Growing herbs can be a money-saving hobby that also happens to be good for your health. In addition to flavoring up your favorite dishes, herbs are filled with antioxidants and essential nutrients. Here are list of best herbs to grow at home.

 

Half of the nutritional value of plants is lost within thirty minutes of harvesting, says Brian Hetrich, a naturopathic doctor and gardening expert at the Hippocrates Health Institute, in West Palm Beach, Fla. That is why grow best herbs to grow at home, use what you need at the moment by harvesting small amounts, fresh from the plant. Here are best herbs to grow at home for amazing health.

 

Herbs Growing tips – Best herbs to grow at home

Water needs will vary depending on the size and type of plant, the size and type of container, and the time of year. Plants are dormant or growing less actively during winter when light levels are lower and therefore require less water. Allow the soil to dry slightly for most herbs; keep the soil slightly moist for basil, chives, mint.

The best way to tell when a plant needs water is to stick your finger one inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.

Keep your indoor herb garden growing strong by checking plants each year and replacing those that are short-lived or have become woody. And don’t forget the best part, which is harvesting and using your indoor herbs.

 

Best Herbs to grow at home (healing herbs)

 

• Holy basil/Tulsi

 

Basil has antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also has nutrients like vitamins A, C and K, manganese, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Tulsi is a revered plant in India, worshipped in almost every Hindu household and temple.

Clip the branches periodically when the plant is young but strong and not in a delicate stage. This encourages lush growth and the plant becomes healthier and lush. Pluck the dried seeds off the plant and just bury them in the soil. Soon you will have baby plants that you can propagate and distribute once the saplings are fairly strong and healthy to be transplanted.

The plant needs lots of sunshine so take care not to grow it in shade. Do not deprive it of water.

Crush a bunch of Tulsi leaves with ginger to make a paste and mix it with honey, swallow a teaspoon when you have a cold. Boil Tulsi leaves in water with spices and herbs to make a decoction to fight colds.

 

• Lavender

 

Due to its nice aromatic fragrance, lavender is used in soaps, shampoos, creams and other cosmetic products. Also, it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and mild antidepressant properties.

Lavender is one of the most useful and versatile herbal remedies, especially when its natural oils are distilled from the plant. Lavender can also be used as a seasoning and for baking.

Lavender is also a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and other garden pests.

Grow your own lavender from seed by sowing indoors, then transplanting outdoors in early spring. Lavender does not tolerate excessive moisture or humidity so it should be positioned at the top of a slope or high in a planting box. Lavender also does well in containers for this reason, also. Lavender blooms in the summertime. To encourage flowering all season long, clip blooms regularly. This is one of best herbs to grow at home.

 

• Oregano

 

Oregano has antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant and mild tonic properties. It is also rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K as well as fiber, iron, manganese, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, zinc and magnesium. Oregano Oils distilled from oregano leaves can be used to treat respiratory maladies, digestive upset, parasitic infections including fungal infections, skin conditions including dandruff and psoriasis, muscle aches and join pain. Oregano is also a natural insect repellant.

Grow your own oregano from seed by sowing indoors, then transplanting outdoors in early spring. When harvesting, remember that both Oregano leaves and flowers are edible and possess similar flavors. During cold months, oregano should be mulched or covered with a cold frame to protect roots from freezing.

 

• Sage/Rshi

 

Sage is a natural stimulant, antibiotic, astringent, tonic and carminative. It also contains anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Plus, it contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids and vitamins A and K. Sage-infused tea is an effective herbal remedy to reverse greying of hair, reduce fever, and calm anxiety from brain and nervous disorders. Sage tea can also be used to soothe gastric ailments brought on by stress and to treat infections of the mouth and throat.

For cooking, dried or fresh sage makes an excellent seasoning in sauces, poultry dressings, and many sausage recipes.

Sage can be sown directly outside in the springtime. Sage may also be propagated from cuttings. During the first year of growth, harvest only lightly so roots can establish. For both leaves and flowers, allow sage to grow as normal. Harvest flowers when buds are almost fully open.

To prevent flowering, simply trim new growth often and remove any buds that appear. Stop harvesting sage 2 months before first frost.

 

• Mint/Pudhina

 

Refreshing, springy and full of life, pudina is a staple in many Indian homes. Mint is a rich source of vitamin A. Mint has antioxidant, expectorant (promotes the clearance of mucus from the airways), diaphoretic (induces perspiration), digestive, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint is good for the breath, digestion, nausea, headaches, respiratory disorders, asthma, pimples. Plant some stalks in an independent pot to yield a lush plant. Make sure you don’t over water the plant.

Mint is an invasive plant. Thus, if you choose to plant it in a flowerbed, it can take over the entire section in no time.

 

• Thyme/Ajwain ke phool

 

Thyme is a powerful antioxidant, expectorant, as well as antiseptic and has antibacterial properties. It is also an excellent source of vitamins C and A, iron, manganese, copper and fiber. Aromatic and packed with flavor, thyme is great in soups and meat dishes, and pairs well with lemon. It air dries quickly so you can easily freeze it for year-round use.

You can easily grow it in dry, well-drained light soil with enough sunlight. It can grow in any climatic condition, but protect it from harsh winter weather with a covering.

 

• Chives plant
  

 

Growing chives can help to drive away harmful insect pests like aphids and mosquitoes from your garden. Chives are high in sulfur – a natural antibiotic. When ingested, chives offer anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Dried or fresh chives make excellent additions to fish, soups, potatoes, and vegetable dishes.

Grow chives from seed by sowing indoors, then transplanting outdoors in the spring or fall. Chives may also be sown directly outside. After several years, divide and replant clumps in early spring.

To get the most fresh chives from your plants, remember to harvest by cutting completely across the base of the plant, leaving about 1/2” stubs above ground. Removing all of the leaves at once will encourage the plant to regrow. Preserve chives at the end of the season by drying or by adding fresh herbs to oil, butter, or vinegar. This is one of important,best herbs to grow at home.