Deserving a place in any pollinator garden, herbs that produce blue flowers add a calming touch of blue to the landscape. From well-known plants like lavender to lesser-known ones like borage, there are plenty of choices when it comes to herbs that produce blue flowers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best herbs to grow if you’re looking for blue blooms. We’ll also share some benefits and uses of these herbs.
8 Herbs That Produce Blue Flowers
- Lavender
- Borage
- Skullcap
- Speedwell
- Thyme
- Sage
- Self-heal
- Rosemary
1. Lavender
One of the most popular herbs, lavender is well-known for its calming effects. The flowers are a sought-after addition to many bouquets and dried arrangements. Lavender is a versatile plant that can be used in many different ways. The flowers can be used to make lavender oil, which is often used in aromatherapy. The oil can also be used as a natural remedy for headaches, insomnia, and anxiety.
In addition to its many uses, lavender is also a beautiful flower. The purple blossoms add a touch of color to any garden. Lavender is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions. It is also a drought-tolerant plant, which makes it a great choice for dry climates.
Lavender is a popular choice for wedding bouquets and other special occasions. The flowers have a delicate fragrance that is often used in perfumes and soaps. Lavender is also a favorite ingredient in many potpourri blends.
Whether you are using it for its medicinal properties or for its beauty, lavender is a versatile plant that should be a part of every garden.
2. Borage
Borage is a hairless annual herb that produces edible blue flowers. The flowers have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor and are often used as a garnish. Borage is also known as the “starflower” because of the star-shaped flowers it produces. The borage plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Borage has a long history of use in herbal medicine. The leaves and flowers are used to make borage oil, which is used to treat a variety of conditions, including skin disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and inflammation.
In addition to its medicinal uses, borage is also used as a food and flavoring agent. The leaves can be used in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. Flowers are often used to flavor wine, beer, and cordials.
Borage is a versatile plant with a long history of uses. Whether you’re looking to add a cucumber-like flavor to your food or drink, or you’re in need of a natural remedy, borage may be the plant for you.
3. Skullcap
Skullcap is a perennial herb that is native to North America. The herb has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Skullcap has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Skullcap is thought to work by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission. This action can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Skullcap is available as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
Skullcap is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. Side effects may include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. Skullcap should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people with liver disease.
Skullcap is a traditional herbal remedy with a long history of use. Today, skullcap is still valued for its medicinal properties, especially for its ability to relieve anxiety. If you’re looking for a natural way to ease anxiety, skullcap may be worth trying.
4. Speedwell
Speedwell is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that produces blue, white, or purple flowers. The flowers are occasionally used in salads or as a garnish. The plant is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. Speedwell is considered an invasive species in some areas.
Speedwell is a member of the plant family Verbenaceae. Other members of this family include vervain, Verbena officinalis, and lemon verbena, Aloysia citrodora.
The genus name, Veronica, is derived from the Latin vera iconica, meaning “true image.” The common name, speedwell, comes from the Middle English word spedewe, which is derived from the Old English word spEowa, meaning “spider.” The name refers to the plant’s long, thin stems, which resemble spider webs.
5. Thyme
Thyme is a small, woody perennial that produces small, blue, lavender, or white flowers. The leaves and flowers are often used to flavor soups, stews, and other dishes.
Thyme has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for a wide variety of ailments. Its high concentration of thymol, an antiseptic compound, makes it a natural disinfectant. When applied topically, thyme can help to treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It can also be used to treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis and coughs.
6. Sage
Sage is an evergreen shrub that is a member of the mint family and produces purple, blue, or white flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used medicinally for centuries. The leaves of the sage plant have a strong aroma and flavor and are used to flavor many foods. Sage is also used in potpourris and as a decoration in flower arrangements.
Sage has many medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments. In folk medicine, sage has been used to treat colds, flu, and digestive problems. Sage is also said to improve memory and cognitive function.
Recent research has shown that sage may indeed have some benefits for cognitive function and memory. In one study, sage was shown to improve memory in healthy adults. In another study, sage was shown to improve memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Self-heal
The self-heal herb is a powerful medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Today, self-heal is still revered for its healing properties and is used to treat everything from colds and flu to skin conditions and wounds.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a strong flavor that can be overwhelming if used in too high of a quantity.
Rosemary can be used as a seasoning for meats, poultry, and fish. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. Rosemary can also be used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces.
Rosemary can be used fresh, dried, or in oil form. Fresh rosemary should be used sparingly, as its flavor is more potent than dried rosemary. Dried rosemary can be added to dishes at the beginning of cooking, or it can be crushed and sprinkled on food just before serving. Rosemary oil is a good way to add flavor to dishes without having to use a lot of the herb.
Rosemary has many health benefits. It can help improve digestion, relieve gas, and aid in the prevention of ulcers. Rosemary can also help to improve circulation and relieve muscle pain.
Rosemary can be found fresh in the produce section of most grocery stores. It can also be found dried, in oil form, or as a supplement.
FAQs
What are the benefits of blue-flowering herbs?
In addition to their beauty, blue-flowering herbs have a range of benefits. They can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, and they can also be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.
Are there any drawbacks to blue-flowering herbs?
Yes, there are some drawbacks to blue-flowering herbs. They can be difficult to find and they are not always as easy to care for as other types of herbs. However, blue-flowering herbs are beautiful and unique, and they can add a lot of interest to your garden. If you are willing to put in the extra effort, they are definitely worth growing.
Final Thoughts
Herbs are not only flavorful additions to food, but they also have many health benefits. Thyme, sage, self-heal, and rosemary are all herbs with medicinal properties that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Research indicates that these herbs may also improve memory and cognitive function. When used fresh, dried, or in oil form, herbs are a versatile and health-boosting addition to any diet.