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Our Favorite Herbs and How to Care for Them.
Humans have been using herbs as a source of nutrients and healing medicine since prehistoric times. They play a valuable role in ancient cultures across the globe, and are well documented in Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, indigenous medicine, and other traditional holistic practices.
While there are hundreds of herbs that are all known for their own distinct benefits, there are also many common herbs that you likely consume on a regular basis! Some of the most popular cooking herbs include cilantro and parsley, two delicate greens we use in all of our Broth Elixir recipes.
All About Our Favorite Herbs
New research suggests ancient traditions were definitely on to something in regards to herbal healing. And in our experience, the presence of herbs in our Broth Elixirs is what truly makes our recipes one of a kind. All of our products were formulated with healing in mind, making medicinal herbs non-negotiable ingredients.
Want to infuse your culinary creations with nature’s medicine? Cooking with herbs is an affordable way to season food and breathe new life into home-prepared meals, but cut herbs tend to expire more quickly than other produce, making it a challenge to keep fresh herbs on hand.
Rather than buying cut herbs from the grocery store, you can grow your own at home! This will ensure you always have a handful of basil or rosemary when you need it most. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite herbs, learn how to care for them, and find out how we use them in our recipes.
Our Herb Go-Tos
*In no particular order. We don’t play favorites!
Lavender
How to care for it:
Lavender isn’t a traditional houseplant so we recommend growing it outdoors. But for those of you with green thumbs, it is possible to grow lavender indoors. Here are some tips: Choose a pot that is just a couple inches larger than the root ball. Lavender needs as much light as possible! Water thoroughly and allow the soil to become slightly dry in between. Rotate slightly every week for uniform shape.
Benefits:
- Alleviates anxiety
- Aids in digestion
- Reduces inflammation
Where you’ll find it:
Cilantro
How to care for it:
Cilantro likes a lot of space to grow. Be sure to use a pot that’s at least 8in and has good drainage. Give your plant plenty of light, but don’t allow it to get too warm. Harvest often because the leaves quickly turn to seed!
Benefits:
- Boosts Immunity
- Lowers Blood Sugar
- Promotes digestion and gut health
Where you’ll find it:
Thyme
How to care for it:
Place thyme in a clay pot that will draw excess moisture from the soil and prevent root rot. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole! Water thoroughly, but allow soil to dry in between waterings. Place your thyme in a location that receives about six hours of indirect sunlight each day.
Benefits:
- Boosts immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves mood
Where you’ll find it:
- In ALL of our broth elixirs!
Lemon Thyme
How to care for it:
Plant your lemon thyme in a 10-12” pot with a drainage hole. This herb requires a lot of sunlight, so we recommend using a grow light when growing it indoors. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Benefits:
- Promote healthy aging
- Protects against infection
- Prevents damage from free radicals
Where you’ll find it:
- In ALL of our broth elixirs!
Savory
How to care for it:
Plant in a 6” pot and provide plenty of light. If the plant becomes leggy, provide more light and pinch back the main stems. Keep the soil slightly dry. Once the plant has reached 6”, it’s ready to harvest!
Benefits:
- Nurtures good gut flora
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces inflammation
Where you’ll find it:
- In ALL of our broth elixirs!
Parsley
How to care for it:
Plant your parley in a container that fits on a south-facing window sill. Be sure to choose a pot that drains. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Rotate the plant every couple of days to prevent it from reaching
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves calcium absorption
- Boosts immune system
Where you’ll find it:
- In ALL of our broth elixirs!
Sage
How to care for it:
Plant your sage in a clay pots with drainage holes. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Ensure your plant gets 6-8 hours of sun a day, and periodically prune branch tips.
Benefits:
- Supports memory and brain health
- Supports bone health
- Lowers cholesterol
Where you’ll find it:
- In ALL of our broth elixirs!
Rosemary
How to care for it:
Make sure your rosemary is in the brightest window of your house and receives 6-8 hours of sun a day. Alternatively, place it close to a lamp with a fluorescent bulb as a sun supplement. Plant in a pot with proper drainage and water when the soil is dry to the touch, but never allow it to dry completely.
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Aids in digestion
- Supports memory and brain health
Where you’ll find it:
Keep in mind that these aren’t the only herbs that are easy to find and grow at home! We also love keeping basil, chives, mint, and oregano on hand to integrate into other recipes. What herbs do you cook with most often? We’d love to hear! Show us your herb babies by tagging us in a photo of them on Instagram. You can find us at @owlvenice!
In health and healing,
The OWL Fam