Giving the Gift of Wellness

Sacred Basil Art by Jessi Carter

Written by Lauren Waddington

Did you know that many of the varieties we sell have medicinal applications? While all edible plants have unique nutritional properties, out of our catalog these in particular stand out for their traditional healing uses or nutrient density: Florence Fennel, Borage, Breadseed Poppy, Calendula, German Chamomile, Echinacea, Nasturtium, Balloon Vine, Catnip, Cilantro, Common Sage, German Thyme, Gigante d'Italia Parsley, Lovage, Summer Savory, Yarrow and Sacred Basil. (All our herbs can be viewed here.) Aside from eating them, of course, many of these herbs can also be utilized as teas, salves, extracts, and oils, based on the variety. Think of all the healing products you could add to your pantry if you were to grow these plants! Not to mention the helpful uses! For example, I always keep a Calendula based salve close by for assisting in healing minor wounds, soothing bug bites, rashes, itchy or dry skin and moisturizing. Sacred Basil as a dried herb makes a delicious tea that supports the adrenal glands and helps with managing stress. It's also an essential to me, as well as being one of my favorite herbs.

An herbal infusion is prepared simply by placing fresh Sacred Basil leaves in cold water and allowing to steep for 4 hours in the sun.

We'll get into more detail about the myriad of things you can do with these amazing healing plants in further posts. Meanwhile, if one of your loved ones is interested in herbal medicine making, consider giving the gift of wellness this holiday season with our Culinary and Medicinal Herbs Gift Basket. It's a great place to start a healing garden, and includes up to 9 of the aforementioned varieties.

Lauren is a recent addition to the Seed Library sales team. She has been interested in the many ways in which plants can nourish us since childhood, and grew up sampling wild edibles and learning about self sufficiency and survival. Her work in the herbal and nutritional supplement industry for many years has contributed greatly to her belief in our power over our own health, and our ability to heal ourselves naturally.