One doesn’t need to be a botanist or even consider themselves a green thumb to grow flavorful, useful herbs in their home.
“The key is really just good lighting,” says nutritionist Heather Dyc. “If you have a window space — it doesn’t even need to be a large space — where herbs have access to the sun, this will help.”
In addition to proper lighting, Itamar Ben Dor from Green-life.blog, a website dedicated to green living, plant care and garden design, says it’s important to use high-quality soil and the right size pots for best results.
“Choosing herbs like basil, chives, parsley, mint and thyme are wise because they can grow relatively easy in indoor or small spaces,” Ben Dor says. “They tend to be compact and require only moderate sunlight, too.”
Naomi Robinson, the founder of the website www.houseplantauthority.com, says herbs prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. For those unsure if their soil meets that criterion, Robinson says pre-made potting mixes containing equal parts compost, perlite and peat moss can be purchased at most nurseries and home goods stores.
Watering is also an important aspect to successfully growing herbs, but Robinson warns to do so in moderation.
“Herbs don’t like to be overwatered, so be sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings,” she says. “When you do water, make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil and allow any excess water to drain away.”
Nutritionist Amber Dixon says overwatering or a lack of adequate draining can result in one’s herbs sitting in water, leading to root rot and other diseases.
“If there’s too much water around the roots — even if the plant looks healthy — it’s probably not getting enough oxygenated air either,” she says. “Choose a pot that has holes in the bottom for proper drainage, but isn’t so large that it never gets dry enough for bacteria to form in its soil, which could cause root rot.”
Several herbs are noted for their health benefits or medicinal value. Robinson says ginger, which is widely used as a cooking spice, is at the top of the list.
“Ginger has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties,” she says. “It is often used to soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea.”
Turmeric, a perennial plant that can grow to a meter tall, is also known for its heath benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve brain function, she says. Sage, which has been used for centuries for medicinal properties, is also on Robinson’s list, as it has been linked to improving memory and cognitive function. For those in need of a calming presence, Robinson suggests lavender to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Herbs can also help those individuals looking to trim their waistline and improve their health. Instead of reaching for the saltshaker, Robinson encourages people to use rosemary, thyme or oregano to add flavor to meals. Parsley or chives can add flavor to one’s dishes instead of butter, which is high in saturated fat and contributes to high cholesterol levels. Dill and cilantro mixed in Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute for sour cream, while cinnamon or nutmeg is a great substitute to high-caloric sugar, she says.
“Herbs can be a great replacement for unhealthy toppings and seasonings,” Robinson says. “They can add flavor and sweetness to your meal while reducing the amount of saturated fat and calories you take in.”
“Herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your food without the added fat, salt and sugar,” says Susan Brandt, the co-founder of the gardening website www.bloomingsecrets.com. “Herbs are not only a healthy alternative, but they are also easy to use and store, making them ideal substitutes for unhealthy toppings and seasonings on food.”
