10 cool things about herbs for kids

1. 1. What are herbs?

      • Herbs are the leafy green parts of a plant, fresh or dried, used for flavouring food. They can also include seeds or flowers. There are many uses for herbs, like flavouring, perfume, medicine and food.

   2. Shout for Basil.

      • Ancient Romans and Greeks thought basil would grow more pungent if you shouted at it when you planted the seeds. This could be a lot of fun to try. Plant two and yell at one, see if it makes a difference.

   3. Basil for basilisk

      • Ancient Greeks believed that if you left a basil leaf under a pot it would turn into a scorpion, maybe because it was named after the basilisk − a half-lizard, half-dragon creature. Have the kids try this and surprise them with a toy under the cup in the morning.

   4. Mint for tummy pain

      • Mint leaves are great for curing indigestion. Have the kids taste a leaf. We use peppermint mixed with a teaspoon of sugar and hot water to soothe upset tummies – a cure passed down from my Nana.

   5. Thyme for Fairies

      • Patches of thyme were planted as playgrounds for fairies. This old English tradition may be a great start for your own fairy garden.

   6. Garlic for vampires

      • Garlic is a herb and a vegetable. For children, it is the best tool for warding off vampires. Why? Garlic is a powerful herb to cure infections. Thus cure blood disease vampires suffer from, thereby killing the vampire itself.

   7. Parsley for evil spirits

      • Parsley was thought to protect against evil spirits. The leaves also taste really good, especially on garlic bread – now that should keep all the bad guys away.

   8. Lavender for sleep

      • Lavender is often prescribed to soothe headaches and promote relaxation and sleep. Many baby lotions have lavender. Do your children like the smell? Did you know it is also an antidote for some snake venoms and that you can use it in cookies? Cool!

   9. Catnip for tea

      • Catnip can be made into tea and is best known for its odd effect on cats. Some become aggressive, others ignore it, but most cats just act goofy when they smell it. Cats may be fickle but all rats hate it, huh!

   10. Dandelions for…

       • Dandelions are herbs! Called “dents de lion,” French for teeth of the lion, dandelions were also called “pis-en-lit” or pee the bed. Why? Dandelions are diuretics; they remove fluid from your body so don’t eat them before bed.

For more herbs kids can plant indoors, click here.