Kitchen Witch: The Herb Process and Health Benefits

As promised, here is the herbs I chose and why, and just how I got (or didn’t get) them to grow!

[Dill] [Chives]

The Dill and Chives started in the same little container until they outgrew each other. For these two I started the seeds from a package from Walmart. I took half just in case I had to try again, got small containers and soaked the seeds overnight (about 8 hours). Making sure planting them/ taking them out of the water and on to paper towel was the first thing I did when I woke up (I worry easily). Once soaked I planted dill on one side and chives on the other. Always do a quick google to make sure anything you are planting together are compatible. I went on a whim and got lucky with these two.

Because I was starting these out indoors during winter. I knew they would need heat and moisture. So I made sure to gently but evenly and thoroughly water the pot. Then wrapped it in saran wrap before putting it on my shelf. Some plants can sprout/germinate without sun, I find they sprout quicker with sun, but it is not always necessary.

After about two days I started to notice mould. So I unwrapped and made sure they were in a sunny and dry area to let them dry out a bit. Then lightly removed the mould with a cotton swab. That was the day I noticed they had started to sprout, just the tiniest bit! From there it was keeping the soil moist, but not soaking and warm. In no time they were growing like weeds!

Herbs Health Benefits:
Dill:

fiber, folate (important for cell division and production of DNA). Calcium, riboflavin for cell function and development, manganese, vitamin A and iron.

Garlic Chives:

fiber and protein, vitamin C, carotene, calcium, vitamin B1 and B2.

[Walmart kit: [sage] [oregano] [thyme] [cilantro] [basil] [Parsley]]

With the Walmart kit, I decided to use this because I won’t lie. It was cheap and easy and made for beginners. It also included all the seeds I had been looking for without having to buy them individually. When I got the kit home, it came with soil, seeds and large oval pot. I followed the instruction, put seeds into soil, watered. Took my mums suggestion and saran wrapped it until I saw sprout. I was a little worried at first when the first two sprouts came through since the seeds were all mixed in one bag. There is no way to tell what is growing and what isn’t. So it is a waiting game to see what survives. As more sprouts reach the top and thrive I feel hopeful for a good mix.

Herbs Health Benefits:
Sage:

I use sage more for cleansing. But it is said to help memory and brain function, fatigue and help with blood sugar levels.

Oregano:

fiber, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium and loaded with antioxidants.

Thyme:

Vitamin C, Vitamin A, copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.

Cilantro:

“vitamin K and small amounts of folate, potassium, manganese, and choline. As well as the antioxidants beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.”

Basil:

Omego-3 fatty acids! Good for digestion and can help manage depression and diabetes.

Parsley:

Vitamin C and folic acid, protects blood vessels and immune system.

[green onions]

This one was easy and super quick. I kept seeing growing some veggies in water on Pinterest and had wanted to try for so long. But out of pure laziness just never attempted until now. I buy green onions every week. At 56 cents a bundle I wasn’t worried about cost, but every cent counts when you think about it. So I took a good sturdy bundle with roots that looked healthy, cut up and used it as normal and when we got down to the bottoms tossed them into a small cup with water. Within days it began to grow! We now just cut from this bundle whenever we are cooking and it just keeps growing! To be honest I never considered the crazy way plants can just regrow from seemingly nothing, and how happy it makes me to cook from something I am growing rather then just buying a new one.

Herbs Health Benefits:
Green Onions:

Vitamin A and K, and a low calorie choice for flavouring food to control weight.

[The toughy mint]

This is the one failure out of the bunch, though I don’t consider it a failure because it was a learning experience, and I have the seeds to try again. I germinated this the same way as the dill and chives and I think that was the mistake. Mint seeds are the tiniest seeds I have ever seen! So a whole night soaking seemed unnecessary and I believe it was. I decided to try this the way that the Walmart herb kit suggests for other herbs, instead of soaking seeds, put them just below the surface of the soil and moisten. Keep it moistened and warm for 7-14 days… and guess what? It grew! Every seed is different, and this one just wanted to test my knowledge and can do attitude.

Health Benefits:
Mint:

“Indigestion and gas: calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion, is thought to increase bile secretion and encourage bile flow, which helps to speed and ease digestion (and which may also support healthy cholesterol levels)”

[bonus:succulents]

I also rescued a few succulents from work when they were offering them for free, as they were freezing in the warehouse. I brought these home and although they are not edible, and therefor have no physical health benefits, they still have their own special benefits. These are the plants I started with, and learned from, and have kept alive! So far at least. I talk to these little guys, I tell them I am hopeful and how the day went, positive things only, and water and care for them. I do this to keep a more positive state of mind and after taking care of all the herbs and plants I feel better, even if just a little happier. This is a practice of positive thinking/ positive affirmations in my gradual steps to learning to meditate on the positive.

See Also: Kitchen Witch: Starter Garden, Yule Herbs, …

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