Best herb plants to grow around you
For centuries, people have been turning to herbs to nourish and heal themselves. Besides, using them for cooking to add flavor, it also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Recently, I developed an interest to create my own herb garden and I began to research on various herbs to grow easily without much effort. I was also looking out for herbs that is going to be useful for a long term as well.
And lo and behold, I narrowed it down to 6 herbs that is just perfect for my family to reap all the benefits out from it. I am just sharing my favorite 6 herb plants to grow based on how easy it is for them to grow and their benefits for multiple reasons. So here goes my list:
Coriander
Coriander is a versatile herb that is used in Asian cooking. It is a great herb to grow both for its leaves and seeds. By re-sowing seeds every three weeks, you can have coriander leaves (also known as cilantro) throughout the summer to add to salads and Asian dishes.
Health benefits: It is usually used in the treatment of high cholesterol levels, diarrhoea, skin inflammation, anaemia, mouth ulcers and indigestion. It is also a great remedy for menstrual disorders, smallpox, blood sugar imbalance and for better vision.
Mint
Mint contains menthol that gives this herb a spicy sweet aroma and taste. It can be used in cooking as well as soothing teas to calm you down. When choosing a location to grow your own mint, find one where the plant will receive morning sun and partial afternoon shade.
Health benefits: Mint is a good source of Vitamin A that is vital for good vision. It is a potent source of antioxidants as compared to other herbs. Sipping a mint tea helps with motion sickness and stomach related issues.
Chilli
Chilli peppers are popular to enhance flavour or to add spice to dishes. It is mainly used as a spice and can be used dried, powdered or on its own. When growing your own chilli plant, it is best to keep the soil a little on the dry side as it will stress your plant to produce hotter chillies.
Health benefits: It improves digestion, fights colds and flu, fights inflammation, provides joint pain relief, reduces migraines, promotes red blood cell growth, keeps your skin and hair healthy.
Curry leaves
Curry leaves also known as Kadhi Patta is a vital herb that is native to India. These leaves are usually used in Indian cooking from start to end as either seasoning or garnish. When growing these plants, let the soil dry out during water spells as it likes well-drained dry soil. Pick fresh leaves when you need it as harvesting encourages new growth in curry plant.
Health benefits: Curry leaves is popular for their various antioxidant properties and the ability to control diarrhea as well as several gastrointestinal problems. In addition, they also reduce the risk of cancer.
Lime
Lime is an ingredient of many Asian cuisines. The lime fruits are round, edible, but sour. The juice is used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes; it can commonly be found in salad dressings and squeezed over cooked meat or even used to make a lime juice. When growing them, make sure that where your lime is planted, it will receive plenty of sunshine.
Health benefits: They’re nutritional powerhouses — high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Because limes are loaded with nutrients, they may help boost your immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.
Holy Basil
This green leafy plant, also known as tulsi, is native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves are typically used in cold dishes, such as salads, instead of cooked dishes. When growing Holy Basil, you won’t need to fertilize it very much or very often; in fact, over-fertilization causes the leaves to be less flavorful.
Health benefits: It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms. Holy basil has been shown to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties similar to antidepressant drugs.
Thanks for reading my blog post and hope it gives some useful info out there for those who are planning to grow your own powerhouse herbs just like me. All the best in recreating your own herb garden!:)
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits#section1
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-coriander.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes#benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits#how-to-use
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/benefits-chili-pepper.php