10 Herbs you can Grow Indoors in Water all year long

Winter usually marks the end of fresh local produce (especially if you live in the Northern hemisphere). But what if you could grow some plants indoors without the hassle of mud and planters? Growing herbs indoors isn’t as difficult as when you’re trying to grow vegetables or fruit indoors.

And fortunately for you, the answer to that question is yes. There are over 10 herbs you can grow indoors all winter long, and even without mud (how cool is that?). As a bonus, they make as an attractive addition to any windowsill or desk.

Herbs that root in water and grow throughout winter are perennial herbs. Annual herbs typically only grow one season, produce seeds, and then die (1). Perennials will keep coming back, as long as you pinch off the older leaves as they grow to full size.

Unless otherwise noted, full plants can be rooted from whole leaves with the base intact or from trimmed stems. You can start with herb plants from your garden, or even perennial herbs from the grocery store. Make sure the stems are 6 inches long, and remove the leaves from the bottom 4 inches of the stems.

If using herbs from the grocery store, cut the very bottom of each stem to allow them to absorb more water.

Place the herb stems in glass jars (opaque is best) filled with water (not distilled) and place them in a spot where they get bright direct light for at least 6 hours each day.

Clip each leaf as it grows to full size to encourage the stem to produce more leaves at the top. This will also allow the stem to grow for months at a time.

Whether you want to start a kitchen herb garden as a hobby, or simply want to save money, there are plenty of herbs that you can start with. Fresh herbs make everything taste better. From fresh salads to soups and stews, herbs will bring everything to a whole other level.

Some of the easiest and most popular herbs grown in water are as follows. Basil makes a great pain-relieving supplement, moderates blood sugar levels, and is a potent antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal (2). It is great for relieving coughs, and symptoms of bronchitis.

Sage is great at inhibiting the inflammatory response in the body (3). For this reason, sage can help remediate symptoms that come with ailments like arthritis, bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis.

Peppermint is wonderful for relieving digestive upset and can soothe irritable bowel syndrome quite fast (4). It helps relieve stress, nausea, inflammatory conditions, and is known for its incredible ability to get rid of headaches – fast!

Spearmint contains anti-androgenic properties that helps improve individuals’ suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (5).

Since spearmint and peppermint possess quite similar properties, the spearmint is also great for treating digestive upsets, as well as nasty headaches. Just like peppermint, spearmint grows quickly.

Oregano has been found to be superior to prescription antibiotics, working as an effective antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant. Some test-tube studies have shown that oregano and its components may help kill cancer cells (6).

Lemon balm is a wonderful smelling herb that helps repel mosquitoes, heal cold sores and aids digestion. It is also one of the best for repairing a tired and worn out nervous system. It has even been found to help reduce chronic stress and anxiety (7).

Thymol found in thyme, is known to kill cancer cells, as well as lower blood pressure, prevent tooth decay, ease stomach disorders and kill bacteria and fungi (8, 9). It is also a powerful anti-viral. The essential oil of thyme has been successfully used in keeping mold levels down in the air, particularly when diffused.

This popular natural sweetener is best grown at home to avoid genetically modified organisms and pesticides. Stevia helps reduce the desire for nicotine (to help stop smoking), because there is a link between sugar and nicotine cravings.

Rosemary has a sharper taste fresh than dried, and is known to improve memory and cognitive function, stimulate hair growth and prevent inflammation (10). Rosemary can be enjoyed in soups, stews, and sauces. It is also suggested to add rosemary to any potato dish you add to the oven.

Rosemary can help reduce the amount of cancer-causing acrylamide that is created as a by-product of roasting potatoes! This plant has thick stems, so it takes a while to grow roots. But once it gets going, it takes very well.

Tarragon is a great herb to help moderate blood sugar and treat metabolic syndrome. It also acts as a strong antibacterial agent (11). Tarragon may also help relieve pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.

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