Herbs...naturally good for body and environment

I headed along to Sungai Buloh  nurseries today with the sole intention of getting the Cat Whiskers plant. Seems that it is a natural pest repellent. Now that I have one in my garden, I would say it's true with the distinctive odour the plant excretes.

But look at what I ended up buying! Host of herbs! Actually I have been looking for these herbs for quite sometime now so when I saw them right in front of my eyes, I had to have them all. I really like the nursery  Delima Tani at Lots 49 and 50 of the Selangor Green Lane. The plants here are grown from seeds and they are organic. Let me tell you they taste delicious too! You may want to check out this place on your next visit there. However, the plants sold here are comparatively slightly expensive than others down the lane. Its their organic nature, I would say which boost the price. But if you are like me, if it's quality food you are looking for, then this is the place to go. 

The houris had to create a temporary makeshift in the corner of the garden to stack the herbs. She really wasn't prepared for this. It's alright for now. Most important is to get these herbs flourish and healthy.

Sweet Basil

According to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), sweet basil is good for stomach and food digestion. 

Rosemary

Looks similar to lavender. You have to sniff it to tell. Great for soups. Kak Chombi, a dear friend, shared a simple yet delicious recipe for baked chicken with rosemary. Marinate chicken in lemon juice with zest, garlic and rosemary for half-hour before putting in the oven. Sprinkle in salt. 

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm looks similar to mint. So how to tell the difference? Tear the leaf and sniff. If it smells of lemon, that is it, otherwise it is mint. Great news for lovers of iced lemon tea. Just crush a few leaves into the hot lemon tea till it is fragrant before adding in the ice. Or if you like it hot, you may omit the lemon juice because the lemon balm itself is enough. To soothe sore throat, put about 5 leaves into a mug of hot water until the leaves become soft before adding a few drops of honey. Sip gently and savor every drop of it. Thanks to my good friend, Natila, for sharing these tips and delicious concoction. 

Cat Whiskers

My one and only natural pest repellent. Please refer to Autumn Belle's web page here for a host of cat whiskers' natural goodness. Thanks Ms Belle, my garden looks brighter and healthier now.

Lavender

Sought after for its fragrance, the flowers are a natural air freshener for the home and closet. Do check out Kelly's blog here for more ideas on lavender. 

Mint

Great for tea especially Earl Gray or any of your favorite tea. Boil tea leaves then add-in the mint leaves and sugar to your liking. My mom would pound the mint leaves together with tamarind paste, dessicated  coconut, shallots,green chillies and salt into a thick green mint sambal and make it as a condiment for chicken curry and briyani rice. Or you can try my homemade 'mojito' drink. Blend 7-up, mint leaves,  calamansi (limau kasturi) juice and ice together. Wholesome goodness and its 'halal'.

That's how the houris consumes the above herbs. Have any other ideas? Do share and thanks :-)