Common Garden Culinary Herbs That Can Be Used for Herbal Remedies

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1. Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just a fragrant herb for roasting potatoes or seasoning meat. It has other herbal qualities and even contains iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

Potential Health Benefits of Rosemary

• Brain Tonic: Rosemary is believed to help support memory and cognitive function. Many herbalists recommend combining it with ginkgo for an added brain boost.
• Cardiovascular Support: Some studies suggest rosemary may help reduce high blood pressure, although more research is needed.
• Hair and Scalp: One lesser-known advantage of rosemary is its revitalizing effect on hair and scalp. You can make a simple rosemary toner by infusing the herb in apple cider vinegar (ACV) or witch hazel. This toner can help cleanse and rejuvenate your skin, as well as soothe irritated scalps.
• Skin Toner: Create a rosemary toner by infusing the herb in apple cider vinegar (ACV) or witch hazel. This can help with acne-prone or irritated skin.

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Sage, commonly recognized for its flavor in Thanksgiving stuffing, is a powerful herb that can be used in a variety of medicinal ways.

Sage is often revered for its ability to support overall vitality. In traditional herbal practices, it’s used to help clear congestion, soothe sore throats, and even regulate sweating.

Health and Wellness Highlights

• Rebuilding Vitality: Sage has been traditionally used to strengthen the body and support a feeling of well-being, particularly after illness.
• Clears Congestion: Its warming qualities help break up mucus, which can be especially helpful during cold and flu seasons.
• Soothes Throat: A classic use is to combine sage with honey in a tea or gargle to calm a sore or scratchy throat.

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3. Oregano

Oregano is much more than a pizza topping. It contains compounds that may aid digestion, reduce coughs, and even have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Oregano oil extract (produced via various extraction methods) is often taken in pill or capsule form, but be aware that oregano essential oil should not be consumed orally.

Key Benefits and Uses

• Antibacterial and Antiviral Compounds: Studies suggest oregano and its constituents may inhibit certain bacteria and viruses. Some studies even show that it can kill parasites.
• Digestive Support: Oregano can stimulate digestive secretions, aiding in the breakdown of food.
• Respiratory Relief: Known to help reduce coughs, oregano’s antimicrobial properties might also support overall respiratory health.

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4. Thyme

If you’ve ever smelled thyme, you’ll notice how aromatic and fresh it is. Beyond flavoring soups and sauces, thyme offers notable respiratory benefits.

Thyme is a potent respiratory ally. It may help with coughs, congestion, bronchitis, asthma, sore throats, and seasonal allergies. As an expectorant, thyme aids in loosening phlegm, while its spasmolytic action helps calm the muscles of the respiratory tract.

Respiratory Support

• Expectorant: Helps loosen phlegm and mucus.
• Spasmolytic: Calms respiratory muscles, which can help relieve coughs and bronchial spasms.
• Seasonal Allergies: Thyme tea or steam inhalation may help reduce congestion and soothe irritated passages.

Practical Ways to Use Thyme

• Strong Thyme Tea: Steep fresh or dried thyme for 10–15 minutes. Add honey for taste and extra soothing action.
• Soup & Broths: Throw a few sprigs into your broth, soup, or stew, ensuring you gain both flavor and respiratory support.

5. Lavender

Lavender is widely cherished for its soothing aroma and beautiful purple blooms. While it’s best known for its role in aromatherapy, lavender can also be used in culinary applications and as a gentle support for relaxation.

Potential Benefits

• Calming Effects: Lavender’s scent is commonly used to promote relaxation, ease stress, and support better sleep.
• Digestive Aid: A mild lavender tea may help soothe occasional digestive discomfort.
• Skin Soother: Lavender-infused oils or teas can be used topically to calm irritated skin.

Culinary Uses

• Flavor Enhancer: Dried culinary-grade lavender buds can be added sparingly to baked goods, teas, and even savory dishes like roasted vegetables.
• Herb Blends: Pairs well with sweet herbs (like rosemary) and floral blends (like herbes de Provence).

Note: Lavender can be potent, so start with small amounts if using it in food to avoid an overpowering taste. Always ensure you’re using culinary-grade lavender—some ornamental varieties may have been treated with pesticides.

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6. Mint

Mint is a popular culinary and medicinal herb known for its bright, fresh flavor and soothing properties. There are many varieties of mint, but the most commonly used ones for kitchen and home remedies are peppermint and spearmint.

Potential Benefits

• Digestive Support: Mint is often used to ease occasional indigestion, bloating, and gas. The menthol content in peppermint, in particular, may help relax the digestive tract.
• Cooling and Refreshing: Mint’s cooling properties can also help alleviate mild headaches when applied topically (e.g., in a balm or diluted essential oil).
• Respiratory Support: Inhalation of mint’s aroma (such as peppermint essential oil in a diffuser) can help clear nasal passages.

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The Best Common Garden Flower to Use for Remedies

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea is well-known for its immune-enhancing properties. While it isn’t typically considered a culinary herb, many home gardeners grow this beautiful coneflower.

Immune Enhancing

Echinacea’s key compounds may help support the immune system’s natural defenses. While results vary, many people use echinacea at the onset of colds or flu-like symptoms.

Ways to Use

• Teas: Add fresh or dried petals and leaves to boiling water, steep for 10 minutes.
• Tinctures: Typically alcohol-based, but glycerin-based options are also available for those avoiding alcohol.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if an herb is safe for me to use?

It’s best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications. Some herbs can interact with medications or exacerbate certain conditions.

2. Can I just use the dried herbs from my spice cabinet?

Yes! Dried herbs can still contain beneficial compounds, although fresh herbs may be more potent. Just ensure your dried herbs haven’t been sitting around for too long—usually, a year is a good cutoff for maximum freshness.

Alternatively, you can learn to grow these herbs in your very own raised bed and then learn to dry them yourself to save money and maximize freshness!

3. How much of these herbs should I use?

This depends on factors like age, health status, and overall tolerance. In general, a teaspoon of dried herb (or a tablespoon of fresh herb) per cup of water for teas is a good starting point. For stronger effects, consult an herbalist or naturopathic doctor.

4. Can I grow these herbs indoors?

Absolutely. Many of these herbs—rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme—grow well in containers with sufficient light and proper drainage. Echinacea, on the other hand, is better suited to an outdoor garden due to its size and sunlight requirements.

More about the Podcast

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