Fresh herbs: good for your body, great for your mood

It’s amazing what fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint can do for your health. Sometimes wellness comes in a smoothie, sometimes in a walk — and sometimes, it’s simply in a handful of leaves.

Since I started growing my own herbs, I notice it every day: a little green on your plate can make a world of difference. Not just for your body, but for your mood too.

My balcony garden isn’t exactly the kind of green oasis you’d envy on Instagram. It’s more like a humble row of pots where the parsley outperforms the coriander, and the mint consistently outgrows everything — including my schedule. But honestly? Having fresh herbs at home makes all the difference.

Small leaves, big impact

In Spain, herbs are everywhere: in the market stalls of Moraira, in the fresh fish soup from my neighbor, and in the herbal tea I sip in the evening when it’s just cool enough to almost need a sweater on the terrace. It’s woven into the food culture, into the seasons — and now, into my own balcony. My little garden isn’t some standalone project; it’s my personal take on something that’s been second nature here for generations.

Sure, they add flavor — but they offer so much more than that.

• Rosemary supports focus and digestion.

• Basil has anti-inflammatory properties and a calming effect.

• Mint supports your breathing and helps relieve headaches.

• Thyme is a natural immune booster.

And no, you don’t need to become an herbalist. But if you let fresh herbs simmer, stew, or simply flow with your daily rhythm, you’ll start to feel it in your body: this stuff really works.

Harvesting = happiness

My favorite part? That moment when you pick the leaves straight from the plant. A quick sniff, a rinse under the tap, and then — onto your omelet, into your salad, or in your lemon water.

I don’t know exactly why, but there’s something comforting about it. It’s self-care you can touch. No yoga session or morning routine required — just a bit of basil from your own balcony.

My current favorite? Lemon balm.

I recently started growing lemon balm. It’s fresh, slightly herbal, and perfect for a cup of tea at the end of the day. They say it’s calming — and it really is. I notice I’m less in my head when I curl up on the couch in the evening with a mug of it.

Sometimes I think: healthy living isn’t something you have to do. It’s something that grows. In pots. On your balcony. Or within yourself.

This story is part of our June special: The Month of the Kitchen Garden. Discover how we sow, harvest, cook, and celebrate — Costa style.