6 SUPER HERBS THAT WILL HELP BOOST YOUR HEALTH

You only need a tiny patch in the garden or a few containers with decent soil to grow plants that will add flavour to your meal and and provide medicinal uses. Here are six easy options to start with.

---

Herbs in containers are easy to maintain and you can move them around to follow the sun. When growing more than one plant in a pot, make sure they have the same soil and water needs, and grow to around the same size.

1. OREGANO
Oregano is a great antibacterial agent that helps fight infection, and it’s loaded with antioxidants to promote healthy cells. It boosts immunity and can help with sore throats, coughing, nausea, indigestion, and even menstrual cramps. Two steep teaspoons of dry oregano in a cup of boiling water for two to four minutes for make a healthy tea.

• GROWING: It likes well-drained soil and full sun, but afternoon shade in very hot areas. For bushy growth, prune young plants when they get to around 10cm tall. Water only when the soil feels dry.
• IN FOOD: Use in tomato-based sauces, on pizza or with grilled cheese, and fresh leaves can be used in salads.

2. ROSEMARY
Rosemary can reduce anxiety, boost mood and improve concentration and memory. It’s used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and wound healing properties, and it’s a great immune booster, as well as a hair tonic. To make a rinse for oily hair, put one teaspoon of fresh or dried rosemary and one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of boiling water. Cool and pour over washed hair. For tea, one steep teaspoon of leaves in a cup of boiling water.

“Rosemary can reduce anxiety, boost mood and improve concentration and memory… It’s a great immune booster, as well as a hair tonic.”

• GROWING: Like oregano, rosemary needs full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow into a very large bush, so make sure it has enough space. When the flowers have faded, cut back the stems so the plants don’t become leggy. Water lightly and prune often.
• IN FOOD: Rosemary adds great flavour to chicken, pork and lamb, and is good with oily fish and roast potatoes.

3. THYME

Thyme can neutralise certain bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. To make thyme tea, a few sprigs in boiling water for about five minutes. Drink three to four times a day.

• GROWING: It can share a container with rosemary, since they have similar needs.
• IN FOOD: Great in any stock, marinade or stew, it’s also delicious with roasted veg (particularly potatoes) and adds a magical touch to mushrooms.

Related article: Make a square foot garden

4. MINT
Mint helps with indigestion and gas, has a calming effect, and improves sleep. To make a tea, add about a dozen leaves in one cup of boiling water until it turns light yellow.

• GROWING: It needs rich, well-drained soil, and lots of water. It can be invasive, so it’s a good idea to grow it in pots.
• IN FOOD: Add to yoghurt, smoothies, or green salads. Middle Eastern cuisines often feature mint in lamb dishes, soups, and vegetable salads.

5. ALOE VERA

Cut open an aloe leaf and you’ll find a gel that can be rubbed directly onto minor cuts, scrapes, burns, sunburn or acne. The juice is very healthy but a bit tricky to make yourself. Be sure to buy pure juice and ask your doctor first about drinking it regularly if you are on any medication.

• GROWING: Being a succulent with fleshy leaves, aloe vera likes lots of sun and sandy soil. Water only when it’s completely dry.

Related article: How to plant a vegetable garden

6. LAVENDER
Lavender helps with anxiety and stress, and it’s a great sleep aid. To make a tea, add two tablespoons of fresh buds or dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for eight to 10 minutes. Or harvest leaves and flowers as they begin to open, chop and put in a cloth bag under your pillow for a good night’s sleep.

• GROWING: Lavender likes full sun and very well-drained soil. It also needs enough air circulating around it to prevent fungal disease. Keep indoor lavender plants near windows that let in lots of light.
• IN FOOD: Lavender can be used like fresh rosemary in recipes such as marinades, baked bread and roast chicken. (Too much dried lavender can cause a bitter taste.)

Related article: 10 Plants that help keep irritating insects at bay in warm water