HERBS MADE EASY

Windowsill Gardening

Grow your own herbs on your patio, balcony or window ledge.

Most common herbs to grow are basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano and cilantro.

You can purchase windowsill gardening kits from your local gardening centers, or use your own containers.

Tips on growing herbs

For inside windowsill gardening make sure you choose an area with plenty of sunlight for a long period of the day. Find a planter that will fit inside the sill and that complements your decor.

Good soil is very important. "Soil-less” gardening mix is perfect since it removes soil-borne diseases.

Choose plants of good quality that don’t grow too high or have long roots.

Remember not to over or under water them for that will kill them very quickly.

To help them grow stronger, here are a few tips: 1) Fluorescent lighting can help the plants grow but it’s not a substitute for sunlight; 2) Turn your planter around so plants grow straight; 3) Take the plants outside every once in a while, it will help them to grow bigger and stronger.

For patio or balcony gardening make sure the plants still receive plenty of light but keep them protected from harsh elements such as our occasional Santa Ana winds.

Health Advantages

Basil

• Rich in vitamins A and C and contains elements like potassium, magnesium and iron, as also substances like phosphorous and calcium.
• It’s also good for the circulatory system and the vitamins help with a glowing complexion, glossy hair and better eyesight.

Thyme

• Antioxidant
  Thyme contains the flavonoids apigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin, which have antioxidant activity.
• Anti-Fungal
  A study at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Milan in Italy has concluded that thymol, the major component of thyme oil, has the ability to interfere with the formation of candida.
• Anti-Bacterial
  The thyme extract thymol is one of the ingredients in the antibacterial Listerine mouthwash, which in studies has exhibited potent antibacterial properties.
  

Rosemary

• Contains chemicals called quinones which have been shown to inhibit carcinogens.
• Others claim that it improves memory, relieves muscle pain, and stimulates the circulatory and nervous systems.

Oregano

• Has anti-fungal properties which some herbalists use to combat candida, a condition resulting from excess fungi levels, in the body.
• Also contains rosmarinic acid which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-viral properties.

Cilantro

• Is known to be rich in phyto-nutrients, flavonoids and active phenolic acid compounds, all of which are good for you.
• There are no definitive studies on cilantro but many believe that it and the seeds (often called coriander), have been found to help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol and fight inflammation.

These herbs are easy to grow, hearty to keep, and enable us to add zest and nutrients to our everyday recipes and cooking. In recognition of National Employee Health and Fitness Day, we encourage you to begin eating more healthy (if you're not already doing so) and let Posh help you keep that health going in your workplace. Call Posh today at 714-556-5680 to hear about our Pure and Natural Menu that enables you to simultaneously accommodate healthy eating and good taste, at a very affordable price.