Top 15 Herbs

Health benefits and harvest information

Basil

Harvest
Continuous or as required

Position
Full Sun
or Semi Shade
20cm apart

Planting Time
Jan - Dec

Uses
A companion planting for tomatoes to repel whiteflies. Great in pasta dishes, Italian Pesto and Pasta sauces and Vinegars. Coloured foliage varieties can be used for borders and companion plantings.

Health Benefits

High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium, Phosphorus and Potassium
Powerful antioxidants combat cancer forming, skin ailments (acne), and viral infections such as colds and the flu
Combats bowel inflammation, stomach aches and rheumatoid arthritis
Enhances blood circulation, stabilizes blood sugar levels and improves respiration

Chives

Harvest
As required taking the outside leaves rather than whole plant

Position

Full Sun or Semi Shade

30cm apart

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses
Chopped leaves can be used in salads, soups and egg dishes.
Grows well in large pots forming clumps.

Health Benefits

Benefits the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems
Aids digestion and stimulates appetite (when finely chopped and consumed with food)
Can help the body in digesting fatty foods, such as cheese
Good remedy for those suffering from tiredness and fatigue
Can reduce obesity and fluid retention
Helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Contains mild anti-inflammatory properties

Coriander

Harvest
Autumn to Spring
(for leaves)

Summer (for seeds)

Position

Full Sun or Semi Shade
20cm apart

Planting Time
Jan - Dec

Uses
One of the most cosmopolitan of ancient herbs, leaves and seeds can be used to suit your cooking style. Over the years Coriander has been widely used in traditional cooking methods but also in medicines. Mature seeds are used for flavouring salads, bread and confectionary. Leaves can be used in many different dishes; Lebanese, Asian, and most meat dishes for flavouring.

Health Benefits

Leaves act as stimulants and tonics
Leaves strengthen the stomach and promote digestion
Seeds reduce fever and offer a feeling of coolness
Provides vitamins A, B1, B2, C and iron
Coriander water helps lower blood cholesterol
Seeds are known to alleviate excessive menstrual flow

Parsley

Harvest
Continuous or as required

Position

Full Sun to Semi Shade

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses
Both leaf forms can be used fresh as a garnish and fresh or dried to flavour salads, vegetables, meats, stews, soups and egg dishes. Suitable for growing in large tubs or in the garden as a perpetual herb or border.

Health Benefits

Three times as much Vitamin C as Oranges
Twice as much Iron as Spinach
Excellent source of Vitamins K & A
High antioxidants to fight cancer
Good for heart and Cardiovascular health

Spinach

Harvest

At 8-10 weeks
frequently pick outside leaves (a cool season,
short day crop)

Position
Full Sun

Planting Time

Mar - Aug

Uses
Best cooked immediately after picking but can be refrigerated up to a week. Can be steamed, boiled or used fresh in salads.

Health Benefits

The highest vitamin rich vegetable of them all; includes folate, Vitamins A, B1,2 & 6, C, & K
High in Iron and other trace minerals
Rich in beta-carotene, and lutein
Low fat content lowers cholesterol which reduces heart attacks and strokes
Anti-cancerous properties (including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals) act to treat and protect from various kinds of cancer (bladder, prostrate, liver and lung)
Eye Care - eyesight, dry eyes, ulcers, itching, protects from UV, prevents cataracts
Controls insomnia
Helps treat skin diseases and strengthen immune system
Blood Pressure - reduces hypertension, relaxes blood vessels and maintains blood flow
Strengthens muscles - antioxidants assist in strengthening heart muscles and treating
Cardiovascular diseases
Neurological benefits - various antioxidants provide benefits for occurrences such as Alzheimer’s disease
Bone mineralisation - can assist in preventing Osteoporosis through retaining calcium and Building of stronger bones
Assists infant’s growth through mother’s diet - will lessen likelihood of spinal bifida, cleft palate and proper development of fetus nervous system

Oregano

Harvest

Continuous

Position

Full Sun

Planting Time

Mar - Dec

Uses
Use fresh or dried in Italian, Spanish and Mexican dishes, especially with pasta and tomato. Also known as wild marjoram this perennial herb has a distinct aroma and flavour.

Health Benefits

The essential oil and alcoholic extract of leaves are used as an antioxidant, and also for antifungal and antibacterial uses
Anti-parasitic properties help in controlling a number of ailments related to the digestive system
Oregano oil helps in treating skin infections, itchy skin and irritated gums, when applied topically
Oregano oil is also beneficial in the treatment of sinus or lung congestion
Helpful in maintaining good respiratory health
Helps increase the joint and muscle flexibility
Useful for general strengthening of the immune system

Sage

Harvest

Continuous or as required

Position

Full Sun
30 cm apart

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses
Fresh or dried leaves are traditionally used to flavour seasonings for poultry, pork, lamb and beef. A perennial herb with long grey green fragrant foliage and brilliant tall spikes of violet blue flowers. Quite hardy in dry conditions and can be used as a herb or a perennial border.

Health Benefits

Sage oil contains the chemical substances alpha- and beta-thujone, camphor, and cineole as well as other constituents including rosmarinic acid, tannins, and flavonoid
May be used as a gargle for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and gums
Sage oil may offer antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects
Commonly used for upset stomach and excessive sweating
Useful for some symptoms of menopause

Marjoram

Harvest

As required

Position

Full Sun
20cm apart

Planting Time

Mar - Dec

Uses

Fresh or dried used for flavouring of meat dishes.
A perennial herb often grown as an annual. Oval leaves and small white flowers make this an ideal patio pot. Also known for its sweet scent reminiscent of nutmeg.

Health Benefits

Widely used in aromatherapy, and also as a warming and soothing massage oil to provide relief for muscular ache
Helpful in fighting asthma; headaches; and soothing the stomach and digestive tract
Acts as a decongestant and useful in bronchitis, sinusitis and sinus headaches
Used as a tonic for the nervous system, marjoram is believed to be more calming than oregano, as it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and stress
Flavonoids found in the leaf have sedation qualities which help to relieve insomnia, tension headaches and migraines
Promotes healthy digestion and treats simple gastrointestinal disorders, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea and flatulence
Anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate toothaches, muscular pain, bruises, arthritis, sprains and stiff joints when used externally, and ease severe stomach cramps, spasms and painful menstruation when used internally
Helps in the reduction of fevers, and helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms

Mint

Harvest
Perpetual as required

Position
Prefers shade and damp conditions

Planting Time
Jan - Dec

Uses
Use fresh mint in drinks, food and as a garnish. Can also be used for mint sauce or mint jelly. A spreading perennial best controlled in a large pot or tub.

Health Benefits

Strong mint tea helps in soothing the digestive tract and easing the severity of stomachaches
Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes and cleanses the stomach
Strong diuretic, also helpful in eliminating toxins from the body
Reduces the growth of bacteria and fungus in the body (when consumed in a regular diet)
Antifungal properties help in curing asthma and other allergic conditions
Crushed mint leaves help in whitening teeth
Helps to get rid of headaches and migraines
Inhaling mint gives relief from congestion problems, like sinus infections and common cold

Dill

Harvest

In the first 8-12 weeks harvest young foliage,
then harvest seed yield when flowered

Position

Full Sun to Semi Shade
30cm apart

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

A hardy annual herb with light green, feathery leaves and umbrella shaped flower heads. Leaves have a pungent, bitter sweet taste.

Uses

Leaves can be used fresh to flavour chicken, fish, egg and potato dishes, while seeds can enhance vinegars, pickles, breads, crackers, cookies, cakes and pies.

Health Benefits

Used to induce sleep and relieve insomnia
Very good source of calcium which is important for reducing the bone loss that occurs after menopause and in some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Crushed dill seeds, when diluted with water, can be used as a nail-strengthening bath
When chewed, dill seeds can be highly effective in curing bad breath
Dill tea, made from seeds, is popular for controlling flatulence
Can be used to relieve stomach symptoms

Curry Plant

Harvest

As required

Position

Full Sun

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses

Great accent foliage plant for gardens, rockeries, patio pots, potpourri, wreaths, and for cooking in soups and casseroles. With its very strong odour this plant really does smell of curry, however the food source is not derived from this herb. It’s more common for its pleasant aroma, used as a small shrub or topiary with its soft silver/grey foliage.

The medicinal oil extracted from Curry Plant is known as Helichrysum essential oil, and although it is costly and rarely available, unlike other essential oils it can be stored for a very long time.

Health Benefits

Helichrysum essential oil offers the following benefits:
Used as an antiseptic
As a fungicidal it helps to prohibit and inhibit fungal infections
Relieves inflammation and soothes body
Keeps the nervous system in order, strengthens and protects it from disorders
Makes the skin smooth, soft and helps it retain moisture, preventing it from dehydration and cracking
Helps in the growth of the body, particularly beneficial for growing children or children who have obstructed growth
Keeps spleen healthy and free from infections

Rocket

Harvest

Ready for frequent picking at 2-3 weeks

Position

Full Sun

Planting Time

Aug - April

Uses

A fast growing salad herb with a distinct, bitter, peppery flavour which mixes well with other fresh salad leaves, and can be used in sandwiches.

Health Benefits

Very low in calories and can be a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins C, A, K and P, iron, potassium and other nutrients and minerals
Improves blood quality
Very effective stimulant, giving power and energy
Posesses vitamins P and K which are reported to have positive effects on liver function
Should be eaten on a regular basis to prevent most types of cancer
Wonderful source of chlorophyll, which cleanses and energizes the blood, and helps bring large amounts of oxygen to all parts of the body

Rosemary

Harvest

Continuously as required

Position

Full Sun to Semi Shade

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses

A pine-like flavour used fresh or dried with chicken and meat dishes (particularly lamb) and stews. An attractive perennial shrub with dark green needle-like leaves and lavender blue flowers. Suitable for large pot and tubs or as a great shrub filler in the garden.

Health Benefits

Rosemary oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect when applied to the skin
Treats a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches
Helps prevent cancer and age-related skin damage
Helps prevent breast cancer forming by blocking oestrogen hormones
Boosts the functioning of the liver and acts as a mild diuretic to help reduce swelling
Disarms harmful toxins and flushes them from the body

Thyme

Harvest

Continuously or as required

Position

Full Sun
30cm apart

Planting Time

Jan - Dec

Uses
Fresh or dried leaves can be used in soups, stews and for seasoning of poultry, meat and fish dishes. A small, prostrate perennial herb useful as a ground cover in rockeries and garden borders or for container plantings. Thyme is ideal for Australian conditions being very drought tolerant.

Health Benefits

Thyme oil acts as an antipseptic and disinfectant
Useful in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract
Contains cancer preventative properties
Thyme infused tea mixed with honey and/or lemon soothes lung and air passages, and is also useful for easing menstrual cramps and PMS
The tea can aid in digestion and help dissolve and remove mucus from the intestinal tract

Watercress

Harvest

At 4-6 weeks
then as required

Position

Full Sun to Semi Shade

10-12 cm apart

Planting Time
Apr - Aug

Uses
Tasty additions to salads, sandwiches and garnishes. With its leaves delivering a peppery taste and its high Vitamin C contributions, this has become a popular salad herb in a healthy every day diet.

Health Benefits

Provides an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, manganese, and carotenes, and also a good source of fiber, iron, copper, and calcium
Contains anticancerous properties
Helps protect the eyes, containing a high level of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin
Helps to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure
Can help improve memory and mental function
Powerful cleanser of the body, especially the bloodstream
Low in calories and high in potassium which is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body
Valued for clearing and improving the complexion
Rich in calcium which can strengthen the bones and teeth