Ten Nutritious Herbs You Should Definitely Grow in Your Garden

Through the years, many diet plans have grown popular and a few just faded out after being a fad for a short while, but one thing remains the same: the goal to eat healthily. And eating healthy doesn’t just mean munching on chia and flax seeds or raw vegetables and fruits. You can actually eat a full meal and you will still be eating healthy. All you have to do is eat right!

The problem with eating healthy is that you have to cut down on all the mouthwatering flavors of delicious food. But did you know that you don’t have to skip condiments when eating healthy? The trick is to use a few healthy herbs to add flavor to your diet.

Whether you’re eating healthy to achieve an impressive physique or maintain your fitness, or to help save the planet through a sustainable diet, these ten nutritious herbs can add to your healthy meals, (not just for your mouth but for your wallet too since it’s free!).

Basil

This herb is known as fiber-rich and it is good for the liver with its detoxification effect. Its oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could help clear skin blemishes. Basil can be grown easily indoors or outdoors, and it also does not require much attention, other than watering it every other day. You can also grow it right at your kitchen sink. Using a small pot (or a reused bottle or can), plant your basil seeds and watch them grow. You can move them outdoors when they start to grow individual roots. Don’t know what to make for dinner? How about Pesto Pasta or Roasted Chicken with Basil? Yum.

Chives

According to several studies, consumption of this herb can help reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer, and also help improve the immune system. It grows well indoors since it does not require much space and light to flourish. If you need a quick and light breakfast, how about chive infused deviled eggs?

Cilantro

What makes this herb special is its health benefits. One of which is the ability to take toxic and heavy metals such as lead and mercury out of your tissues.

Plus, its seed can also be turned into a tasty spice called coriander. Asian dishes are known to use cilantro. No wonder Asian cuisine tastes so good.

Dill

This is a good source of beta-carotene and many other antioxidants. It is also popularly known to be a cure for hiccups. To maximize the growth of this herb, it must be planted in deep soil, under the full sun, and must be watered once a week. Make spinach tastier by turning it into a creamy spinach and dill recipe.

Lavender

Although it is widely known for its fragrance, this pretty herb is edible too. In other words, it is not just good for your senses, but great for your physical well-being too.

Being a large plant, it should be grown in the outdoors where it would get ample sunlight and must be planted in well-drained soil. Want a snack? Make instant Lemon Lavender Muffins, with them.

Mint

Rich in Vitamin A and several other essential nutrients, this herb is good for a myriad of medical conditions including headaches, digestion problems, skin diseases, cavities, and respiratory disorders. If you want to grow this plant, you have to provide it with enough space to prevent it from getting choked. If you have this shrub in your garden, trust me, you have the remedy for a lot of ailments covered. So the next time you have a headache, don’t take that pill yet, make yourself an Easy Fresh Mint Tea instead.

Parsley

This is another jam-packed herb with essential vitamins and minerals. It can be grown easily as long as the soil remains at least a bit moist. Just like basil, it doesn’t take too much space and can be grown indoors.

Rosemary

The aromatic smell of this herb is said to help improve memory. When growing this plant, frequent watering and full sunshine are essential for the best results. When you think of Rosemary, nothing sounds better than chicken.

Sage

With its antioxidant and antiseptic properties, this powerful herb can be used as a natural treatment for fatigue and anxiety, and can even help boost memory. However, it requires high maintenance for those who want to grow this plant.

Popularly known to be the ultimate fall herb, you can make Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pierogi or the classic Pumpkin Soup with Sage and Ham.

Thyme

This herb is a great ingredient for delicious salads and soups and known as a natural remedy for several respiratory problems. It can be grown indoors as long as it receives lots of sunshine. Keep it simple and flavorful with sauteed zucchini with thyme.

These herbs are fairly easy to grow, though it does depend on the weather, soil conditions, and many other factors. But wouldn’t it be a joy to be able to pick your own herbs to use for a delicious home-cooked meal?