Natural Food Cures for Winter Ailments: Get Healthy with Windowsill Herb Garden

Winter can be a tough time of year, as colds and flu lurk around every corner. Working in a public service environment or school can make matters worse, with the constant exposure making it easy to catch everything. Additionally, if you have children, they are guaranteed to bring home every ailment that circulates around their classmates. Keeping up with healthy hygiene practices is important, but it’s also a good idea to use natural food cures to ward off any winter ailments. This year, consider starting a windowsill herb garden to add some tasty flavors to your meals while promoting wellness.

Growing herbs indoors is not difficult, and you can usually get seedlings from a local greenhouse. If you are feeling ambitious, you can even sprout your own from seeds, although it’s important to carefully follow the growing instructions and care for your seedlings. The following are five herbs that are both delicious and beneficial to your health.

1. Basil

Basil is an annual herb that can be grown indoors on a windowsill. Plucking the white flowers before they bloom prevents it from going to seed. In addition to its delicious flavor, the crushed leaves of basil can be used in a foot bath or rubbed against the temples to relieve headaches. Basil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, making it the perfect addition to any meal.

2. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a versatile herb that must be potted, as it has a tendency to take over gardens. Its leaves can be rubbed on the skin to keep bugs away or used to heal and prevent cold sores. Lemon balm is also great for calming the mind and promoting restful sleep. A refreshing lemon balm lemonade is a great way to enjoy this herb and gain its benefits.

3. Lavender

Lavender has great anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is perfect for reducing stress. Crushing a handful of lavender into a pot of boiling water or a warm bath can help soothe and calm you. Additionally, culinary-quality lavender can be sprinkled on yogurt to aid gut health.

4. Sage

Sage might initially evoke thoughts of the wild prairie, but this sweet-smelling herb is the perfect addition to your indoor herb garden. Gargling with sage can relieve a sore throat, while its anti-spasmodic effects on the smooth muscle can soothe an asthma attack. Sage can also help improve memory and strengthen the nervous system. Sage should be kept in full sun with sandy soil.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a powerful herb that can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the occasional hangover. It is a good source of iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6, and has been shown to boost the immune system, improve memory, soothe muscle pain, and aid in circulation. Infusing olive oil with rosemary is a great way to enjoy its health benefits.

Whether you opt for all of these herbs or just a few, you can enjoy the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits of these medicinal plants. However, it’s important to check with your doctor before adding herbs to your diet if you are pregnant or have health issues. With a windowsill herb garden, you can enjoy the many benefits of these herbs without venturing out into the winter cold. So, start growing your indoor garden today and experience natural food cures for winter ailments.