Spring Has Sprung: Grow Fresh Herbs Indoors

Commonly used herbs, like sage, rosemary, and thyme, contain protective plant chemicals that may help fight chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer. These compounds have been shown to attack inflammation and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Aim to optimize the potential benefits of herbs by eating them regularly. One way to do this is to grow them at home.

Tips for starting an indoor garden:

• Select a supportive pot: look for one that is 6 to 10 inches in diameter with holes in the bottom, which will allow water to drain out.
• Use indoor potting soil (not garden soil).
• Place them in a sunny spot (ideally one that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).
• Keep the temperature stable: 65 to 70 degrees is optimal.
• Use those herbs frequently - regular harvesting helps promote growth.

Looking for starter plants?  Check out your local home improvement or garden store online.

REFERENCES
Chohan, M, Naughton DP, Jones L, Opara El. An Investigation of the Relationship Between the Anti-inflammatory Activity, Polyphenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activities of Aooked and In Vitro Digested Culinary Herbs. Oxidative Medicine and  Cellular Longevity. 2012;2012:627843.
Jiang, T. Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices. Journal of AOAC International. 2019; 102(2): 395-411.
MacCaskey M and B Marken. Gardening for Dummies. New York, NY: Wiley Publishing.2006.
Opara M and M Chohan.Culinary Herbs and Spices: their Bioactive Properties, the Contribution of Polyphenols and the Challenges in Deducing their True Health Benefits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2014; 15(10): 19183-19202.
Tapsell, L et al. Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices: the Past, the Present, the Future. Medical Journal of Australia. 2006; 185(4): S1-S24.

By Kristin Otto, Dietetic Intern