From Garden to Home: 10+ Uses for Herbs Besides Cooking

Discover a few creative uses for herbs besides cooking to enhance your home with natural air fresheners, decor, and more. Let’s explore the versatility of herbs.

When we think of herbs, most of our minds probably jump straight to how to use them when cooking.

After all, herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme are kitchen staples.

But these versatile, often underrated plants have much more to offer beyond flavoring your meals.

Herbs have been used for centuries in various cultures not just for their culinary value, but also for their medicinal, aromatic, and decorative properties.

From ancient Egyptians using herbs for embalming and healing to modern day wellness, the applications of herbs spans far and wide.

Imagine using the same fragrant parsley that enhances your pasta sauce to create a refreshing natural air freshener for your home. Or how about using soothing lavender not only in desserts but also in your skincare routine?

Let’s take a look at a few creative ways to use herbs beyond the kitchen.

I think you’re going to be surprised at how much you can do with these versatile plants!

What is an herb?

An herb is a plant or a part of a plant that is valued for its medicinal, aromatic, or culinary properties.

Typically herbs are non-woody plants, and their leaves, flowers, or seeds are used for various purposes.

Herbs usually come from the leafy green parts of the plant unlike spices which can come from seeds, roots, and bark.

Examples of Common Herbs

Here are a few examples of herbs that are commonly found in the garden or in the grocery store…

Creative Uses for Herbs Beyond Cooking

Incorporating herbs into your life beyond the kitchen is a great way to not only use the abundance of herbs you might have growing in your garden but it can be fun and beneficial for you too.

Let’s take a look at some unique ideas to get you started experimenting with the versatility of herbs.

DIY Rosemary & Lemon Citronella Candles

Keep the bugs away from your outdoor spaces with these DIY citronella candles.

These candles are perfect for summer evenings with the combination of the natural insect-repelling properties of citronella and the refreshing scents of rosemary and citrus,

Not only do they keep bugs away, but they also add beautiful ambiance with their glow and delicious aroma (so much better smelling than those store-bought citronella candles).

How to Make DIY Citronella Candles

• First start by adding sliced lemons and limes to a mason jar.
• Add 1-2 springs of rosemary.
• Fill the mason jar with water until about an inch below the lid rings.
• Sprinkle in about 20 drops of citronella essential oil. Take a butter knife or spoon and mix the ingredients in the jar carefully.
• Place a floating candle on top.

For more details along with tips & tricks on how to create your own DIY candle, visit this blog post.

Fresh Rosemary Wreath

A fresh rosemary wreath is the perfect addition to any home.

It brings the soothing scent of rosemary indoors while also serving as a beautiful decoration.

Great for kitchens or entryways, this wreath is made with just a few simple supplies like fresh rosemary sprigs, a grapevine wreath, floral wire, and decorative ribbon.

Plus once the rosemary has dried on the wreath, you can use it to flavor your culinary dishes!

Homemade Lavender Linen Spray

Create a calming and refreshing atmosphere with this DIY lavender linen spray.

This easy-to-make spray is a great way to freshen up your sheets, pillows, and other linens, infusing them with the soothing scent of lavender.

Herb Bouquet

An herb bouquet is a beautiful and practical alternative to traditional floral arrangements.

By combining fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, and mint, these bouquets not only look stunning but also smell amazing.

They are perfect for decorating your kitchen, dining table, or can be given as a thoughtful gift.

These bouquets can be easily customized with your favorite herbs. The herb combinations are literally endless!

Simply gather fresh herb sprigs, arrange them into a bundle, and place them in a vase or tie them together with twine or ribbon.

I like to place an herb bouquet on our kitchen windowsill and snip a few leaves while I’m cooking to add flavor & garnish to dishes.

You guys know I love things that can be decorative but also functional at the same time so herb arrangements are right up my alley!

Herb Infused Simmer Pots

Herb infused simmer pots are one of my favorite all-natural ways to freshen our home.

By simmering a mixture of fresh herbs, fruits, and spices in water, you can create the most delightful scent that permeates every room.

To make your own, fill a pot with water and add ingredients such as rosemary, thyme, mint, citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, or cloves.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let the fragrant steam fill your home.

Stovetop potpourri not only provides a welcoming aroma but also offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for any season.

That’s right, simmer pots are not just for fall & winter!

Our Favorite Simmer Pot Recipes

• Lemon, Rosemary, & Chamomile
• Williams-Sonoma
• Tropical Summer
• All Green
• Crockpot Potpourri With Apples & Cinnamon
• Cozy Winter

Lavender Shower Bombs

Shower bombs are a luxurious addition to your daily routine, turning an ordinary shower into a spa-like experience.

These fizzy, fragrant DIY shower melts release the calming scent of lavender as they dissolve, helping you relax and unwind.

Simply place a shower bomb on the floor of your shower, and as the water hits it, enjoy the soothing aroma that fills the air.

Herb Table Decorations

Herb table decorations can effortlessly elevate any tablescape with their natural beauty and fresh aroma.

Using potted herbs as a centerpiece not only adds a rustic, garden charm to your event but also serves a practical purpose.

Whether it’s basil, rosemary, thyme, or mint, these herbs not only look elegant but can be given as party favors as well.

The vibrant greenery and earthy scents create a wonderful atmosphere, making your gathering or everyday meals both visually appealing and aromatic.

Other Ideas on How to Use Herbs

The ideas are truly endless when it comes to the use of herbs!

Here are a few more inspiring ways to incorporate herbs into your daily life.

• Make an herbal sachet by filling a small cloth bag with dried lavender, rosemary, or mint. Place these sachets in drawers, closets, or even under your pillow for a fresh, calming scent.
• Herbal teas are a soothing way to enjoy the benefits of herbs.
• Herbs have been used in skincare for centuries. Rosemary and thyme can be added to homemade facial steams to open up pores and cleanse the skin.
• Herbs can also be used in natural cleaning products. Create an all-purpose cleaner by infusing vinegar with herbs like thyme or lavender.
• Herb infused oils and vinegars have uses beyond the kitchen. They can be used as massage oils, hair treatments, or even in homemade candles.
• Planting basil, mint, or lavender in your garden can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. You can also make a simple pest spray by steeping these herbs in water and spraying the mixture around your home.

Shop My Favorite Products

Shop my favorite home decor & lifestyle products, my LTK sources, and my Amazon Storefront. By making a purchase with one of my affiliate links, I earn a small commission which helps me continue to create meaningful content for you! 

I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.

xoxo, heidi

shop the post