Super-Herbs
Herbs are more than mere additions to spice up and enliven dishes — they can boost your health, refresh your home, and even repel pests. From ancient remedies to modern kitchens, these four versatile herbs deserve a permanent spot in your pantry and garden.
🌿 LEMONGRASS
With its delicate, rose-like fragrance and fresh, grassy aroma, lemongrass is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking. The pale stalks are finely chopped or crushed to release their citrusy oils and are essential in Thai classics like Tom Yum soup and green curry. For a more intense flavour, add minced lemongrass at the start of cooking and let it brown gently with your aromatics.
A natural healer: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk remedies, lemongrass is said to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve headaches. Modern studies have found it contains citral, a compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A cup of lemongrass tea can be soothing after a heavy meal.
Mosquito control, naturally: Its citronella oil gives off a strong citrus scent that mosquitoes dislike. Plant lemongrass along balconies or corridors, or crush a stalk and rub lightly on the skin (test first to avoid irritation).
Kitchen tip: Choose stalks that are firm and pale green with a fresh, lemony scent. Wrap them in a damp paper towel, store in the fridge, and they’ll last up to two weeks — or freeze trimmed stalks for months.
🌱 PARSLEY
Parsley isn’t just a pretty garnish. There are two main types: flat-leaf (Italian), which has a stronger, more vibrant flavour, and curly-leaf, which is milder and decorative. Both varieties lift the taste of soups, salads, stews, and pasta. Don’t discard the stalks — they add a subtle sweetness and depth to stocks and broths.
Nutritional powerhouse: Parsley is rich in vitamin C (more per gram than an orange), vitamin A, and flavonoids that support immunity and reduce inflammation. Its natural oils can help freshen breath — simply chew a few sprigs after a garlicky meal.
Home remedy hero: In some traditions, parsley tea has been used to reduce water retention and support kidney health. Its antioxidants also help fight free radicals, keeping your cells healthy.
Buying & storing: Look for bright green leaves without yellow spots. Wrap in a damp paper towel and keep in the fridge, or chop and freeze in olive oil cubes for quick cooking.
🌸 THYME
Thyme brings a floral, peppery flavour with hints of pine, citrus, and mint. It’s a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, perfect for roasted vegetables, grilled fish, tomato sauces, and slow-cooked meats. Add early for deeper flavour, or sprinkle fresh leaves just before serving for a fresh, herbal lift.
Medicinal roots: Ancient Greeks burned thyme in temples, believing it promoted courage. Its essential oil, thymol, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Herbal teas with thyme are often used to soothe coughs and sore throats naturally.
Eco-friendly cleaner: Infuse fresh thyme in boiling water, cool, and mix with mild vegetable-based soap for a non-toxic household cleaner and mild insect repellent.
Kitchen tip: Dried thyme is more concentrated than fresh — use about one-third the amount when substituting. Fresh sprigs keep well wrapped in damp paper in the fridge.
🪴 DILL
Dill, with its soft, feathery fronds and sweet citrus-like seeds, adds a bright, tangy note to food. Scandinavian and Eastern European cuisines love it in gravlax, potato salads, creamy dips, and pickles. Its seeds are excellent for baking bread and flavouring soups.
Nutrition & tradition: Dill seeds pack surprising calcium — just one tablespoon contains more than a third cup of milk. Traditionally, dill tea or water has been used to calm digestive upsets, ease hiccups in babies, and freshen breath.
Grow your own: Dill loves sunlight and well-drained soil. Snip leaves just before flowering for the best flavour. Fresh dill wilts fast — wrap stems in damp paper and refrigerate, or freeze leaves in olive oil.
Serving idea: Stir fresh dill into yogurt with lemon and garlic for a quick dip or add to butter for an herbed spread that lifts plain fish or vegetables.
✨ Final Sprinkle: Why Herbs Matter
Adding fresh herbs isn’t just about flavour — it’s about wellness. They’re naturally low in calories, high in antioxidants, and can help you cook with less salt and sugar while keeping food exciting. Growing a small indoor herb garden is simple and keeps these fresh flavours at your fingertips. PRIME
