Having an herb garden is not just a fad - it's something every household needs! And the best part is that you don't need an actual garden to grow herbs - many of them are happy to scent your balcony or window from their very pots.
Not just for cooking, infusing, and decorating, herbs are great for beauty and healing (see our 5 favorites). Here are 15 ways to use your summer herb bounty.
15 Uses for Herbs - Besides Cooking!
1. DIY Botanical Cologne
Create your signature scent by mixing some of your favorite herbs and spices with vodka. It's as easy as it sounds!
2. Herb-Infused Hair Rinse
Did you know that rosemary is recommended for all hair types, and lavender is great for oily hair? Now you can put those herbs to some good use right on your scalp. Here are more herbs that are great for healthy hair.
3. Insomnia Remedy
Lavender is an excellent remedy against insomnia, and there are several ways you can use that to your advantage.
4. Aromatic Wax Firestarters
Start your next fire with a wonderful combination of scents, including rosemary, bay, and cloves.
5. Dryer Sheets
Fill old pillowcases with lavender to make homemade dryer sheets that will leave your laundry smelling wonderful.
6. Homemade Dish Soap
Make dish washing more enjoyable (yes, it's possible) by adding the fresh scent of antiseptic rosemary.
7. Bath Soak
Use Epsom salt with herbs from the garden to create the perfect homemade bath soak. Relaxation guaranteed.
8. Homemade Soap
This easy recipe will get you into soap making in no time! We used basil, mint and rosemary mixed with citrus. You might also like these herb and spice soaps that make great gifts, too.
9. Healing Balms
Learn how to make healing balms infused with herbs, such as this peppermint and lavender balm to relieve headaches.
10. Infused Body Oil
Transfer the beauty benefits of herbs to your skin by soaking them in oil and infusing.
11. Herbal Tincture
There are so many useful tinctures you can make at home using herbs and alcohol! This beginner's guide shows you some of our favorites and how to make them, and you might also like this relaxing CBD tincture.
12. Herbal Hydrosol Perfume
These are many ways to make perfume, but how about one that's also helpful? Use the properties of healing herbs to create a signature scent.
13. Anxiety Relief
Certain plants, such as lavender or chamomile, have known calming properties. This Lavender Chamomile Latte before bed can help with anxiety and insomnia.
14. Detox Body Wrap
This recipe uses fresh herbs (think rosemary and sage), which is perfect for summer when fresh herbs are cheaper and easier to find.
15. Herbal Poultice
To make a healing poultice, you simply want to crush the herbs into a pulp and spread it directly onto the skin, where it will be held in place with muslin or cheesecloth.
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