5 Herbs with a Purpose for the Fall Season

Sep 5

Growing herbs in the fall…really? The thought of starting an herbal garden in the spring may seem typical, but you can start one heading into the fall season just as easily. When the fall allergens begin to fill the air, and kids are heading back to school with exposure to more viruses, using fresh herbs can be an effective way to keep the immune system healthy and help ease symptoms.

Let’s dig into my top 5 favorite herbs to use in the fall and why…

5 Herbs with a Purpose for the Fall Season

Thyme

Thyme is more than a popular herb in your spice cabinet. It also contains powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. As the leaves begin to fall off the trees, accumulate around your home and decompose, mold growth accelerates and is widely spread in the air. Many of us are sensitive to mold (that’s my family!). If you live in an area with many trees, there are most likely higher mold counts in the air. Add thyme to your dishes regularly, to help fight that fall mold you may come in contact with. Try infusing thyme into some olive oil (be sure to dry it out first) and pour over some veggies. So healthy and tasty!

Parsley

We often see parsley as a garnish on the side of our plate at a restaurant. Eat that pretty green garnish! Better yet, grow your own and add it to soups, pasta dishes, salads, or throw a couple sprigs in a smoothie. Parsley contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. What is an antioxidant? It helps neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals can build up in cells and cause damage. Quercetin blocks cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that can cause allergic type reactions.

Oregano

Oregano, the balancing herb, that can add a bit of sweetness (depending on the variety) to a salty or acidic dish. Oregano contains unique compounds; terpenes and carvacrol, which can assist in cleansing the lungs. It can also help decrease congestion and inflammation and aid in the improvement of airflow. If you find yourself needing a little help clearing your lungs, make up a quick cup of tea with freshly picked oregano from your herb garden. Just take the leaves, dry or fresh, and steep them in hot water.

Lavender

Ahhhh, take in a deep breath of the calming scent of lavender. Some say lavender is an herb, and some say it’s a flower. I think it depends on the variety. English lavender has a slight sweetness and is used in cooking. Try adding some lavender when baking muffins or cookies. It also pairs nicely when adding it to warm lemon water, making an effective digestive drink.

Allergies and colds can cause sinus congestion, pressure, and headaches. Lavender, being anti-inflammatory, can help with reducing swelling in the sinuses. It’s easy to make your own essential oil blend with fresh lavender from your garden. Dry the lavender first, and then infuse into pure coconut oil, cover tightly and let it sit on your counter for 3-4 weeks, shake it daily. To speed up the process, you can also place the herbs and oils in your oven, on the lowest setting possible, and heat for 4-6 hours. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Gently rub a bit of the lavender oil on your sinuses, temples, and forehead and let it work its magic!

Mint

Mint ~ I love everything about it…the taste, the smell, the uplifting feeling, the boost to the immune system it gives with its vitamin content. Peppermint contains menthol, an effective decongestant, that can help to relieve sinus pain and congestion, sore throats, and relieve coughs. You can add mint to many dishes, but my favorite thing is drinking fresh mint tea, which also works as a powerful digestive herb. You can make tea from fresh mint leaves by just adding them to boiling water. Depending on how strong you like it – you can add your preferred amount of leaves. Let it steep for about 5 minutes and strain the leaves before drinking, or leave them in your cup. Tip ~ I like to cover my tea as soon as I add the hot water. This will help the leaves infuse their nutrients into the water quickly.

Herbs can be grown in the fall outdoors or indoors, depending on your climate.

If you want to get a good jump on their growth, you can purchase organic starter plants from markets or online. Whether you use these herbs in food, teas, or infuse them in oil…take advantage of their health and healing properties and keep on using them, especially in the fall!

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