5 Must Have Herbs To Grow On Your Homestead and WHY
Herbs have so many benefits to your health, in your home and in your garden. This post is to acquaint you with 5 common herbs that I use most often and how I use them.
THYME – Thyme is delicious when used in various dishes including casseroles, quiches, soups and marinades. Thyme has antimicrobial properties that can aid in the treatment of respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu. Thyme can also be helpful in alleviating discomfort from gas and bloating caused by indegestion. Thyme requires good drainage and a sunny location to grow. It is pest resistant and easy to grow. Thyme can be grown from seeds or propogated from cuttings. There are many different varieties – find your favorite or grow them all! According to European folklore, a garden full of thyme attracts fairies.
ROSEMARY – Rosemary is another versatile herb that is helpful to have on your homestead. Rosemary pairs well with meat and vegetables. It can also be used with a combination of other herbs to make delicious flavored butter to use on fresh bread and steaks. Rosemary potatoes is one of my favorite simple and healthy recipes. Rosemary enhances memory, concentration and circulation. I use rosemary in a mask for my scalp to combat hair loss. I feed fresh and dried rosemary to my chickens for respiratory support. I use dried rosemary in my chicken coop to deoderize and repel insects. Rosemary requires full sun and excellent drainage. It is more tolerant of drier conditions than some of my other herbs (Thank goodness, because sometimes I start slacking at the end of the summer on my watering schedule.)
PARSLEY – Parsley comes in three varieties. I prefer flat leaf parsley because of the texture. Parsley is very versatile and can be used in soups, salads and can be used to flavor root vegetables. Parsley has been used for fluid retention, arthritic conditions and to freshen breath. Parsley can also be used to alleviate digestive conditions and stimulate appetite. Parsley is easy to grow in full sun to partial shade. Parsley prefers well drained soil and regular watering. Parsley is rich in vitamin A and potassium. I feed it to my chickens for a vitamin boost and laying stimulant.
BASIL – Basil is a natural disinfectant and can be used to make cleaning products for your home. But basil is best known for its culinary uses. Fresh basil pairs amazingly well with tomatoes. (Caprese salad – YUM!) Basil is often used in pesto and a delicious addition to sauces, chicken and rice dishes and on pizza. There are 64 different varieties of basil. I prefer the smaller leaf varieties as they are more tender. Basil should be grown in a sunny spot. Flowers/seeds should be pinched off to promote a “bushier” plant and prevent bolting. Water regularly. Giving basil to chickens helps to support their respiratory systems and makes their egg yolks a bright orange color.
OREGANO – Oregano is a useful remedy for treating colds and coughs and to improve digestion. Oregano thrives in full sun and well drained soil. Oregano is easily preserved by drying and can be stored in an airtight container to be used when it is out of season. I feed my chickens dried and fresh oregano to boost their immune systems. Fresh oregano was the first treat my chicks got when they were two weeks old. They attacked the plant like little feathered piranhas, and devoured it in less than 5 minutes.
These are the 5 most useful and easy to grow herbs on my homestead. Please comment below and tell me what your favorite herbs are and how you incorporate them into homestead living.
FOR THE SAFE AND APPROPRIATE MEDICINAL USE OF ANY HERB, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
