Herb Power

They can help clear the mind, calm you down and even help stop menopause flashes. Herbs really are an  A Grade Superfood. Fortunately, Gippsland is the prime location to grow herbs in your own backyard.  We asked clinical nutritionist and founder of The Health Plate Tania Roberts to share her tips, tricks and advice for incorporating herbs into our lifestyle.

Q: What are some of the benefits of using certain herbs?

A: Culinary herbs are great as they add flavour, punch and beauty to a dish.  I must say in Gippsland we are blessed with what we can grow too!

You can pick herbs straight from the garden and add to hot water and steep for a beautiful tea.  Mint teas are beautiful for digestion, clearing the mind and calming but I would steer away if you have GERD, reflux or pregnant. 

I prescribe Sage tea with a little honey for women with menopausal flushes.  Place one to two tablespoons of fresh Sage in hot water then cover with a saucer/lid to steep for five minutes and drink over the day.  Research has shown doing this for six weeks can reduce hot flushes for menopausal women. 

Adding bitter herbs such as Coriander and my personal favourite Vietnamese Mint in dishes is great for stimulating the liver.  When the tongue senses something bitter on the tongue it thinks, ‘whoa- that’s bitter it could be toxic’ and it  steps up digestion to process it- how cool is our body!?

Q: Amazing! Can you tell us what are some of the ways people use herbs?

A: Herbs are great in teas, marinades for meats, infuse in oils, chop up and add to dishes for an extra flavour punch and of course to pretty up your plate.  You can also dry your herbs either on a drying rack near a window or use a dehydrator to keep them for longer. 

Oregano and thyme dry really well. Store them in a glass jar in your pantry and use them in winter through your slow cooked meals and soups. 

I must note, I am only talking about culinary herbs from your kitchen garden. Liquid herbs which have even more therapeutic effects need to prescribed from a Naturopath or Herbalist. 

I love them soooo much that I have gone back to university to become an Herbalist to support my clients with this beautiful modality as well. 

Q: Are there certain herbs that are easier to grow or obtain than others?

A: This time of year in Gippsland, you can grow most herbs easily such as parsley, sage, mint, lemon balm, coriander, chives, rosemary and oregano. 

Some herbs such as Vietnamese Mint are water thirsty, so plant that where you can keep an eye on it.

There are a lot of herbs you can get from cuttings from friends and family, such as the mint and oregano.  Otherwise, check out local markets and nurseries.

Q: Are there any herbs that people should be wary of or should use cautiously?

A:  I wouldn’t recommend foraging for herbs if you aren’t experienced in what you are looking for. 

Culinary herbs add flavour, nutrients, and are visually appealing- but choosing any herbs for their therapeutic effects should be done by your Naturopath or Herbalist as they may have unknown consequences if you don’t know what you are doing. 

They may look sweet and innocent, but they may not be right for you!

Q: Any other tips or advice you can give us?

 A: Getting a bunch of herbs from the supermarket can get costly when you don’t use them all up, so I highly recommend growing your own herbs. 

Start with oregano and parsley that don’t need a lot of attention except for sun, soil and water and watch your kitchen garden grow! 

Add some Marigolds for colour and to help keep away pests in the garden.

***If you would like to know more about the benefits of herbs, Tania is running a workshop called Spring Cleanse on 28 October at The Creative Wellness Studio in Trafalgar. Cost is $35. Attendees can sample dishes where Tania has incorporated herbs. She will be talking  about the liver and provide some tips about kick starting your health this Spring.  

Secure your spot here.