Herbs are a fantastic way of injecting a little extra flavour into your favourite dishes. But they’re also a great source of micronutrients, many of which can’t be had elsewhere, as well as having direct psychoactive effects. If you’re looking to relax, in other words, it may be that you can find the answer in your kitchen!
Mint
Mint can provide a blast of freshness into everything from a mojito to a tzatziki. It’s been linked with a reduction in IBS symptoms, including nausea. If you’re having trouble focussing, then a pot of peppermint tea might be just the thing to perk you up.
Rosemary
Rosemary is actually a close relative of mint, and it’s been linked with a range of benefits. It can keep your mind sharp, and your hair lush and full. It can be applied topically as a relief for certain kinds of joint pain, thanks to its active ingredient, carnosol. It’s also favoured in many culinary dishes from roast lamb to risotto; pair your chosen recipe with the right cookware and never look back.
Oregano
Another member of the mint family, oregano is a staple of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cookery. It’s incredibly nutrient-dense, being packed with antioxidants. You’ll find more antioxidants in oregano than you would in blueberries. While the biochemistry is a little bit complicated, antioxidants are a powerful means of fighting off cell death, which can ultimately cause stroke and cancer.
Tulsi Basil
Tulsi (or ‘holy’) Basil comes with a slightly citrussy scent, and is known for its soothing qualities. You might brew it in a tea. It’s been used in India for hundreds of years as a means of repelling insects, and it owes its nickname to its significance in the Hindu religion.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm owes its name to its citrussy qualities – in particular, it packs a powerful aroma that’s tempered slightly when it’s exposed to heat. As such, many prefer to infuse it from cold. It’s widely used as a calming herb, and a powerful treatment for anxiety. It’s among the easiest herb to grow, which makes it extremely popular.
Chamomile
Chamomile is among the most popular varieties of herbal tea. It’s relied upon by millions as a natural means of soothing the joints and digestive system, and of fending off insomnia. The blossoms can be dried and crushed, and they sit naturally alongside fresh mint, and honey, which is why you find this combination so well-represented amongst those pre-packaged herbal teabags.