A survival garden isn’t complete without herbs. Sure, they lend tons of flavor and aroma to many dishes, but they also serve many purposes beyond the kitchen.
Before modern medicine, our forefathers relied on herbs to cure a myriad of diseases—from coughs and colds to nasty infections. That being said, it only makes sense to plant them in your garden. In a SHTF scenario, these herbs would not only ensure tasty food, but they will also serve as your backyard pharmacy.
Take a look at these 5 herbs to grow in your survival garden:
Basil
Pesto is good, but that’s not the only thing you can do with basil. Often considered the “King of Herbs,” basil has about 160 varieties and just as many uses. In the kitchen, basil is the main ingredient for fragrant pesto and is usually added to dishes to enhance their flavor. You can make some herb butter with basil for steaks and seared dishes. It can also be added to salads.
Outside the kitchen or pantry, basil is used for a lot of medicinal purposes. It can be steeped and taken as tea to relieve indigestion. You can use the leaves in a steam inhalation to relieve nasal congestion and colds.
Basil also contains a lot of essential oils like camphor, which can be used topically to treat sore muscles and skin problems like itching and irritation. The essential oil contains citral and anethole, aroma compounds with excellent antimicrobial properties. These are great for treating bacterial and fungal infections.
Basil is very easy to grow and is ideal for container gardening. You can grow it indoors, as long as it gets a lot of sun. Basil plants hate the cold and will shrivel and die when left outdoors in the colder months.
All in all, it’s safe to say that basil is one of the top herbs to grow.
Parsley
Parsley is often taken for granted. It’s often used as a garnish on fancy dishes or as toppings on rice, mashed potato, or soup. But don’t underestimate it.
This herb is more than food decor; it contains a significant amount of flavonoids and antioxidants that are helpful in cell repair and regeneration. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s good for people suffering from joint pain. Parsley is also rich in vitamin C, which is good for your immune system, and vitamin K, which is essential in bone growth and development as well as blood clotting.
And to top all that off, it contains a lot of lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamin A, which are helpful in maintaining good eyesight.
Parsley is usually taken as tea or made into a tincture. Its leaves and roots have also been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. M
Oregano
Another one of the most popular herbs to grow, oregano is used in many Italian and tomato-based dishes. It also has a very potent essential oil, which contains more than 60 different compounds. This essential oil has antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In other words, it can treat bacterial and fungal infections, reduce swelling, and help cell regeneration. Since it’s quite potent, the essential oil is diluted first before use. Oregano also improves the immune system and aids in digestion. Like most herbs, it can be consumed as a tea.
Mint
Mint’s cool aftertaste can be attributed to large amounts of menthol. This cool aftertaste is why it’s typically used to complement sweet teas, desserts, and salads. But mint doesn’t just keep things fresh; it also has a lot of medicinal uses. Mint tea can be used to ease stomachache, chest pains, and headaches.
Got a bad sunburn from a day in the sun? Use some mint to soothe it.
If you’ve got a bug or pest problem, look no further than your mint plant. It’s a natural insect repellent that can ward off fleas and flies. It’s also a natural deodorizer.
Mint is one of the best herbs to grow since it doesn’t require much effort to plant. In fact, you might want to keep it in a pot or container by itself, as it can spread quickly. You can grow it from cuttings and plant it in nice, moist soil. You can harvest the leaves any time—simply pluck them and add them to your sweet tea or salad, or pop one in your mouth for fresher breath. The leaves can also be stored in plastic bags for later use.
Sage
The smell and taste of sage remind us of many holiday dinners. But Thanksgiving turkey isn’t the only reason to add sage to your list of herbs to grow. This common herb can be made into a tea that’s awesome for treating sore throats, coughs, and hoarseness. It’s also got great anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are useful in combating swelling and infections.
What sets sage apart from its herbal cousins is that it doesn’t only treat wounds—it also improves brain function and concentration. Early studies are looking at tapping this property to fight dementia and other brain disorders. This flavorful herb contains a lot of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone function.
Sage is a hardy plant. While it likes well-draining soil and lots of sunlight, it can also tolerate cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Herbs are an asset to any survival garden. Aside from making your food taste so much better, they also have a lot of medicinal properties that can treat a lot of common aches and pains. Plus, you don’t need acres of land to plant them. Some of the best herbs to grow thrive in small containers and can even survive indoors.
What are your favorite herbs to grow in your garden? Let us know in the comments!
