Three Must Have Herbs in the Garden

I love this time of year! The garden is growing. The strawberries are starting to ripen. Dinner is determined by a stroll through the garden. My favorite spot in the garden is the herb bed. I love the aroma of medicinal and culinary herbs. A gentle stroke of the hand releases the aromatic fragrances. These are my 3 favorite medicinal herbs.

#3 Peppermint

“Friends don’t let friends plant peppermint in their gardens.” For years I could never understand that saying. I would plant peppermint in the garden, and it would die. It was supposed to be such an easy herb to grow. I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I love peppermint! I add fresh peppermint leaves to my water. I drink peppermint tea to help with gastric discomfort after eating something that didn’t agree with my stomach. I love peppermint jelly on toast in the morning. Peppermint is such a versatile herb. But until a few years ago, I just couldn’t get it to grow. Now, it has taken over one of my herb beds. I love walking by the bed and gently running my hand through the peppermint plants. It is an easy herb to harvest and dry. If I don’t have fresh or dried peppermint, I use Young Living’s Vitality peppermint to warm water and inhale the steam to help clear nasal passages.  

#2 Chamomile   

                                                                                            

Chamomile is an amazing herb! I love the fragrant little flowers. Just sniffing the blossoms can help me relax. I use chamomile blossoms with peppermint to make a tea to help with indigestion. I soak towels in chamomile tea then lay the warm towels over aching muscles after working out, to relax and soothe the muscles. Historically, Chamomile is called “the plants’ physician.” It has been used to treat inflammation and infections. I love adding Young Living’s chamomile essential oil to the massage cream I use in my practice to help relieve stress, anxiety, and muscle soreness.

#1 Lavender

Lavender is my absolute favorite medicinal herb! Those tiny purple flowers have an incredible relaxing aroma. It is sweet, but not overpowering, and it blends well with other herbs. In the evenings, I like combining chamomile and lavender to make a relaxing cup of tea to help me unwind after a stressful day. When the grandkids come for a visit, I will often diffuse Young Living’s Lavender and chamomile in their room to help them calm down and get ready for bed.

I love growing these three herbs. They are easy to grow and will grow well in container gardens. Chamomile and peppermint can quickly overtake an herb bed. Growing them in containers helps to prevent uncontrolled spread. Lavender requires well drained soil and container gardens are an easy way keep its roots dry.  If you are new to using herbs, growing peppermint, chamomile and lavender are a wonderful way to start!

Peace,

Tammy

Tammy Deatelhauser, LMT BCTMB
Healing Traditions Therapeutic Massage
Young Living Member 1521964

FDA Disclosure:  I am a licensed massage therapist with training in culinary herbalism. I am not a doctor. Posts in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Also, these thoughts and opinions do not represent Young Living. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.