The wonderful health benefits of herbs
Herbs have been used for centuries by people all over the world. Whether it’s for cooking, drinking or medicinal purposes, herbs have been around since the beginning of time and are still to this day regarded as having some very powerful healing benefits.
Herbs hold so many wonderful benefits and are something we can all grow very easily whether it’s in on a window sill or in a veggie and herb patch. It’s the perfect way to ease yourself into gardening and a great place to start with young children. Growing herbs together is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon or morning and the rewards of having your own herbs to pick before meal times is undeniable.
There’s no need to ever worry about left over herbs going to waste as you just pick what you need. It’s also a great way to help plant the seeds of sustainability and self-sufficiency with your children. It could even help to improve your child’s and your own nutritional health with the addition of fresh herbs added to every meal.
As mentioned earlier herbs have played an important role for many centuries. In fact, certain herbs were considered to be of higher status than others some of which included, Basil, Sage and Saffron.
We chose one of those very important herbs in our Grow with Gratitude Kit. Basil is a very versatile herb that has many uses. Delicious with tomatoes and a great addition to pesto and pasta sauces, Basil also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help to alkalise the body and support digestion. Better still, it’s also known to include very high quantities of Vitamin A & C.
Basil does like sunny spaces so if you can find a place where the sunlight is in abundance you’re basil will love you for it. Although, be mindful if you’re planting in hot summer weather as your Basil might like a bit of afternoon shade.
Chives is another herb you’ll find in our Grow with Gratitude Kit. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to any dips or potato salads and research shows it can even help with symptoms of a cold like runny noses. Chives tend to flourish in the sun and are a very hearty herb that can grow in all different types of conditions.
The final herb included in our kit is Parsley. Parsley is perfect in stews and the popular Lebanese salad, Tabbouleh. Parsley is considered helpful for bloating and nausea and is a good choice for any tummy upsets. It’s the type of herb that also enjoys quite a bit of sun, but will also grow successfully in partly shaded areas too.
Connecting with the earth and enjoying the versatility that herbs offer us is wonderful to share with your children. Inspiring our children to become interested in where their food comes from and the diverse benefits plants and herbs have to offer are beautiful ways to show how wonderful our earth really is.
Lisa x