Rosemary and Sage) love the warmer weather and sunlight, so you can leave them on your window ledge!

Herbs to plant in Summer :

FULL SUN PART SUN – PART SHADE FULL SHADE
  • Calendula
  • Lavender
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Coriander
  • Basil
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Chamomile
  • Lemon balm/Melissa
  • Peppermint
  • Parsley
  • Echinacea
  • St Johns Wort
  • Evening Primrose
  • Valerian
  • Sweet Violet

Note: If plants are kept in pots they require regular watering; Mint especially loves water The festive season is usually full of fun and over indulgence! The antioxidants found in herbs are important at this time of year to help the body with detoxification process – especially important at this time of year!These are some of my favourite herbs and how to benefit from them:

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains essential oils, bitters and tannins which can be used as a refreshing addition to water, and also good to aid digestion. There are many varieties available – including chocolate mint, yum!

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains essential oils, tannins and saponins to help your circulation and memory. Put a fresh sprig into boiling water for a home grown tea TIP: cover the cup with a saucer for 10-15 minutes to ensure you are capturing the essential oil goodness

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves contain essential oils, tannins, glycosides and saponins that can aid digestion and help relive coughs. Combines well with tomato in Mediterranean dishes

Other pretty flowers you can incorporate into food to help relax the nervous system include Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – especially useful this time of year! Lavender can be used in on cakes or shortbread biscuits!

 

Nasturtium/Indian Cress (Tropaeolum majus) is often used as edible decorations in salads at restaurants!

Growing herbs is rewarding and satisfying, much better than squeezing it out of a tube (minus the preservatives too! Your body will notice the benefit too! So go on, give it a go!

To book a Naturopathic or Nutrition Consultation with Angela Prest ph 3366 7970 or Book Online

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