Top 5 herbs to stay healthy this Fall

When was the last time you knowingly used herbs for health benefits? And I don’t mean herbal products.

Herbs are one of the most overlooked sources to get healthy nutrients from. Let’s talk about the 5 most healthiest herbs you can add to your diet to feel healthier and in return - feel happier and glow this Fall.

Oh and next time you can proudly answer the opening question with: “This morning, Christina. This morning!” And then we will high five and ride into the sunset together.

If you are religiously into (house) plants in general, you can easily grow some of them at home too. (Your own zen garden.) It’s actually really exciting watching your plants grow.

And if we put the healthy part aside for a moment. Herbs make your dishes gourmet-delicious. You’ll feel like a michelin star chef working with them.

Christina’s side note (talking in third person is weird): You’ll notice that many of the health benefits overlap between herbs. Pick what intrigues you the most, no need to jam down something you don’t like.

And no, it doesn’t mean you always need to eat raw herbs while running free in meadows. There are a lot of handy herbal products and supplements you can use.

Sage

Not only used for witchcraft! The Ancient Chinese said sage was believed to be the key to a long life. So what makes it so powerful?

Without it turning this into hard-to-understand jabber - it contains a wide range of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds (mono- and diterpenes…  Feel free to google more into specifics.)

It’s loaded with antioxidants, so drink sage tea to treat colds and sore throats. Sage eases menopause symptoms. It improves memory and brain function. And it combats skin aging so you can enjoy a sweet glow on your skin.

Seasoning wise - it’s best used to flavor fatty meats. It pairs really well with chicken and pork. And remember - it’s a punchy herb so too much of it will ruin your dishes. Start with tiny bits. I prefer adding sage when my dishes are almost ready. It adds this unexplainable fresh earthy touch.

Rosemary

A lot of herbs are rich in antioxidants and rosemary is no different. It helps boost your immune system. It also aids with weight loss - it’s rich in carnosic acid that inhibits the formation of fat cells. Rosemary also counters hair loss; promotes hair growth. And it’s commonly used to reduce muscle and joint pain.

Seasoning wise - you probably have seen countless cooking shows where they pan fry the meat with it. It’s also delicious paired with potatoes.

Chamomile

One of my personal favorites, if not The favorite. It’s also one of the most commonly consumed herbal teas. It’s perfect for calming your nerves and especially handy to drink if you have an upset stomach.

So you know - there are two types of chamomile - German and Roman. They have different growing habits, but both still contain the same healthy benefits. German blossoms are just smaller.

Holy Basil

Also known as Tulsi, not to be confused with regular basil you see on pasta and italian pizzas. It’s been considered as a medicinal herb. It’s good for your central nervous system, immune system. It’s said to be the natural protector of organs. It relieves fever.

Thyme

It’s packed with vitamin C. Which means if you have a cold (including a sore throat) or you feel it coming, take advantage of this herb. (The majority of cold relief meds are full of vitamin C.) It’s also rich in antioxidants and minerals, so it’s good for your heart.

Thyme can also prevent food poisoning. (If you now think of travelling with thyme to not get food poisoning in foreign countries, then you’re funnily enough, on the right track.)

Seasoning wise - perfect with meat based dishes. It also pairs well with rosemary and sage. It’s one of the most popular herbs used in European kitchens. 

It’s a sin not to use these herbs in any form (supplement, or buying them from a farmer’s market.) Even better if you have them growing on your kitchen counter. The scent is so refreshing too! I love walking into my kitchen in the morning to make myself a cup of tea and smelling the fresh, earthy herbs. 

How often do you use herbs, or herbal products?

With love,

~Christina