8 Best Herbs for Health to Grow at Home

Homegrown fresh herbs known for their health benefits are always a plus. Not only do they add beauty to your home, but they can help assist with common health problems. In this blog post, I will discuss the best herbs to grow at home for health and provide tips on how to care for them.

1. Basil

This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your immune system.

Basil may be a small herb, but it packs a significant punch when flavoring dishes and providing health benefits. Not only is it known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it can also help to boost the immune system.

While many gardeners plant basil in their outdoor beds, it can also thrive in a container. When choosing a container, ensure it has drainage holes and is at least six inches deep. As for soil, a well-draining potting mix with added compost or fertilizer will do the trick.

Regular watering and plenty of sunlight are essential for basil to grow well, and be sure not to over-water, as this can cause root rot. Pinch off any flowering stems before they bloom to encourage leaf production. As you continue to care for your basil plant, you can enjoy its delicious flavor and myriad health benefits all season long.

2. Chamomile

This herb is a great way to relax, and it can also help to reduce anxiety and depression.

Not only does chamomile have a delightful floral aroma and taste, but it also offers numerous health benefits. In steeped tea form, chamomile has long been used as a natural remedy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It can also be applied topically to alleviate skin irritation and inflammation. Plus, chamomile is easy to grow in a container garden.

Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and place the container in an area with plenty of sunlight. Be sure to water regularly, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between watering sessions.

Harvest the flowers before they open for maximum potency in teas, infusions, or topical treatments. Whether you enjoy sipping on a mug of chamomile tea or using it in your skincare routine, this versatile herb is the perfect addition to any wellness regimen.

3. Garlic

This herb is known for its antibacterial properties, and can help boost your immune system.

Garlic has long been known for its antibacterial properties, making it a popular addition to many dishes. But did you know garlic can also help boost your immune system? This aromatic herb has been shown to improve heart health and decrease the risk of certain cancers. And what better way to enjoy these benefits than to grow your garlic at home? Garlic is easy to grow in a container on a balcony or windowsill, with just a few simple steps.

First, purchase cloves from your local garden center or online retailer. Place the cloves pointed end up in soil in a container approximately 1-2 inches deep. Keep the soil moist and in a spot with plenty of sunlight, and before you know it, you'll have healthy garlic shoots peeking through the dirt.

Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and dry them before storing them in your kitchen. Not only will growing your garlic provide delicious flavor to meals, but it will also give you access to all the incredible health benefits this excellent herb offers.

4. Ginger

This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can also help improve digestion.

Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve digestion, making it a valuable addition to any health-conscious individual's pantry.

However, did you know ginger can be quickly grown in a container? This gives you access to fresh ginger at all times and allows you to control the growing conditions for optimum health and flavor.

To do this, choose a container 12 inches deep and wide, fill it with well-drained potting soil, and plant your ginger root with the buds pointing upwards. Water regularly and place in a spot with indirect sunlight.

Feel free to harvest young ginger shoots as the plant grows or wait until the leaves turn yellow before harvesting the root.

5. Lavender

This herb is a great way to relax, and it can also help to reduce anxiety and depression.

The beautiful scent of lavender is not just pleasing to the senses; it can also have a calming effect on the mind and body. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and using it topically may even alleviate headaches and improve sleep. In addition to its stress-relieving properties, lavender has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a helpful ingredient in skincare products.

Best of all, this versatile herb can quickly be grown in a container garden. Just make sure to plant it in well-drained soil and give it plenty of sunlight – with a little TLC, your lavender will thrive and provide you with abundant fragrant blossoms to enjoy in aromatherapy and cooking.

6. Peppermint

This herb is known for its ability to improve digestion, and it can also help to relieve headaches.

Peppermint is a powerhouse herb known for improving digestion and alleviating headaches. It can also help with nausea, inflammation, and respiratory issues. Luckily, this versatile plant is easy to grow in a container - all it needs is plenty of water and occasional pruning to keep it from spreading too far.

A bonus for those with limited outdoor space or who live in colder climates: peppermint can also thrive indoors! Place the container near a sunny window and water regularly. When using the leaves, snip off what you need and enjoy the refreshing scent and taste in teas, salads, or homemade beauty products.

7. Rosemary

This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve circulation.

Rosemary is not only a delicious addition to dishes like roasted potatoes and homemade bread, but it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can also improve circulation and boost memory function. These benefits make it a valuable addition to any home herb garden.

Rosemary is relatively easy to grow in containers using well-drained, sandy soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot. Prune the tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and harvest the leaves before flowering for the best flavor. Whether you use it in cooking or as a natural remedy, growing rosemary at home can be a tasty and beneficial addition to your wellness routine.

8. Thyme

This herb is known for its antibacterial properties and can help boost your immune system.

The humble thyme may not be the most glamorous herb in your garden, but it packs a powerful punch regarding its health benefits. It has antibacterial properties, but regular consumption of thyme can also help boost your immune system.

Mix equal parts potting soil, compost, and sand to get started, then sprinkle some thyme seeds or plant a small start into the mixture. Keep the soil moist and place in a sunny spot, and before long, you'll have fresh thyme at your fingertips for cooking and daily herbal tea.

---

These are just a few of the best herbs to grow at home for health. Be sure to research the best way to grow and care for each herb before you start. Once you have a healthy herb garden, you can enjoy it.

This is not medical health advice; please consult your health provider for any health problems.