Best gifts for herb lovers

The natural healing qualities of herbs are known worldwide, and the remedies that we now call "alternative therapies" have, in fact been used by many societies for hundreds of years.

Lavender has been used since the dawn of civilisation as a soothing herbal balm, and as an antiseptic to ward off germs and plagues. Lavender gifts come in all sorts of formats. I love lavender body lotion to sooth my skin, and lavender room spray for my bedroom. Lavender has the reputation of improving sleep.

Peppermint has invigorating qualities, and makes a wonderful soothing foot lotion- a great gift for a busy mom. I also love peppermint tea after a meal. Peppermint tea aids digestion. Of course you can buy peppermint tablets for your digestion, but peppermint tea smells so good.

Sage has been thought of as helping improve the brain- the use of the word "sage" to mean a wise thinker comes from this.Lemon balm (or melissa to give it it's proper name) has long been grown to make soothing herb teas.Herbal remedies and natural therapies are excellent gifts for busy women. What could be nicer than relaxing with a soothing herbal bath or body rub?

I grow all of these herbs and many more in my herb garden.Herds are so easy to grow. You can find out more about how I grow my own herbs and have fun with growing your own herbs.

Not everyone has access to fresh herbs, or to a herb garden, but you can give the gift of herbs in so many ways today. Here I've selected some of the herb gifts that I would love to receive as a gift anytime. All these gifts can be bought online now-so you can shop from home- so soothing!

For a really great range of herbal skin products have you looked at skinbotanica natural skin care?

They have an excellent selection of organic skincare.

How to grow and use Sweet Cicely

Find out more about this unusual herb.

Grow peppermint in your garden.
Whilst lavender is soothing, peppermint is invigorating. This article tells you how to grow and use peppermint. There are lots of gifts made with peppermint that I would love to receive.

What would I like for Christmas or my birthday? Well I love herbs, as I think you know by now.

I'd love a great book about herbs. Jekka Mc Vicar's herb books are, in my opinion, the best you can buy. Buy them in book form or for your Kindle.

Bubble bath, shower gels, body butter, hand creams- all of these come scented with my favorite herbs, and make great gifts.

Think about giving herbs for use in the kitchen- herbs in pots, dried herbs, or even an indoor herb garden would make gifts.

Herbal rooms sprays make me relax and smile! (only buy those made with natural herbs, not synthetic sprays)

I'd also love to receive a selection of herbal teas. Buy the best quality you can, and present a selection of herbal teas in a pretty tea caddy that can be reused and looks great on the shelf.

What DON'T  I want that's herb related? I don't want tea towels or aprons, thank you! I don't want something that I think of as work related. Herbal gifts should encourage a sense of welbeing and happiness.

Lovage and Sorrel are two of my favorite herbs. Lovage and sorrel are so underrated, but so easy to grow. Both lovage and sorrel can be used for cooking and for alternative remedies.

Why not take a look at these two unusual but very useful herbs?