This post first appeared on Piping Rock. All content is theirs.
We're sure it comes as no surprise to you that we're a little bit in love with herbs. After all, they smell and (in most cases) taste so good! Plus, they are convenient ways to add a bit of extra nutrition into recipes, teas, or the day to day.
Now that we've professed this herbal love of ours, let's chat a bit about the top 3 herbs you can easily start to use today! Consider this a quick guide to getting started *and* falling in love with herbs.
Stinging Nettle
Name aside, this herb doesn't do any stinging when dried. It's from a perennial plant that blooms in late summer, and produces yellow or pink flowers. Common nettle is rich source of iron, vitamin A and C, and few minerals. It makes for a great mid-afternoon herb to steep and drink as a tea!
Fun Fact: During World War I, nettles were used in place of cotton due to shortages.
Shop It: Nettle Leaf Cut & Sifted, 1 lb (454 g) Bag
Chamomile
Best known for its yellow center and white leaves, chamomile is a traditional favorite! Many associate chamomile with a bedtime routine, and it's no wonder since the scent alone is serenity-invoking. Considering its common associations, it is definitely an herb you should start to use if you haven't. There are myriad ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. For one, you can steep it as a tea and enjoy a relaxing, steamy cup before bedtime. Or, you can make a mouth rinse with it to replace store brought mouth wash after a big meal! Simply brew the flowers as a tea, allow it to cool, then rinse.
Fun Fact: Chamomile is grow on a shrub that can reach 8-12 inches in height!
Shop It: Chamomile Flowers Whole Organic (Egypt), 1 lb (454 g) Bag
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is the final herb that you can easily start to enjoy today! When you think of basil, you probably think of the ingredient that perfects a marinara sauce, or tops a margarita pizza, but this version is a bit different. Holy Basil is high in vitamins A and C, and contains calcium. Plus, all parts of this plant are great to use, though today we're focused on the leaves! You can steep the leaves and then enjoy as a tea, or you can make an infused honey -- here's how: Fill a sterilized jar 1/4 the way with Dried Tulsi Leaves, then top it off with honey. Let sit for one week then enjoy a scoop daily!
Fun Fact: The word Tulsi means the "incomparable plant".
Shop It: Holy Basil Leaf Cut & Sifted Tea (Krishna) Organic Tulsi, 4 oz (113 g) Bag
There you have it! These are three easy herbs to start incorporating into your daily life. We're sure you'll love the taste of the teas and smell of the herbs.
Note: Please consult your physician before starting any herbal routine.