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11 Unusual and Interesting Uses for Herbs
Kenan White
When many people think of herbs, they only think of cooking. There are so many other household uses for these wonder herbs! Take the list of herbs below and you have several natural ways to solve your everyday ailments. Go ahead and treat your acne with basil, clean your toilets with thyme, and build your bones with marjoram. Have fun exploring new ways to use herbs!
1. Rosemary: Mosquito Deterrent and Hair Rinse
To keep mosquitos away from your porch or other areas where you like to entertain guests, try growing rosemary in close proximity. Mosquitos don’t like rosemary and so they steer clear. Another great use for rosemary is as a hair rinse. To strengthen your hair and eliminate dandruff, rinse your hair in a cooled solution of boiled rosemary leaves and water.
2. Marjoram: Builds Strong Bones
Marjoram is an herb similar to oregano that is often used in Mediterranean cooking as well as health and beauty products. Because marjoram contains about 520% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, it can contribute to building strong bones and delaying the onset of osteoporosis.
3. Thyme: Household Cleaner
Thyme is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic due to the oil called thymol, which it contains. Rather than using harsh, toxic chemical cleaners around your house, try using thyme instead. Simply add fresh thyme to boiling water and then mix with a light, vegetable-based soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it to clean hard surfaces in your bathroom, kitchen or other areas of your house.
4. Mint: Keep Mice Away
Although most humans love the smell of fresh mint, mice absolutely hate it. Keep mice away from your home by scattering crushed mint or mint oil around problem areas of your house.
5. Lemon Balm: Fatigue Treatment
To reduce your fatigue, make a tea out of equal parts lemon balm, raspberry leaf, nettle, and oat tops. Add ¼ part each of sliced and sifted ginger and licorice. Re-boost your energy by drinking 3 cups every day.
6. Fennel: Breath Freshener
Fennel seeds have the ability to stimulate saliva production, which helps to eliminate bad breath. Next time you eat a meal with garlic or other pungent foods, simply pop a small handful of seed into your mouth to freshen your breath naturally.
7. Oregano: Fights the Common Cold
The oil of oregano helps to drain sinuses and reduce inflammation, so it is perfect for fighting the common cold. Next time you feel a cold coming on, try placing a few drops of oregano oil under your tongue or put a few drops in a glass of water before drinking it.
8. Basil: Anti-Bacterial and Acne Treatment
Basil is great for treating acne and other infections because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For a natural acne treatment solution, simply soak fresh basil leaves in hot water for 20-30 minutes. After the water has cooled, apply the liquid to problem spots using a cotton ball.
9. Parsley: Removes Dark Circles Under Eyes
Parsley is often added to beauty products because it contains vitamin K, chlorophyll, vitamin C and other active compounds that help to lighten and tighten skin. It also works great as an anti-inflammatory agent. Next time you have dark circles under your eyes, try spreading crushed parsley on your skin.
10. Tarragon: Mouth Number
In ancient times, people used to chew on tarragon when they had a toothache. This is because tarragon has the ability to numb the mouth the natural way.
11. Peppermint: Headache Soother
Peppermint is a popular herb used in aromatherapy to soothe headaches and relieve tension. To sooth a pounding head, add 5 to 7 drops of peppermint oil to a small bowl of ice water. Dip a washcloth in the mixture, squeeze and then apply the washcloth to your forehead for 10 to 15 minutes. Another common way to utilize peppermint’s soothing properties is to put several drops of peppermint oil on a washcloth and bring it in the shower with you for a minty steam.