Here are some key nutrients found in common herbs, listed by herb name:
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1. Basil

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium
• Antioxidants: Polyphenols, Flavonoids
• Other: Anti-inflammatory compounds like eugenol

2. Parsley

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Potassium, Folate, Iron
• Antioxidants: Flavonoids, Beta-carotene
• Other: Luteolin (anti-inflammatory)

3. Mint

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Iron, Manganese
• Antioxidants: Polyphenols, Menthol
• Other: Antibacterial properties

4. Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Potassium, Manganese
• Antioxidants: Quercetin, Flavonoids
• Other: Detoxifying agents

5. Thyme

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Iron, Manganese, Calcium
• Antioxidants: Thymol, Carvacrol
• Other: Antibacterial and antifungal properties

6. Rosemary

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron
• Antioxidants: Rosmarinic acid, Carnosic acid
• Other: Anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing compounds

7. Oregano

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Iron, Manganese, Calcium
• Antioxidants: Thymol, Carvacrol, Flavonoids
• Other: Strong antimicrobial properties

8. Dill

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Manganese
• Antioxidants: Monoterpenes, Flavonoids
• Other: Anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits

9. Sage

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Manganese
• Antioxidants: Rosmarinic acid, Flavonoids
• Other: Cognitive-enhancing properties

10. Chives

• Vitamins: A, C, K
• Minerals: Calcium, Potassium, Folate
• Antioxidants: Allicin, Flavonoids
• Other: Antimicrobial properties

11. Tarragon

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Potassium
• Antioxidants: Coumarins, Flavonoids
• Other: Anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits

12. Lavender

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron
• Antioxidants: Linalool, Geraniol
• Other: Calming and anti-anxiety properties

​13. Lemongrass

• Vitamins: A, C
• Minerals: Iron, Potassium
• Antioxidants: Citral, Polyphenols
• Other: Anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits

​These herbs not only add flavor but also provide a range of essential nutrients and health benefits!


HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS
(extracted from: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/herbs)

Consuming herbs may help to prevent and manage heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It may also help to reduce blood clots and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. Research is ongoing but studies have shown that:

• Garlic, linseed, fenugreek and lemongrass may help lower cholesterol.
• Garlic is useful for people with mildly elevated blood pressure.
• Fenugreek can help control blood sugar and insulin activity (as can linseed, flaxseed and cinnamon).
• Garlic, onions, chives, leeks, mint, basil, oregano, sage and many other herbs can help protect against cancer.
• Herbs are rich in antioxidants, especially cloves, cinnamon, sage, oregano and thyme.

Fresh herbs often contain higher antioxidant levels compared to processed or dried herbs. If you are using herbs in order to harness their health-promoting aspects first and foremost, aim to add your fresh herbs at the end of cooking or as you serve to preserve these properties.

TAKING CARE OF HERBS

Different herbs require different care, including watering, sun exposure, and soil type: 
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• Watering
  Water herbs thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Water earlier in the day so the leaves can dry before nightfall. Some herbs that require specific watering schedules include: 
  • Basil: Water once a week 
  • Chives: Water once or twice a week 
  • Dill: Maintain about one to two inches of damp soil 
  • Mint: Water daily 
  • Parsley: Water once or twice a week 
  • Sage: Water only when the soil is dry
    

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• Sun exposure
  Most herbs prefer at least six hours of full sun, but some can survive with as little as two hours. Mediterranean herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme need more sun, while softer herbs like parsley, lemon balm, and mint need less. 

• Soil type
  Herbs need well-drained soil and will not grow in wet soils.  If poor drainage is a problem, you can build a raised bed. 

• Fertilizing
  Over-fertilizing herbs can lower their essential oil content and cause root and stem rot. Chervil, fennel, and lovage may need moderate amounts of fertilizer. 

• Mulching
  Mulch can help prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and make it easier to pull weeds that do grow. Apply a layer of mulch that's two to four inches deep, but keep it away from the base of the plant.