Growing a Herb Pharmacy
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. – Hippocrates, father of medicine.
Have you ever thought that the food you eat can affect the way you feel? As a nutrition and health coach, I witness the healing properties and nutritional benefits that foods can offer to enhance your wellbeing and vitality. Adding culinary herbs to your diet can have you eating well to feed your appetite and your health. Each herb contains a wide variety of nutrition, powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Summer is a great time to grow your own herb garden pharmacy. A summer herb garden requires little space and can be grown in planters for easy access. Using freshly harvested herbs in your recipes will add delicious flavor to your plate and expand your palette without extra calories.
Some of my favorites are:
Basil
- Aids in digestion
- Supports a strong immune system
Peppermint
- Helps with nausea
- Stimulates the mind
- Soothes tummy aches and headaches
- Cools the body
Parsley
- Enhances the immune system
- Has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Supports a healthy heart
Thyme
- Has antiseptic & antimicrobial properties
- Effective against respiratory and digestive infections
Rosemary
- Alleviates muscle pain
- Stimulates the brain
- Boosts the immune system
Whether it’s a salad, homemade dressing or adding herbs to a cup of tea, the thrill of harvesting your own food will always delight. Culinary herbs are easy to grow, gentle on the budget and big on flavor. You may even find these herbs substitute the need for adding salt and sugar.
Herb marinade recipe:
Ingredients
- ½ cup parsley leaves
- ½ cup basil leaves
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup EVOO
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- lime zest for garnish
- Salt/pepper to taste
Directions
- Wash and dry herbs using a salad spinner.
- Add herbs & garlic clove to mini food processor until chopped
- Add in EVOO & lime juice, blend together
- Add salt/pepper to taste
- Use it as a marinade on chicken, turkey or fish
“PLANT YOUR SUMMER PANTRY”
Free Workshop @ The Organic Teaching Kitchen
Join landscape designer Myra Marsocci, owner of “Shades of Green”
as she plants The Organic Teaching Kitchen’s “ herb and vegetable garden”.
Myra will plant and demonstrate which crops you can grow outside your door to extend the kitchen pantry including seeding, planting, and harvesting from planters. She will also discuss which soils are best suited for herbs and vegetables.
Stop by for a tasting of culinary delights in the kitchen.
DATE: Saturday, May 30th
TIME: 12:30-2:00PM
WHERE: The Organic Teaching Kitchen, 18 Old Post Road South, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
CROTON SUMMERFEST is Sunday June 7th. Cool off at The Organic Teaching Kitchen and sample watermelon gazpacho using fresh herbs from The Organic Teaching Garden.
Susan Chasen is a Certified Nutrition & Health Coach. She is the founder of The Organic Teaching Kitchen. Susan offers nutrition and health coaching, nutrition workshops and “hands-on-cooking” classes to adults, teens and kids.
Other services include corporate Workplace Wellness Programs, School and Library Programs, a 21-DAY Clean Eating Cleanse, Kid & Teens Group Cooking Classes, Birthday Parties, Girl Scout programs & Wellness Events.
Check out TheOrganicTeachingKitchen.com for class and workshop schedule. The Organic Teaching Kitchen is located at 18 Old Post Rd. South, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. For more info, contact Susan at [email protected] or 914-582-9574. Call Susan for a complimentary consult.
