Herbal Medicine Cabinet: Starting with 5 Easy-to-Grow Herbs.
Food as herbal medicine is a concept as old as humanity. By replacing that knowledge with man-made chemicals that our bodies don’t even recognize, we’ve created a system that makes us sicker with each passing generation. It’s time to re-learn how our bodies function; which nutrients cause which actions and reactions, and how to regain our balanced inner ecosystem.
One of the easiest ways to begin is to learn about the plants we already use all the time; the herbs and spices we use to season our meals. Your spice rack is a true medicine cabinet!
Each and every bottle contains an ingredient or a combination of ingredients that your body uses in very specific ways. Today, I want to focus on just one bottle; five little herbs that pack a healthy punch with every shake. It’s even more powerful when you grow those herbs yourself and eat them fresh. I’m talking about Italian Seasoning Blend; a combination of Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, and Marjoram (and sometimes Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes).
Italian seasoning is a popular blend of dried herbs used to add aromatic, earthy, and savory flavor to a wide variety of dishes like pasta sauces, pizzas, and roasted meats. While fresh herbs are staples in Italy, this dried mix is a convenient, all-purpose seasoning, especially in American kitchens, for quick flavor enhancement in soups, dressings, and marinades.
Key Health Benefits of Italian Seasoning Ingredients
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids (especially in oregano and thyme) that neutralize free radicals, slowing aging and preventing diseases like cancer.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Compounds like carvacrol (oregano) and rosmarinic acid (rosemary) help reduce chronic inflammation linked to arthritis and heart disease.
- Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Oregano and thyme contain thymol, which has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, aiding immune function.
- Digestive & Cardiovascular Health: Herbs such as marjoram and oregano support digestive health and may help regulate blood pressure, while the blend is low in fat, calories, and sugar.
- Bone and Blood Health: The basil and herbs in the blend are good sources of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone density.
- Salt Reduction: Using this flavorful blend allows you to decrease sodium intake without sacrificing taste.
Things to consider
- Allergies: Individuals allergic to any of these herbs should avoid it.
- Sodium: Check store-bought blends for added salt; making a homemade mix ensures it is truly low-sodium.
- Quality: Ensure the product is from a reputable supplier to avoid contamination.
1. Growing the Herbs
Most Italian herbs thrive in similar conditions: full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and well-draining soil.
- Basil: Loves the heat! Plant it once the frost is gone. Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage the plant to grow bushy rather than tall.
- Oregano & Marjoram: These are cousins. They are hardy and spread easily, making them great ground covers.
- Rosemary & Thyme: These are woody perennials. They don’t need much water once established and can often stay green even when the weather turns chilly.
2. Harvesting and Processing
The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated.
- Cut: Use clean garden shears to snip stems. For woody herbs like rosemary, take the soft green growth rather than the old brown wood.
- Clean: Gently rinse the herbs in cool water and pat them completely dry with a towel.
- Dry: * Air Dry: Tie stems in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, airy spot away from direct sunlight.
- Dehydrate: If you use a dehydrator, set it to a low temperature (around 35°C to 45°C) to preserve the color and oils.
- Test: The herbs are ready when they feel “crispy” and crumble easily between your fingers.
3. Creating the Blend
Once your herbs are bone-dry, strip the leaves from the stems. You can keep the leaves whole for longer storage or lightly crush them for an immediate blend.
The “Garden Fresh” Ratio
Mix these dried ingredients in a bowl:
Pro-Tip: If you want a little extra “kick,” feel free to stir in a pinch of dried garlic and/or red pepper flakes from your garden harvest!
4. Storage
Store your custom Italian seasoning in an airtight glass jar. Keep it in a cool, dark place like a pantry cabinet. Your blend will stay vibrant and flavorful for about 6 to 12 months.
Enjoy the incredible satisfaction of seasoning your meals with something you grew from the ground up!
