Three Essential Herbs Everyone Should Have at Home

By: IVORY MELONE

When we think of herbs, a lot of our minds wander to the kitchen and cooking, even making teas. Others think of beauty products and tinctures, remedies we've learned from family and friends. Aside from the herbs aromatic qualities, many herbs have healing properties that aid us in some type of way physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Herbal use in medicine and in rituals date back thousands of years and show us that there is a deeper underlying connection with the reaping of what Mother Nature gives to us from her soils.

1. LAVENDER

The first herb that many of you know of and probably already have at home is...(drum roll please), lavender. Whether it is a fresh plant growing in your window sill or a dried sachet of flower buds, lavender is useful in so many ways.

Lavender is edible, can be used in teas, smoked in an herbal joint, and is often found in skincare and beauty products. Its calming effects on the nervous system, are just one of these plants’ magical antidotes for relieving stress and high blood pressure.

Adding lavender oil to your bath or with a carrier oil can help to relax your body, mind, and spirit. Lavender is a natural anti-bacterial and is greatly used in beauty products and during facial steaming at spas and at home. This herb is great for clearing up acne and balancing out your skin without over-drying it.

2. Saint John’s Wort

St. John's Wort is the second top herb I recommend having in the house. Many utilize this herb in teas, herbal smokes, oils, tinctures, and to dispel bad dreams at night. St. John's Wort has some amazing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that speed up the healing processes for wounds and bruises.

Utilizing St. John's Wort in an oil or salve can help to relieve pain and disinfect wounds. It is also a natural astringent which helps with oily skin and for managing dandruff. This herb decreases mood swings, relieves anxiety, and supports emotional wellbeing. Overall, a well-rounded plant that will come in handy on multiple occasions (well-deserved kudos!).

3. Peppermint

Lastly, peppermint is a must-have! From tea, smoking blends, to oils and salves, peppermint is uplifting and naturally energizing. The natural menthol in peppermint helps with cold and flu-like symptoms by relieving cough and sinus issues. It treats chest congestion and back pain along with soreness of the throat. When ingested, peppermint is also great for curing migraines and nausea.

This herb naturally aids in weight loss and can eliminate your appetite. Great as a tea, peppermint can also be used as an oil or salve, which relieves muscle tension and is great for any joint pain. Peppermint is a smokable herb and is used in rituals to heal the Solar Plexus chakra.

Herbs in our daily routines

There are so many medicinal benefits to herbs and even weeds that could be in our backyard (dandelion is one of them!). Utilizing herbs in our daily routines and in our self-care rituals can really add value and self-love to our agendas.

Herbal Expression is a local San Diego business and they embody all of that! Sipping on tea in the morning and adding in a herbal facial steam to my skincare routine are just two simple ways of getting more connected and grounded with Mother Nature. Incorporating herbal remedies into life allow us to connect back to our higher-self and align with our innate nature.

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