Garden Herbs You Can Use for Simple Home Remedies

Herbs can add depth and flavour to just about any dish. I mean, who can go past killer combinations like garlic and thyme or lemongrass and ginger? But for centuries, they have also played an important role in health and healing.

These days, we have access to modern medicine to treat or manage most illnesses, but herbs still have a role in supporting and promoting health and preventing disease. Here are 7 easy-to-grow herbs to include in your garden.

Parsley

Parsley is a powerful antioxidant and is high in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc, and vitamins A, K, and C. It is also thought to reduce inflammation, act as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent and boost digestion, metabolism and cardiovascular health. If that’s not enough reason to garnish your next meal with parsley, it has also been used as a natural breath freshener for hundreds of years.

Thyme

Not only does thyme smell amazing, but it is also high in vitamin C and A, as well as copper and manganese. Thyme has historically been used to relieve coughs and sore throats, boost immunity and lower blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. You can also use thyme oil is also regularly used in cleaning and garden care products because of its natural disinfectant, pesticide, fungicide and bactericide properties.

Coriander

How coriander tastes to you actually depends on your genes – most of us enjoy this tangy herb, but others argue that they may as well be eating a bar of soap (or ass). You either love it or you hate, but you can’t dispute the fact that it’s a very popular health-promoting herb. Coriander, or cilantro, as it’s otherwise known, is rich in antioxidants and is said to help stimulate digestion, lower blood sugar, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce skin inflammation and disorders like eczema.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is high in B vitamins as well as iron and manganese and is thought to be an antioxidant that is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. The tea is often used to relieve anxiety, promote digestion and ease digestive complaints like stomach aches and cramps. The tough lemongrass stalks can be chewed to make your mouth feel fresh, and it is thought that it could also improve oral health and reduce gum disease and tooth decay.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another fabulously fragrant herb that can be brewed into tea. Peppermint tea is used to relieve stomach upsets, clear blocked noses and sinuses and freshen your breath. It can also be used for relaxation, which can help reduce anxiety and help you sleep, so pop a few springs of peppermint around and breath deep.

Chamomile

You have probably heard of chamomile, and may have even used chamomile tea for its relaxation properties. Chamomile is definitely known for its ability to promote a sense of relaxation and calm, but it is also thought to be able to soothe indigestion and stomach cramps, reduce diarrhea and bloating, help stablise blood sugar levels, and ease headaches and migraines.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a little known herb in most parts, however, it is packed full of health benefits that you need to know about. When eaten or used as a tea, pennyroyal is said to be a relaxant and could ease digestive upsets and boost digestion.

The oil is considered to be an insect repellent when used on the skin, but can also soothe bites and stings and is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti inflammatory. The fresh leaves have also been used on pets and pet bedding as a flea deterrent, making it a herb you’ll definitely want growing in your garden.