Written by CINDY MEREDITH | Owner of The Herb Cottage Many herbs we know as flavorful culinary herbs also have surprising health benefits. Many of these herbs are easily grown in our gardens as annuals or perennials. Many of the health benefits of herbs can enjoyed simply by using herbs on a regular basis in our cooking and teas. Here is a list of 10 herbs that are healthy, flavorful and love our Texas gardens.
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is a versatile medicinal, culinary and personal care herb. One common way to use Lemon balm is to brew the fresh or dried leaves into a tea. It has antispasmodic, antiviral and sedative properties. It is a soothing stomach tonic, digestive aid and gentle natural sleep and anti-anxiety aid. The leaves and essential oil can prevent inflammation, suppress bacteria and fungi and have antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in creams and salves to help heal skin abrasions and sores from chicken pox and shingles. A cream or salve containing Lemon balm will tone and brighten the skin. In the bath, fresh leaves, often added with rose petals and lavender, will add a soothing quality to the soak. Steep the fresh leaves overnight in water to make a gentle and lightly lemon scented after bath or shower spray. In our Texas gardens, lemon balm grows well in almost any garden soil and likes either dappled light or afternoon shade. In the very hot summer months, water it when it looks droopy. Lemon balm is also a good container plant. It does well in a large container kept out of the hottest sun. Water when needed.
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To have access to lemon balm tea all year, even during the winter when the plant is dormant, harvest fresh leaves and dry themsee instructions, below. When dried, place the leaves in a sealed container and store in a cool, dark place. You can make lemon balm tea- see directions below- drink it hot or iced- or make a strong tea and freeze it in ice cubes. Add the cubes to water or to any tea that you have for a bright, lemony flavor. Lemon balm will flower in late summer, producing flower stalks with tiny white flowers much loved by bees and butterflies. After flowering and due to the heat at that time of year, the plant will often look stressed, bedraggled and in need of a trim. You can cut the plant back as much as you like to create new growth as the cooler days of fall arrive. Lovely lemon balm belongs in all our herb gardens and deserves to be used and enjoyed in its many forms.
Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum
Tulsi, also known as Sacred or Holy Basil, is one of the best adaptogenic, or balancing, herbs available. An adaptogenic herb affects the central nervous system in a positive way by both relaxing and stimulating the nervous system. Herbalist Maria Noel Groves (2016) says it’s like “yoga or meditation in a cup of tea” (p. 53). Tulsi supports the body during times of stress and works to balance the negative effects stress has on emotional and physical health. It is an uplifting herb during the winter when seasonal affective disorder can affect us. The herb is gently stimulating while also relaxing the muscles and the mind. Taken as a tea, hot or iced, alone or mixed with other herbs such as chamomile, mint or green
