Why grow a herb garden?
Lately, there has been a buzz around the interest in growing a herb garden and its effectiveness in treating health conditions as an alternative to traditional medicine. They have proved to be successful in relieving mild symptoms like headaches, upset stomachs, and improving overall health.
A herb has aromatic properties and is used for medicinal, culinary, and fragrance purposes. You can also add herbs to enhance the visual appeal of a space. Herbs can be garnishes for your meals, it can even add fragrance to your outdoor experience. They are easier to grow than flowers, so if you are a beginner, a herb garden might be the perfect way to start your gardening journey.
So, What else are herbs good for?
Not only are herbs tolerant to fluctuating temperatures and easy to grow in pots, but they also provide health benefits to your immune system, digestion, and overall wellbeing! Herbs are versatile, they are prime ingredients in teas, essential oils, and medicinal ointments. The best part is you can use the herbs directly from your garden in teas, dishes, and sprays!
Did you know, Georgia is home to many edible and medicinal herbs that are easy to use?
Here is a list of herbs in Georgia and their uses:
1. Calendula, known for its vibrant orange flowers, can be used for skin conditions like rashes and burns. It can also be consumed in a tea by pouring boiling water over blossoms, covering for 15 minutes, and straining the contents!
2. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties. Chewing on a leaf can alleviate symptoms.
3. Oregano is a perennial that can provide flavor to your dishes and help improve your immune system in fighting bacterial and viral infections. You can eat it both fresh and dried.
4. Sage is an excellent bug repellent. You can burn it or even rub it on you to repel those summer mosquitos! You can also add sage to vinegar and citrus peels to create an all-purpose cleaner and bug repellent spray!
5. Passionflower, a vine with mesmerizing flowers, promotes sleep and helps with headaches. You can make a tea with this by drying the leaves in the oven, adding hot water, and straining the contents.
If you do not have backyard space, herbs are fairly easy to grow indoors as well. Just as long as they have routine access to a well-lit window and water!
