With flu season, cold season and the current pandemic many of us are focused on staying safe and healthy throughout this holiday season. Growing medicinal plants and herbs can be an excellent way to support yourself and your family on your wellness journey and provide excellent alternatives for traditional treatments.

Here in the San Joaquin and Central Valley we have quite a few beneficial herbs that you can find here. We’ve listed a few you can grow below and how they can help!

1. Basil

Uses:  Basil is helpful with digestive and nervous systems. It can reduce tension and boost energy. During these times of anxiety and stress we can all use a little tension relief! Basil is also useful in warding off infections and colds.

How to grow: Basil loves the sunlight, so in the winter it’s best to grow them indoors unless you have a spot that isn’t too cold, with a soil temp of 50 degrees at least. You can also buy a starter plant to speed up the process.

How it’s used: Pizza!! Who doesn’t love pizza with fresh basil? You can also use it in pesto, pastas, salads and sauces.

2. Oregano

Uses:  Oregano is beneficial for fighting off respiratory infections and easing digestion issues. This is another herb that is helpful when dealing with nervousness or irritability brought on by anxiety.

How to grow:  Oregano also loves sunlight and likes most climates. You can grow it in a container, and they take 5-10 days to sprout

How it’s used: Oregano is a yummy seasoning that will spice up meats, sauces, soups and salads.

3. Rosemary

Uses: Rosemary helps to ease indigestion and activates the circulatory system. It can be used as an antidepressant when you’re feeling down or depressed and it alleviates headaches! Such a powerful little herb!

How to grow:  Rosemary can be grown from seed or as a starter plant. Rosemary does like warmer climates and plenty of sunshine. You can plant it in a container or in the ground. During the cold season could bring your starters inside.

How it’s used: You can use Rosemary in baking or as a rub for meats and roasts. Rosemary bread is so delicious and fresh tasting, or some Rosemary crackers, or even cookies!!

4. Sage

Uses: Sage is antiseptic and astringent and that makes is useful to fight off infections, colds and flus. It can also be used as a digestive aid.

How to grow: Sage loves warmth and sun. It can really take off if given the right conditions. A starter plant or a cutting from another plant is the best way to go as seeds can be tricky with this herb.

How it’s used: Sage is great in stuffing, soup, sauces and meat rubs.

5. Thyme

Uses: Thyme is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal which makes it a powerhouse as an immune system booster. Thyme has been known to calm the nervous system and ease upset stomach.

How to grow: Thyme is a hardy, low-maintenance herb that will grow year after year. It likes a decent amount of sun and most climates. It’s fine starting from seed in containers or in soil. You can also buy a starter or potted plant to speed up the growing time.

How it’s used: Thyme loves to be added to salads, soups and seasoning mixes. Thyme crackers or biscuits anyone?

Herbs are a simple and delicious way to boost your immune system and create delicious recipes. Stop on by and chat with us and we’ll help you to get your immunity boosting winter herb garden well underway!