10 Exciting Ways to Use Herbs in Your House

Need some inspiration for how to use herbs creatively around your home? It’s no secret that these aromatic and flavourful plants possess a host of beneficial properties, both for the body and the mind. Many of them are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, making them excellent as healthy cooking ingredients. But their healing properties don’t end there.

Many of the same herbs are excellent in body products, nourishing the skin and hair, soothing aching muscles and chronic pain and healing inflammation. They can also be used in cleaning and freshening products around the house. And their fragrances alone are therapeutic, helping the body and mind to relax and become calm. So here are 10 unique ways you probably haven’t thought of to use herbs around your house.

Hang Eucalyptus in the Shower

Eucalyptus smells amazing, but it also has many health benefits such as stress reduction and clearing the sinuses. A great way to enjoy the healing properties of this herb is to hang a bouquet of eucalyptus over your shower head. You can use fresh or dried eucalyptus stems tied together with a piece of string. Position the bouquet so that it is not directly under the flow of water. The steam from your shower will activate and release the eucalyptus oil compounds into the air, allowing you to breathe them in. They act as excellent nasal decongestants and can help you to breathe easier while enjoying the lovely aroma.

Infused Body and Hair Oils

Many herbs have properties that are beneficial to the hair and skin. To make a simple infused body and hair oil, fill a small glass jar with fresh or dried herbs, leaving a couple inches empty at the top. You can use any combination of herbs. Fill the jar the rest of the way with a carrier oil, such as almond oil. Place the jar on a warm, sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks and shake it once per day. After a couple of weeks, strain the infused oil into clean jars and use on your body and hair!

Cut Flower Arrangements

When making flower arrangements, add some stems of herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage, scented geranium, chive, and dill flower. They add a wistful wildflower vibe to your bouquets, as well as a lovely scent!

Herb Sachets

Make lavender pillows to tuck into your linen closet and clothes drawers. You can buy small fabric pouches with drawstrings and fill them with dried lavender buds. Or you can do it yourself and buy some tulle or thin fabric to make the pouches. Cut squares of fabric, place a handful of dried lavender flowers in the middle and gather the edges, tying with some string.

Herbal Candles

Herbal candles are a great way to enjoy the aromas of herbs. You’ll need some of your favourite essential oils for this project, but you can also use dried herb stems, leaves and flowers to make unique and decorative candles. Follow our tutorial on how to make herbal candles!

Herb Plants

Place a lavender or peppermint plant by your bed to promote better sleep. Their delightful aromas will help you to relax, and their leaves will purify the air as you sleep.

Herbal Rug Freshener

Create a rug freshening powder by combining lavender oil and baking soda. Sprinkle onto your carpet and let sit for a while before vacuuming it up.

Herbal Room Spray

Create an herbal room spray with your favourite herbs. Boil ¾ cup of water and then let some herb leaves steep for a few minutes. Remove the leaves and pour the infused water into a spray bottle. Add ¾ cup of distilled water, 1 tablespoon of vodka and 5 drops of lemon essential oil (optional, but creates a fresh smell!). Attach the spray bottle top and shake to combine the ingredients. Spray this wonderfully fresh mixture around the room to eliminate odours.

Make Herbal Bath Salts

Taking a bath with Epsom salts and herb infusions has been proven to have health benefits! Make a batch of herbal bath salts, and let yourself relax and unwind with the amazing aromas of your favourite herbs!

Make a Natural Room Scent

These days, many waxes and room fresheners carry harmful chemicals that are best to stay away from. Try making a natural room scent with these amazing recipes from The Yummy Life.