what herbs do you need

What herbs are a must have?

If you're new the gardening game, here are the 7 must-have herbs to grow at home.Parsley. Parsley – a highly versatile herb and easy to grow. ... Rosemary. If you're looking for a tough herb that requires little attention, it's rosemary. ... Mint. ... Basil. ... Chives. ... Thyme. ... Lavender. ... Oregano.

What herbs should be taken daily?

10 of the healthiest herbs and spices and their health benefitsTurmeric.Ginger.Cumin.Peppermint.Echinacea.Cinnamon.Chili powder.Parsley.More items...•

What are the 12 herbs?

12 Herbs to Cook With This WeekBasil. Basil is a super versatile herb commonly found in Italian and Meditteranean dishes. ... Bay Leaves. Bay leaves have a strong, pungent, mint-like flavor. ... Chives. ... Cilantro. ... Dill. ... Oregano. ... Marjoram. ... Mint.More items...•

What are the 13 herbs?

He loved nature and intensively studied the curative powers of herbs, so much so that by 1940 he had found the ideal recipe for a lozenge made up of 13 herbs. They are ribwort-plantain, lady's mantle, elder, marsh mallow, peppermint, thyme, sage, cowslip, horehound, burnet, speedwell, mallow and yarrow.

What herbs heal the body?

A Guide to Common Medicinal HerbsChamomile. (Flower) Considered by some to be a cure-all, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. for anxiety and relaxation. ... Echinacea. (Leaf, stalk, root) ... Feverfew. (Leaf) ... Garlic. (Cloves, root) ... Ginger. (Root) ... Gingko. (Leaf) ... Ginseng. (Root) ... Goldenseal. (Root, rhizome)More items...

What is the most healing herb?

Top 10 Medicinal PlantsCalendula (Calendula officinalis). ... Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). ... Peppermint (Metha x piperita). ... Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). ... Plantain (Plantago major). ... Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). ... English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia “Vera”). ... Hops (Humulus lupulus).More items...•

What are the 12 most popular spices?

12 Essential Spices for Your KitchenGranulated onion. ... Granulated garlic. ... Black pepper. ... Oregano. ... Basil. ... Paprika. ... Cinnamon. ... Nutmeg. Nutmeg works well in many savory dishes such as creamy bechamel sauce or cheese fondue.More items...•

What is the Indian herb that relieves pain?

Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha, also called “Indian ginseng,” is an herbal treatment that's been used for thousands of years to ease pain, reduce stress, and treat other conditions.

What are the different herbs?

10 Types of HerbsParsley. Types: Curled Leaf Parsley, Flat Leaf Parsley, Italian Parsley. ... Oregano. Types: Common Oregano, Golden Oregano, Ornamental Oregano, Mexican Oregano, Italian Oregano, Greek Oregano. ... Basil. ... Thyme. ... Rosemary. ... Dill. ... Chives. ... Tarragon.More items...•

What are the 20 herbs?

20 Essential Herbs and SpicesThyme. Thyme is a fragrant, woody herb. ... Basil. Basil is pungent, sweet, and necessary for many Italian dishes. ... Oregano. Oregano is the herb that makes pizza taste like pizza! ... Rosemary. ... Fennel Seed. ... Bay Leaves. ... Chili Powder. ... Smoked Paprika.More items...•

What are the 10 most used herbs?

Top 10 Herbs for Your KitchenBasil.Cilantro.Dill.Mint.Oregano.Parsley (Italian)Parsley (Curly)Rosemary.More items...•

Which herbs do not go together?

What herbs should not be planted together?Keep fennel and wormwood isolated from other plants. ... Rue should be kept away from sage, basil, and cabbages. ... Anise and dill should not be planted near carrots. ... Keep dill clear of tomatoes. ... Sage makes a bad bedfellow with cucumber and onion.More items...

Can you take herbs everyday?

If you're taking herbal supplements on a daily basis, you should be aware that many will lose their effectiveness if you use them all the time or too frequently. Medicinal plants are best viewed as dilute forms of natural drugs, not as foods or dietary supplements.

Should herbs be taken on an empty stomach?

Nearly all herbal products are taken on an empty stomach, any time from 2 hours after eating until 30 minutes before eating. This allows better absorption of the extract since it does not have to compete with food in your gut.

Can you mix herbs together?

Generally, herbs that like the same environment can be planted together. Herbs that are commonly planted together are sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, and oregano, among others. You should avoid planting mint with other herbs due to its invasive properties.

How do you take herbs safely?

Take any herbal supplements as carefully as you would take prescription medicine. Take them only under the advice of a qualified herbalist or practitioner who is trained and certified in botanical medicine. Do not use herbs or dosages without professional help.

How Much Sunlight Do Herbs Need?

Most herbs need a fair amount of sunlight. As long as an herb is growing in a space where it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day, it will most likely do well. Most can tolerate much more sunlight, though, with herbs like rosemary, lavender and basil thriving in full sun (6 – 8 hours a day).

What Type of Soil Do Herbs Grow Best In?

Different herbs may need to be planted in different soil types, but grouping herbs that have similar needs is easy to do, once you learn what those are. Most herbs need rich, moist soil that’s well-drained and moderately fertile. Keeping soil healthy is imperative regardless of what type of herb you will grow.

How Often Should I Water Herbs?

All plants need regular watering, although certain herbs need more water than others. The majority of herbs need water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Take the time to find out what each individual herb needs in terms of moisture, and remember to group like-minded plants together when planting.

Do Herbs Grow Better Inside or Outside?

There are benefits to growing herbs both indoors and outdoors. Growing them outdoors can be beneficial as they will produce a much larger yield when planted in a larger space. You can also choose an ideal location with optimal lighting and drainage.

Which Herbs Can Be Planted Together?

Planting certain herbs together can be a win-win for you and your plants. Some herbs will thrive when they are planted as companions, as growing herbs together can promote and encourage overall health and growth in a garden.

List of Easy-to-Grow Herbs

Basil is a sweet, fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean, Italian and Thai dishes as an accent flavor. It’s synonymous with summer and pairs extremely well with off-the-vine tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, as well as in a variety of other dishes.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha comes from the Withania somnifera plant, also known as Indian ginseng and Indian winter cherry. The evergreen shrub is native to Africa and Asia and grows in some parts of the Middle East and India.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a flower native to Western Europe, India, and Western Asia. It now grows freely throughout the United States. There are two types of chamomile: German (grows in the Midwest) and Roman (a perennial that smells like apples).

Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant in the daisy family. The flower’s large, magenta petals unfurl in early to late summer. It grows in eastern and central North America, and the leaf, stalk, and root of echinacea are commonly used for medicinal purposes.

Garlic

Garlic is a perennial plant native to Central Asia that is grown for its flavorful bulbs. It is now grown worldwide by many cultures. Garlic is valued both for cooking purposes and its medicinal properties.

Ginger

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale) is a plant with a leafy stem and yellow-green flowers. Native to Asia and India, ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The versatile spice comes from the underground stem of the ginger plant and is added to foods and beverages around the world.

Gingko

Ginkgo biloba (widely known as ginkgo ) is one of the oldest surviving tree species. Native to Asia, ginkgo is one of the top-selling herbal remedies in the United States. Gingko leaves are used to create extracts, capsules, and tablets.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a well-known herb with a number of health benefits attributed to it. Sometimes referred to as “man-root” because it is shaped like a person, there are many types of ginseng.

Salt and pepper

When it comes to seasonings, salt and pepper reign supreme. In fact, whenever you watch one of those cooking competition shows and the judges declare that a dish could have used more "seasoning," they are referring to salt and pepper. Salt, in varying amounts, is downright required for cooking.

Dried spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, paprika, cumin

Cinnamon is a must for toast and coffee, heavenly with chocolate, and a surprising "something-something" in stews. Nutmeg gives all your cream-based or milk-based dishes an undeniable wow factor.

Dried herbs: oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf

If you have watched a cooking show or two, chances are you have heard a chef extol the virtues of cooking with fresh herbs. For many herbs, it's the absolute truth. Delicate, leafy herbs that grow in temperate climates (like parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, dill, and chives) are all rich in water and therefore lose flavor in the drying process.

What's up with spice and herb blends?

A good quality spice blend can be your best bud. Spice blends are an economical (and space-saving!) way to ensure you always have the proper ingredients on hand for your favorite recipes. Be sure to read ingredient labels, as blends can differ by manufacturer, and make sure that your blend isn't loaded with nasty fillers or chemicals.

How long do spices and herbs last?

Dried spices and herbs last surprisingly long if kept in the correct conditions (up to two or three years!), with the best longevity awarded to whole beans or seeds that you can grate or grind when you are ready to use. To store herbs and spices, keep in an airtight container, preferably glass.

Storing and Using Dried Herbs

You have several options, for drying herbs. You'll retain the most flavor if you either air dry or use a dehydrator. Microwave drying is convenient, but it can degrade the taste of many herbs.

Dill

Dill is one of those plants that keep on giving. The leaves are aromatic and tangy. The flowers attract beneficial insects. The seeds are delicious on their own, flavoring cucumbers for pickles, and they self-sow, providing you with more plants. Dill’s narrow leaves are quick to dry and a little difficult to work with.

Lavender

If any herb holds onto its aroma when dry, it is lavender. All parts of the plant add flavor to your favorite meals, from the edible flowers that brighten drinks and desserts to the leaves that create savory roasts to the stems that add fabulous fragrance and flavor when used as skewers.

Lemon Balm

There are a lot of lemon-scented herbs out there, and lemon balm is often considered a poor relation, probably because it is such an overly enthusiastic grower. It may lack the tang of lemon verbena or lemongrass, but it dries much better than the other two, and it retains a true lemon flavor.

Oregano

Oregano is one of the most popular dried herbs for cooking. Where would tomato sauce be without it? Dried oregano actually tastes better than when it is fresh. Drying concentrates the scent while lessening the bitter, hot quality of fresh oregano. This is one of the easiest herbs to dry.

Rosemary

Dried rosemary is not necessarily better than fresh, but it does have its pluses. Like bay, rosemary seems to mellow out when it is dried. It loses some of the overwhelming pine-like scent, however, it also loses its pliable texture and becomes as brittle and tough as pine needles.

Thyme

The flavor of thyme becomes much more delicate when dried and it’s the rare herb you will use in larger quantities dried, than fresh. However, like oregano, it is extremely easy to dry on the stem. Leave the stems intact, when storing, and run your fingers down the stem to crumble the leaves, when you are ready to add it to your cooking.

1. Rosemary

You’ve heard it once. You’ll hear it again. If you don’t have rosemary on-hand, you need to! It’s one of those all-purpose herbs that you can literally use for any kind of magic. I grow rosemary and make it into smudge bundles to cleanse my space. I also use it in herbal baths, magical meals, and natural hair care.

2. Chamomile

Ever had a cup of chamomile tea to help soothe a sore throat or calm your nerves in the evening? Chamomile is known for its medicinal qualities, but it’s also amazing magically! Chamomile is associated with the sun, so I use it often in abundance and health workings. It’s a great one to have in the witch’s herb cabinet.

5. Lavender

Lavender. Lavender. Lavender. If you don’t have lavender in your witch’s herb cabinet, you need it STAT. Not only does it smell amazing, it’s useful in SO many magical endeavors. Lavender is used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves and combat insomnia. It’s magical properties include love, beauty, dreaming, vitality, healing, and purification.

6. Yarrow

Yarrow has been known for centuries to be effective in healing wounds. It grows everywhere and is fairly easy to recognize in the wild. Yarrow is one of those herbs that’s SUPER powerful in inducing visions, communicating with the otherworld, and in dreamwork. Use yarrow in love and protection spells.

7. Mint

Mint grows nearly everywhere and there are different kinds of mint (spearmint, peppermint, etc.) It’s another all-purpose herb that I’ve used in money, love, and healing magic for years. When drank as a tea, it eases stomach ache and when added to baths and herbal sachet is rather invigorating.

8. Basil

I grow basil in the garden every summer, then harvest and dry it to keep in my witch’s herb cabinet. Roll a candle in basil and light to draw in money. Add it to your wallet to draw in money. It’s been called the “witches herb” by some and is as versatile as rosemary. Purification, love, and protection rituals benefit when basil is an ingredient.

9. Rose

If you grow roses, you are a lucky one indeed. But if you don’t, get yourself a bag of rose buds and/or rose hips. Both can be used in love spells, including teas and herbal baths. Guess what else rose is useful for? If you get a hold of the thorns, they are particularly strong for protection from intruders and negative energy.

It's Different for Every Home Cook

Danilo Alfaro has published more than 800 recipes and tutorials focused on making complicated culinary techniques approachable to home cooks.

Is Stocking Up Even a Good Idea?

Another reason for not looking up a list of essential spices online and simply buying everything on it is that supermarket spices, especially ground spices, have a limited shelf-life in terms of their potency. Ground spices lose much of their flavor and aroma within months as the essential oils break down and evaporate.

The True Essential Spices

But first, let's mention salt and black pepper. These two ingredients are the only truly indispensable seasonings. With salt, you might end up with several kinds: Kosher salt for most cooking, table salt for baking, and a flaky sea salt for garnishing. Freshly ground black pepper is certainly best.

Spices for Savory Cooking

Crushed red pepper (aka pepper flakes): One of the most versatile—can be used on pizza, in pasta, veggies, stir fries, and so much more.

Next-Level Essential Spices

Note that if you're only using something once in a blue moon, it probably doesn't matter if you buy the best quality, most expensive version of it. But suppose you've figured out that you're regularly using, for example, cinnamon, cumin and nutmeg.

Storing Spices

The one thing jarred spices have going for them are the actual little jar, and if you buy from the bulk aisle, all you get are those little baggies. But you can purchase empty spice jars. These not only make storing your various spices more orderly, they also protect the spices from exposure to heat and oxygen, so that they stay fresh longer.

Landscape Use

Growing Herbs

Problems

Harvest & Storage

Species & Cultivars

• In addition to the few listed here, possibly hundreds of herbs can be grown successfully in South Carolina. This is a large, diverse, and fascinating group of plants. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil is one of the easiest annual herbs to grow from seed. Plant in the spring after the last frost in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Harvest leaves ...

See more on hgic.clemson.edu