It’s a proven fact that certain scents can soothe our minds, trigger memories and even help prevent depression, and many of these powerful perfumes come from herb plants. Herbs produce high levels of natural oils which give them their complex aromas and many of these aromatic herbs are grown commercially for the colognes, shampoos and cosmetics that you use.  You can easily grow your own aromatic garden at home.

Aromatic herbs come in a multitude of scents ranging from earthy, like Patchouli or Rosemary, to sweet, like Sweet Woodruff or Lemon Verbena. Even culinary herbs like Basil, Sage and Thyme have wonderful aromas that often go overlooked, but can benefit your nose as much as your palette. These various scents will naturally freshen your home, giving your space a much more natural and clean feel. 

You may want to even alternate herbs in different rooms to create a different scent profile for each area. This can easily be done with potted herbs which are simple ways to add dimension and aroma to your home.

Citrus and Lemon scented herbs are proven to help fight depression, while Eucalyptus extract is often used in many cold remedies for its minty aroma which helps clear respiratory passages. Mints and Horehound are often found in teas, cough lozenges and chest rubs to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Incorporating aromatic herbs that have a medicinal effect on your mind and spirit are a terrific way to stay upbeat and healthy during dreary winter months, or relax after hectic work days. 

Consumers spend millions on aromatherapy products every year, but little do they realize how easy it is to create your own homegrown herbal cosmetics. By growing your own aromatic herbs, you have a constant wealth of anxiety fighting plants at your fingertips.

The senses of smell and taste are so integral to each other, it’s no wonder that aromatic herbs enhance the flavor of our favorite foods and drinks. Everything from Lemon Thyme cupcakes and Lavender tea to herb rubbed Thanksgiving turkey and Dill sauce for salmon fillets – the sweet and savory smells of herbs delight our palettes and enhance the flavor of our food. Growing your own herbs is the best way to ensure fresh flavor.

For centuries, people have infused their drinks with herbs for medicinal, spiritual and ceremonial reasons, believing that drinking the aromas released in the tea would give strength, protection, health or held cultural significance. Even in modern times, we still rely on the soothing power of a great-smelling cup of tea to help us relax, heal us when we’re sick and as a way to socialize. 

Aromatic herbs are a naturally green option for many of the products that we buy every day.  Growing your own herbs at home also gives you control over what you put into your body and offers a nontoxic alternative to high priced cosmetics and air fresheners. Try some potted aromatic herbs around your home this season and create your own stress-free environment. The scent and beautiful foliage of these plants will provide a tranquil, sweet smelling space for you to enjoy.