Herbs and spices have been used for centuries for both flavor and health purposes. They may not be a significant source of nutrients on their own, but many believe they offer other health benefits. Growing your herbs at home is becoming popular, driven by the desire for safe, organic ingredients and a return to natural remedies. This trend is fueled by the growing awareness of the importance of immunity and healthy living.
Herbs are easy to grow in pots on a terrace or even indoors in a window box. You can grow a variety of herbs organically in soilless media using hydroponics, aeroponics, or container gardens. This allows you to have fresh, healthy herbs readily available for cooking and home remedies.
What to Grow?
Here are various types of medicinal plants that offer proven health benefits and are easy to grow indoors. These herbs can be integrated into daily meals in diverse ways:
For Leaf: Mint and Brahmi, can be enjoyed fresh in salads, chutneys, or refreshing coolers.
Powder: Guduchi, ashwagandha, kale, and shankhpushpi can be dried and consumed as a powder mixed with warm water, milk, or honey.
Teas: Lemongrass and tulsi are perfect for brewing a healthy and flavorful cup of tea.
Veggie: Multivitamin plants and Centella Asiatica can be enjoyed as nutritious greens.
Natural Healing Helpers: Tincture plant leaves and aloe vera gel can be applied directly to wounds to promote healing.
Getting Started with Your Indoor Herb Garden
Forget the myth that you need a big house for an indoor herb garden. Here's your guide to getting started, even in a small space:
Sunshine: Most herbs need natural sunlight to grow. In apartments with limited natural light, LED lights can be your support.
Temperature: Herbs generally prefer an environment between 65 and 75 F, with 70 F being the most common temperature. Basil is an exception - it prefers to live at 75 F.
Soil: Skip the outdoor soil, it's too dense and might bring unwanted pests indoors. Opt for an indoor potting mix that's rich in nutrients.
Container: Drainage is key to preventing your herbs from drowning. Choose pots with drainage holes.
Watering: Oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme are low-maintenance water-wise options. Basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley enjoy more frequent watering.
Picking the Perfect Indoor Herbs
Not sure which herbs to grow? Here are some popular choices that thrive indoors:
Basil: This global culinary herb is easy to grow indoors. Plant seeds or buy small plants and give them plenty of sunshine and warmth. Enjoy fresh basil leaves for weeks.
Mint (Pudina): Fast-growing and fragrant, mint adds a refreshing touch to your dishes. Keep the soil moist and place it in medium to bright sunlight.
Lemongrass: Known for its medicinal properties, lemongrass adds a citrusy twist to various dishes. Opt for well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Rosemary: This fragrant herb thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny spot. Prune rosemary regularly to encourage growth and enjoy its fresh scent.
Thyme: A versatile herb for many recipes, thyme is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Ensure it gets plenty of natural light and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
No Time to Grow? Nirvana Organic Delivers.
If growing herbs seems like a chore, Nirvana Organic offers a solution! We deliver fresh, handpicked herbs straight from the Himalayas, grown and dried by women farmers using traditional methods.
