When we think of biodiverse herbs, we often picture them as fragrant additions for our cooking. But these amazing plants hold considerably more than first appears. Beyond their functional culinary worth, herbs have long been prized for their extraordinary therapeutic benefits, planted herbaceous border applications, in sensory gardens and their ability to enhance our mental health. So, let’s take a deeper look into why herbs are capable of so much more than just enhancing what goes from field to fork.
Garden flavours to savour and surprise
One of the most obvious benefits of herbs is their culinary prowess. These little taste sensations can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Not just the well known basil, rosemary, parsley, dill or marjoram, there are numerous garden plants which add herby taste to nutritious cooking with examples like nettle which is excellent in soups; dandelion tastes great in salads when young; wild garlic and verbena (fantastic as pesto); hibiscus, rosehip, chamomile are all excellent teas. This list is endless.
The best part is that herbs offer not only delicious flavours but also various health benefits. Many of them are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, offering medicinal and antioxidant qualities which makes them a healthy option to add to meals.
Healing touch for the mind, body and soul
People, from many civilisation's, have used herbs as medicines for thousands of years. Ancient literature has even chronicled their therapeutic effects. In fact, many of these conventional treatments have endured the test of time.
Take aloe vera, for instance. This succulent plant is a potent remedy for various skin conditions, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. Peppermint is another gem that aids digestion and helps soothe an upset stomach. And who could forget the comforting warmth of chamomile tea, renowned for its relaxing benefits on the body and mind.
Scientific research has recently caught up to conventional wisdom regarding the efficacy of several herbs in treating various diseases through alternative therapies and with the support of integrative or functional medicine practitioners. Herbal supplements and natural therapies are becoming increasingly popular with a broad range of effects used for many different purposes. Herbal medicine is not, however, meant to be used as a direct swap for pharmaceuticals, but more prescribed to help supplement the healing journey.
Gardening as therapy for everyone
Gardening itself can positively affect mental health, but when you incorporate herbs into the mix, the benefits amplify. Tending to a herb garden can be a therapeutic and calming experience, reducing stress and anxiety. Social and therapeutic horticulture services in the UK reduces the burdens on public services and is a process where trained practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, communication, and thinking skills.
Even the everyday gardener will agree that the act of planting, nurturing, and watching herbs grow provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment while undertaking a task which distracts the mind from wider mental health issues. Lavender, in particular, is known for its relaxing fragrance. And that’s why it’s commonly used in aromatherapy to promote better sleep and alleviate stress.
Gardening in general is a lesson in patience, teaching people the importance of being in the present, grounding with the earth and listening to nature. Added to which, the scents released by the herbs also help reduce stress levels and improve anyone's mood.
Environmental champions bringing beauty to landscape gardening
Beyond their contributions to our well-being, growing herbs can also be an environmentally friendly choice for garden ideas. Compared to many other plants, herbs generally require less water and don't need rich soils to thrive. Often seen growing out of the most impossible crack in a pavement, herbs are both resilient and dedicated to surviving against the odds.
Herbs in planting schemes attract beneficial insects to any garden and help create a balanced biodiverse ecosystem. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators become frequent visitors to a garden landscape as they are drawn to the flowers of many herbs; promoting biodiversity and supporting the health of our planet.
But that’s not all they do for the environment. Home growing herbs from collected seed or cuttings is incredibly easy and it means reducing reliance on store-bought, plastic-packaged herbs, while at the same time, minimising purchased goods and reducing your carbon footprint.
In a Hortus Pink planting scheme design, we often utilise locally sourced herbs in herbaceous borders, not just for their stunning floriferous display and nature attracting qualities, but also their cost effective impact on the build budget.
Gardening with Hortus Pink
The list of benefits offered by these herbs goes on and on and this blog offers just a taster (pardon the pun!) of what these plants are capable of. So, if you’re looking for a garden design that incorporates a separate herb garden or herbs within the wider planting scheme – get in touch by calling Zoe on 07860283761 today.
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