4 Herbs to Grow Indoors for Your Health - Guest Post

Hi everyone!  Today we have a very special Guest Post from Marla @ Organic 4 Greenlivings

In many areas of the country the gardens have fallen prey to Winter's cold, but that doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy growing you own plants and foods. You can grow herbs right on your window sills. There are 4 that I especially find easy and extremely useful in many ways.

4 Herbs To Grow Indoors

1. Oregano --  It is great herb to cook with and is used in many Mediterranean dishes, is wonderful on roasted chicken, stews, meatloaf, great to add to popcorn and pizza. Oregano goes far beyond it culinary uses, has a soothing aroma and, has many health benefits that include, a natural antiviral and expectorant. It's works wonders to soothing stomach aches and is great to inhale to help treat upper-respiratory congestion. And when you aching from shoveling snow try added oregano to your bath water to ease your aching muscles.

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To grow Oregano indoors make sure that it is in a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Make sure you don't over water it and its best to use a container with a drainage hole.

2. Peppermint - Is one of my favorite herbs that I love for it's inviting aroma, it's many health benefits that Nature has provided in this exceptional herb. I use it in many DIY recipes for  natural non-toxic cleaning, love drinking peppermint tea for its soothing powers through the winter, and adding peppermint to many recipes such as smoothies, desserts, for it sweet, and tasty flavor. Mint has many health benefits including boosting your immune system because it is loaded with antioxidants, is a good source of Vitamins A and C.  It is filled with antibacterial properties that kills germs and helps you stay healthy and does wonders for an upset stomach and other digestive ailments.

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You can grow mint in soil or water.
If using water - Take a 6-inch long mint cutting and put in a glass jar filled 3/4 full of tepid water, add some organic liquid fertilizer to boost its growth, and make sure it gets 6 hours of light each day.  Replace water weekly.In soil - Put a mint cutting in a small pot that has good drainage after you have filled the pot with organic potting mix and leave room for about 1/2 mulch since mint likes moisture. Keep moist and mint will do best in indirect sunlight.

3. Rosemary - This herb has a piney aroma and is used many times for aromatherapy for its many healing properties. It scent is like a little piece of heaven. Rosemary can add so much flavor to meats by rubbing it on raw meat with a little olive oil before roasting. Is also great to add to many vegetables and soups too. Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical compounds that help to fight and prevent disease, has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties that can add a wealth of health to your home.
To grow - Rosemary does best on a window sill that gets the morning sun since it  thrives under bright light. Just like oregano is does not tolerate overwatering and using a terracotta pots that helps with evaporation in the root zone is best.

4. Thyme - This leafy herb has a delicate aroma and almost grassy spice to any dish. It can be used in raw or cooked dishes such as roasted potatoes, carrots, apples, casseroles that are creamy and cheesy.  Fresh thyme is known to contain the highest antioxidant level among herbs, is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, among many other important vitamins and minerals.
To grow - Growing thyme indoors requires plenty of sunshine and needs at least six hours of daylight and well drained soil.  Using a clay pot with at least one large drainage hole that will allow the plant to dry out between watering and prevent overly wet roots. Thyme is not tolerant of soggy root conditions so make sure you do not over water. Growing thyme inside is one of the easiest indoor herbs to cultivate.

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To make it extra simple you can purchase Mary's Heirloom herb garden kits that contain everything you need to have healthy plants that are sure to thrive.

Growing your own herbs is not only fun but economical and you know that you're feeding your family the best and healthiest herbs. You don't have to worry about pesticides, additives or any other unhealthy ingredients that could be added to the store-bought version. Have some fun this winter and keep your garden growing while the snowing is flying outside.

About the Author: Marla is owner of organic4greenlivings.com. Her mission is to help educate the public about Environmental & Health issues, how to live a green lifestyle, and making our world safer for all of us!