Herb Heaven: The Wonders of Garden Herbs

Garden Herbs are these magical little bundles of herbs that not only add flavors to our dishes but also have a ton of health benefits. From the aroma of basil to the hint of mint, from the good night’s sleep of chamomile to the feisty kick of chili peppers, garden herbs are our friends in disguise, friends that were forever with us but were neglected.

But No More! Planmymedical brings to you, a blog about different uses of garden herbs, giving them the attention and welcoming that they deserve for the little things they add in our lives. 

Picture this: you’re having a bad day, you come home all tired and sweaty and all you need is a hot plate of your favorite dish specially prepared by your lovely mom.

You take a first bite and boom! There’s no taste and flavors. Infuriating right? But we don’t realize it sooner. Some things are so minute that we don’t realize how crucial they are until their actual absence.

Herbs are exactly that. When we say ‘little bundles’, we really mean it because they’re really these minute details in our dishes that give it the finishing touch of taste. Ahh, *chef’s kiss* 

What are garden herbs

So a garden herb is basically a small plant that is generally used for its fragrance or culinary value, or sometimes even used to make medicine.

Typically, herbs are a widely distributed type of plant that grows above the soil & that does not include vegetables and others that are consumed on a daily basis for macronutrients. They are a widespread group of plants.

Herbs provide distinct flavor and delight to our food and are used as culinary items since time immemorial. Some herbs are also used as a therapeutic item. 

Interestingly, there are even Herb Gardens made that are specially and specifically designed and designated to the growing of different types of herbs. These gardens are usually small and can be made in our kitchen or lawn too. 

They’re super easy to grow and cultivate and hence you can do it at home too. Infact, you would see many herbal plants in many households because they say it’s easier to fetch from it and use it in the food they make.

Moreover, when you grow them at your place, the freshness always remains in it and the flavor added to your food becomes even greater than before. 

To grow them, a good quality of soil is required that is especially well-drained as they would need a good amount of water. You can also engage your children in growing them.

Some of the herbs have extreme freshness and a pleasant fragrance that can intrigue kids and make then want to learn to grow them.

Have a look at aquilaria agallocha. 

Different Type of Herbs

• Basil Leaves (Tulsi) 
• Turmeric (Haldi) 
• Cinnamon (Dalchini) 
• Cardamom (Elaichi) 
• Peppermint (Pudina) 
• Thyme (Ajwain) 
• Cloves (Laung) 
• Cumin Seeds (Jeera) 
• Fennel (Saunf)
• Fenugreek (Methi)

Different Uses of Garden Herbs

• Basil Leaves (Tulsi) 
• Used as food garnish 
• As medicine, to treat coughs, stomach issues, colds, and respiratory diseases.
• Used in making of essential oil in Aromatherapy to promote relaxation and release stress
• Used in skincare for its antioxidants properties
• Used to make herbal tea for stomach issues
• Basil leaves also act as mosquito repellent due to the strong smell.
• Important ayurvedic medicines

Here is brassica campestris benefits.

Turmeric (Haldi)

• As a natural food coloring
• As staple ingredient in many asian dishes
• Ayurvedic medicine
• Homeopathic and Allopathic medicine
• Boosts immune system due to its antioxidant properties
• Used in Face Masks for natural glow
• Promotes healthy joints and reduces joint pain
• Many toothpaste also have turmeric ingredient for whitening process
• Aids in better digestion

Cinnamon (Dalchini) 

• Used in baking and adding aroma to the deserts.
• Used in tea or coffee like beverages
• Used as morning ingredient in cereals for immune boost
• Health benefits such as reducing blood sugar level and other heart issues
• Gives calming and soothing experience making it useful for aromatherapy

You should also know – Changeri benefits

Cardamom (Elaichi)

• Used in Indian cuisines for sweet yet sour taste
• Used in baking bread or other items
• Key ingredient in Indian Tea for all the chai lovers. 
• Used in ice creams or custards for unique tastes 
• Have herbal benefits like herbal tea
• Aids in digestion
• Acts as a natural freshener

Peppermint (Pudina)

• Used in Pudina chai
• Used in Aromatherapy 
• Used in Making of essential oils
• Acts as Natural Pain Killer and gives relief from muscle aches
• Used to make Green chutney for many Indian Cuisines
• Used in skincare for its refreshing properties
• Acts as mosquito repellen

Explore more about – Amalaki tree

Thyme (Ajwain) 

• Used in culinary aspect due to the fragrant and flavor
• Paired with Roasted items, and soups
• Used as Garnish or incorporating it with oils

Cloves (Laung) 

• Has a hint of sweetness so used in desserts like cookies
• Used in food items like rice dishes or soups

Read about – Apamarga plant

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

• Versatile Herb used in Indian and Mexican cuisine
• Used to season roasted vegetables, soups, etc
• Used in tadka for indian dishes

Fennel (Saunf)

• Used as a mouth freshener
• Used in aiding digestive issues
• Used as a flavor enhancers
• Used in blended form in other spices such as garam masala
• Used to make herbal tea for improving digestion and sleep

Also read about – Aragwadha plant

Fenugreek (Methi)

• Sprouted Methi Seeds are used to improve health and nutrition in sandwiches
• Complements other spices so used in curry or dals
• Herbal tea of fenugreek improves metabolism
• Versatile spice commonly used in indian cuisine

Conclusion

In this blog, we came across many garden herbs and their beneficial uses for us. From health to culinary, we saw many different & important herbal uses that could overall improve our style of living. 

Herbs are nature’s little treasure that adds flavor to not only the dishes we make but the life we live. Their bold aroma and distinct taste offers a wide variety of uses. 

We should learn to make the best use of resources that the Earth has to give to us. We hope we have helped you to learn about different uses of garden herbs. 

Embrace these herbs and make the best out of it in your culinary aspect. Have Fun Exploring!