Off The Grid Living: Teach Your Kids Self-Sufficiency With Herbs

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Teach Your Kids Self-Sufficiency With Herbs

Written by: Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG

children herb gardenOne of the best ways to teach self-sufficiency to children is by teaching them to garden. Simply being out in nature and sharing the responsibility for living things is invaluable. In addition, multiple studies prove that spending time in nature and especially, gardening, helps children to be healthier physically, emotionally and mentally.
Most kids love herb gardens because they engage all of the senses. Fortunately, herbs are among the easiest plants to grow. Plant herbs which can later be used to relieve common children’s health issues such as colds, minor cuts and bug bites. Herbs may be used for cooking, crafts and teaching purposes. In addition to creating a healing garden, you may choose plants which can be used to teach your children many other homesteading techniques, such as making natural dyes, food preservation, and companion planting methods.
Here are some specific ideas:
Lavender
Lavender
Lavender
Plant a couple of lavender plants. Lavender and many other herbs grow happily in pots. Lavender attracts butterflies and other insects, which many children enjoy learning about.
When your lavender plant produces flowers, have your children gather them. Simply lay the lavender on a screen to dry or hang it upside down.

Little ones can sew lavender pillows out of small squares of soft cloth. They can fill the pillows with dried lavender. Lavender pillows are great for relieving headaches and keeping inside a pillowcase of a bed pillow to promote sweet dreams.
You can make delicately scented lavender cookies with your child. Simply add a pinch of finely ground lavender to a sugar cookie recipe.
Catnip
Catnip
Catnip
Be sure to plant some catnip. If you have a cat, he or she will appreciate it. Your child can make catnip mice for your feline companion with dried catnip leaves.
If your child gets a fever or has a tummy ache, use catnip to provide rapid relief. Catnip baths are relaxing for fussy, colicky and overtired children. Simply place a handful of fresh or dried catnip in a cloth and add it to a bath as the water is filling.
Catnip doesn’t taste good. Grow some fennel in your child’s herb garden. Combine the catnip with the fennel for herb teas and syrups. Children are often more amenable to taking remedies which they helped to grow or produce.
Lamb’s Ears
Image source: thetortoisetable.org.uk
Lamb’s Ear
Kids love to grow lambs’ ears. This soft fuzzy plant loves to be petted. Just be careful to not overwater it or it may mold in humid climates. The absorbent leaves used to be employed as bandages. Children love to show this plant to their friends, boasting that lamb’s ears are known as “toilet paper” plants.
Chamomile
Grow some annual German chamomile. Chamomile is probably the most valuable and well-loved plant in a child’s herb garden. German chamomile is not the same plant as the low-growing Roman chamomile, nor is it “wild chamomile,” mayweed. German chamomile plants may be purchased. However it grows prolifically and easily from seeds.
Chamomile soothes headaches and tummy aches. Peter Rabbit’s mother made chamomile tea for Peter when he got into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Children absolutely adore picking the flowers and making the tea. Be sure to dry some flowers for winter, as well….MORE HERE