Just because the summer season is over it doesn’t mean you can’t keep planting fresh herbs to use in your cooking. Certain herbs do exceptionally well in cooler weather and add great flavor and tons of health benefits to your daily meals.
You can plant these herbs in a planter in your kitchen by a window, or just outside your door and in a few weeks you’ll have fresh herbs to use right at your fingertips.
Herbs To Conquer Cough and Cold Season
Parsley (Flat Italian or Curly)
Parsley is one of the most powerful herbs when it comes to health, as well as being one of the tastiest. A serving of parsley gives you over half your Daily Recommended Amount (DRA) of vitamins A, C, and K. This helps your body metabolize proteins and sugars better, combat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, it serves as an anti-inflammatory agent, and helps prevent atherosclerosis.
Sage
Sage has long been used for cooking and to heal, with its many medicinal purposes being well documented. With its high dosage of vitamin K, it helps prevent the formation of blood clots, reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, and support bone strength. It also has vitamin B6, which helps metabolize proteins and sugars.
Rosemary
One of the sturdiest herbs to plant, Rosemary is a great source of vitamins A, C, and manganese. It contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage, boosts the immune system, and helps the formation of collagen in the body.
Thyme
Thyme is a staple of most herb gardens around the world. With its dose of vitamins A and C, thyme helps with vision and immune functions. You can also add it to hot teas to help when you’ve got chest and respiratory problems, or use it as an oil that has strong antiseptic properties.
Chives
A relative of onions and leeks, chives are easily recognized by their slender green, hollow stems and lavender flowers. Like most of the herbs on this list, it contains vitamin A which assists the body in metabolizing sugar and protein. They also have vitamin K which reduces your risk of blood clots, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and reduces blood pressure.
Lavender
One of the most fragrant herbs, lavender is not only used in cooking but also in cosmetics. With its vitamin C content, lavender has healing properties that can help stave off the onset of colds as the weather gets cooler. It also has antiseptic properties that can be used to as a salve in place of rubbing alcohol, perfect for use on children.
Cilantro
Popular in asian and south western cooking, this punchy herb is also packed with health benefits. Besides containing vitamin K, it is also packed with phytochemicals that help the body fight disease and aging. It’s best consumed fresh, when the leaves are crisp and bright green.
Mint
A classic herb that can be used to enhance the taste of foods and beverages, mint is also recognized for its medicinal purposes. A great source of vitamins A and C, it’s great for boosting immune health and vision functions. It’s also packed with antioxidants that fight against cell damage, boost the immune system, and produce collagen in the body.
A healthy diet is a diet that is packed full of fresh herbs. Not only are they a great way to add low calorie flavor, they also help to protect your body from illness. Start the fall season off right, with a clean bill of health and new flavors in your kitchen.