A lot of times when I am talking with new herbalists they express frustration because they can’t figure out how to incorporate herbs into their day. They don’t want to be swigging back tinctures all day in order to get their herbal fill. I’m there with you!
So today I’m going to share a few ideas that I think will really help you integrate herbs into your life in a way that makes sense and is natural and enjoyable!
- Use them in your cooking. I know it’s easy to forget that herbs like parsley, basil, rosemary and sage are medicinal, but they are! Parsley is a diuretic that can help with water retention, rosemary can help boost memory, basil is a great anti-oxidant. So look in your herb collection and start adding herbs to your eggs, rice, salads, soups and more!
- Make herbal vinegars. Herbal vinegars are a great way to increase the vitamin and mineral content you are consuming. A super-simple way to use vinegars is to use them to make a homemade dressing. Some people like to drink the vinegar by adding a little raw honey and hot water.
- Make tea. Yes, I know, this seems like the most natural way to get herbs in but a lot of people just don’t do it. Think about starting a nightly tea ritual where each evening you are sitting down enjoying a relaxing cup of tea as either a digestive aperitif or as a before-bed brain and nerve soother. Either way the herbs can help move you from that stressed out state to a more relaxed state. Maybe try a cup of chamomile and lemon balm tea. Or after dinner you could do a ginger decoction with fresh lemon and honey.
Make herbal body products. It is so much fun making herbal lotions, balms, bath soaks, face scrubs, facial toners & more! This is a super great activity to do with friends. Once a month you could dedicate an afternoon to creating your body products, then every day that month you have some lip balm to wear, lotion to put on, facial spray or toner to use that is easily incorporating herbs into your everyday life!- Make an herbal cordial, ale, or infused wine. Okay, I know, this isn’t necessarily the healthiest idea in the list 🙂 but if you ever imbibe, then these are really great options for getting more herbs in. How about a rosemary infused vodka that you made yourself with fresh squeezed lemon juice, rosemary syrup and water? Or enjoy a glass of herb infused wine with friends.
So there are just a few ideas for you to enhance your interaction with herbs without shifting your entire routine. Making herbs part of your life doesn’t mean you have to carry amber bottles of tinctures everywhere you go, it’s simply a matter of inviting them into your day and allowing them to occupy the space you have already created for eating, self-care and fun.
