Most Useful Herbs to Grow Right Now

Herbs have been a part of healing culture long before we started researching about them. They're not only supportive of your health, but also a great addition to recipes for flavor enhancement. Check out which herbs I think are essential to keep around and why!

---

Keeping herbs around in the garden or window sill ups your cooking game in the kitchen, for sure. Plus, they double as decoration, so it's a win-win, right? I personally like keeping herbs around because it is such a nice experience to be able to just "need some basil" and pick it right off the plant. Or make fresh peppermint tea, or grill rosemary with some steaks or chicken. There are also tons of support and research on the effectiveness of healing from many herbs. Do you ever use essential oils for anything? Why not have a few fresh plants around the house, too! Plus, you can even dry them out and have them for longer! Don't even need that expensive spice aisle anymore.

The possibilities are totally within your reach!

Whether you're in a little tiny apartment or have a whole field for a yard, I highly recommend keeping herb plants around. Here's some of my fave's:

1. Mint

Why:

• First off, this shi*t grows like a weed. So, its SUPER EASY to take care of
• You can use the leaves for tea, cocktails and more cocktails. Did I say mojitos?
• Mint is associated with aiding GI distress. I've used it with success for constipation, bloating and after a big meal to aid in digestion. Check it out here
• There are a few different varieties, so you can have fun choosing a type
• Smells nice, easy to pick off and chew the leaves

Keep in Mind

• Keep it in a pot by itself unless you want it all over the place. It grows like a weed. I don't mind it really, but some have limited space or don't want too much.
  

2. Thyme

Why:

• It grows really beautifully, and very aesthetically pleasing for the window sill or garden
• Can be grilled in a cast iron pot with a steak or chicken dish, making it extra delish. Also great on baked potatoes, baked veggies and Perogies
• I've steeped fresh thyme and eaten it through the day to support my body while dealing with bodily infections. Check out some research here
• This can also be used for Gin/Vodka cocktails
• Easily added to pasta dishes, sauces, and lots of other recipes that call for it

Keep in Mind

• I've found it grows the best for me in a pot because I can control it and move it around as the weather changes
• It can grow in a big pot with other herbs just fine, just change the pot as it grows
  

3. Rosemary

Why:

• Again, such a lovely plant to look at. Plus, it's fragrant as hell especially when you pull the leaves
• This can also be put in a cast iron for meat dishes
• I've used rosemary oil as a natural anti-fungal for years, especially in support whenever I dealt with a yeast infection. Check out an interesting article here
• Rosemary leaves can be chopped or added whole to pasta/Italian dishes, pizzas, grilled veggies, baked potatoes, yogurt sauces, squashes, and fall salads
• Can be planted and will grow back no problem

Keep in Mind

• I've found the best way to keep it is in a pot for control, but turns into a little bush in the ground. Change the pots as it grows to keep up
  

4. Oregano

Why:

• Easy to pick off leaves for pizza, salads and sauces. I add it on when we get delivery pizza!
• Can be steeped in tea or eaten whole. Oregano oil and oregano have been directly related and studied for the anti-bacterial properties. Check one article out here. Oregano was constantly brought up in natural and home SIBO treatments as well
• Super easy to maintain and grows in harmony with other plants

Keep in Mind

• Change pots as it grows

5. Basil

Why:

• Probably one of the most popular plants to grow - Sweet Basil. But there are other varieties. Check out purple basil, lemon basil, holy basil, & others
• Chopped in salads, in Italian sauces, with cheese/tomato/balsamic and crackers, and pasta dishes. I used purple basil for home made ramen!
  
• Holy Basil or Tusli has been connected with being an effective adaptogen/nootropic for cogitative function. Check out some research here
  
• Can succeed in a well lit window all year with good care
  

Keep in Mind

• Basil can be fussy at first. Sometimes they skimp out and turn yellow/brown. Don't give up! Make sure the soil is moist, its in ample sunlight and has a big enough pot to get roomy.
• Always pick from the bottom, you don't want to pull new growth off

6. Parsley

Why:

• Super easy to maintain
  
• Can be thrown in literally anything, even pesto, or used as garnish. Great for garden salads or tabbouleh salads
  
• Parsley is a good source of Vitamin C - if you decide to eat, like, a cup of parsley for lunch you'll have hit your recommended daily intake!
  
• This herb is also connected to healing properties and anti-oxidant effects. Check it out here
  

Keep in Mind

• Odds are you aren't using as much parsley as you're growing. I would suggest it in a pot alone. However, in the garden it grows lovely, too
  

Other Herbs To Consider

Lavender: Plant in the yard and keep for a beautiful bush. Dry out the leaves for burning. Smell them in the mornings and enjoy life. Calm the f down. Check this article out, too

Stinging Nettle: Thought I haven't used this myself because all of mine died, I've read and heard it being used in salads, sandwiches and soups. And, of course, tea. It's linked to diuretic properties - check it out here

Chives: I have had these in my gardens for a few years. Easy to plant, easy to maintain. Can be kept in a pot but seems it likes the garden. Chew the leaves whole or throw them on salads, eggs, potatoes and more. Purple flowers can be broken up and added to salads, or kept on the plant to harvest for seeds

Fennel: This can be planted and it will come back every year. Leaves taste like licorice or anise. Great for use as a digestive aid. Plus, the leaves are cute and delicate. Check out some research here.

Chamomile: Mine died for the most part, however I have another one growing. For me, I drink chamomile tea all the time, so I wanted to honor the herb and have a plant for myself. I use it in the evenings to calm my brain and prepare for sleep. Most sleepy-time teas will have it. Check out some support of this here

Sage: This is an easy plant to grow, and will come back each year if planted in the garden. I usually take whole parts of the plant to dry out for wrapping and burning. You can also cook with it with chicken and fall dishes

TIPS FOR GROWING HERBS

• Be gentle with them, most are delicate. When removing leaves, hold the plant steady, pull from the base of the leaf, or use a knife for accuracy.
• Opt for a pot if you want to control the size. Invasive plants like mint should have their own pot, while others can share. Don't over stuff. Pay attention to if the herb is growing roots through the bottom - you may need a bigger pot for it.
• Many herbs don't love direct sun. You can burn a new basil that way. Watch for burn spots or browning to consider a safe home.
• Herbs natural oils can be massaged out. Over stimulating or smashing a plant leaf can cause the taste to be bitter and takes away the essence it may bring to a drink, dish or tea. 
• Watch for flowering. Sure, they're lovely. But when an herb plant flowers it takes nutrients and energy from the plant away from making new leaves. Pull those babies off.
• Enjoy them. Sit outside and look at them. Pick them in the morning and throw them into breakfast or chew them on the spot. Some of my favorite moments are quiet mornings walking around the garden barefoot picking thyme and watering tomatoes.