How to Use Herbs (The Serious, the Surprising, and the Super Funny)

Quick Answer On How To Use Herbs: Herbs aren’t just for tea bags and soup pots. From boosting your health and balancing your body in Traditional Chinese Medicine, to freshening your socks and scaring away ants, herbs have been humanity’s go-to “secret weapon” for thousands of years. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use herbs, when to use them, why they matter, and the unusual (and hilarious) ways they can brighten your life.

Why Use Herbs?

Herbs have been part of human health, cooking, and culture since ancient times. They’re valued for:

Flavor: Basil, rosemary, or shiitake mushrooms elevate meals.

Wellness: Chinese herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) are used in formulas to support balance and vitality.

Tradition: Passed down through generations in every culture — from grandma’s peppermint tea to TCM’s multi-herb blends.

Practical Hacks: They deodorize shoes, repel insects, and even act as natural cleaning solutions.

When to Use Herbs

You can use herbs daily — in food, teas, and wellness routines — or seasonally, depending on your needs:

Everyday Cooking: Add herbs like oregano, thyme, and turmeric for flavor and antioxidant benefits.

Seasonal Support: Chinese herbs like Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) for summer heat, or Ginger (Sheng Jiang) in winter for warming support.

Lifestyle Hacks: Lavender before bed, parsley after garlic, peppermint for mental clarity.

TCM Perspective: Herbs are chosen based on patterns — for example, Qing Hao (Sweet Wormwood) is used to clear summer heat, while Dang Gui (Angelica Root) nourishes blood.

Funny & Unusual Ways to Use Herbs (Because Tea is Too Obvious)

Sure, you can brew a tea. But where’s the drama in that? Herbs deserve a bigger stage. Here’s the ultimate lineup of practical and laugh-out-loud ways to use herbs that prove they’re not just for teapots anymore.

1. The Herbal Sock Freshener

Stuff dried sage or mugwort (Ai Ye) into a clean sock and drop it into your shoes. Presto: witch-approved odor control. Bonus: if anyone asks, tell them you’re warding off evil foot spirits.

2. Astragalus (Huang Qi) as a Bookmark

In TCM it boosts Qi; in your novel it boosts plot twists. Every page you turn feels like you’re leveling up in an energy video game. Forget motivational quotes—carry astragalus slices in your paperback.

3. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) – Snack or Social Experiment?

Handful of gojis = antioxidants. Handful of gojis at brunch = instant personality test. Half your table swoons, the other half squints like: “Why are we eating zombie raisins?”

4. Rosemary: Pirate’s Memory Hack

Tuck rosemary behind your ear like Captain Jack Sparrow’s chic cousin. Supposedly improves memory. At the very least, you’ll remember that you look like an herby pirate cosplayer.

5. Peppermint Pest Control

Scatter peppermint leaves near ant trails and bellow, “Thou shall not pass this line!” Works on ants, sometimes on your ex, and possibly on that roommate who keeps “borrowing” snacks.

6. Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) – The Selfie Filter Tea

Steep chrysanthemum tea. Suddenly your desk looks like a wellness blog, and your face glows like you paid for premium lighting. Congratulations, you’re now an influencer with a mug shot.

7. Licorice Root (Gan Cao) – The HR Manager of Herbs

In TCM, it harmonizes formulas. In families, it’s the referee herb. Toss a root between two squabbling siblings and declare, “This meeting is now adjourned.”

8. Basil Bath Bomb

Throw fresh basil into your bath. It’s like self-care with marinara vibes. Warning: you might crave garlic bread mid-soak and end up ordering pizza in a bathrobe.

9. Cilantro: The Soap or Citrus Sorting Hat

Serve a cilantro-heavy salad and watch your guests divide into Team Fresh & Citrusy vs Team Tastes-Like-Soap. It’s Hogwarts House Sorting, but for palates.

10. Lavender + Catnip Pillow Party

Lavender calms you. Catnip excites your cat. Mix them in a sachet, toss it on your bed. You’ll drift into dreamland while your cat re-enacts Cirque du Soleil.

11. Dang Gui (Angelica Root) the Herbal Wingman

Traditionally nourishes the blood. Spiritually nourishes your dating life. Tuck a slice in your wallet for “romance energy.” At checkout, prepare for awkward stares when you pay with roots.

12. Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion) Lawn Rebellion

In TCM, dandelion is medicine. In suburbia, it’s a declaration of war. Sprinkle it proudly across your yard and tell the HOA: “These aren’t weeds. They’re ancient healing allies!”

Moral of the story? Herbs aren’t boring. They’re fresh, funny, and sometimes a little rebellious—just like the people who use them.

How Do Herbs Benefit Me?

Herbs benefit you in four key ways:

1. Nutrition & Flavor – Make food taste better while sneaking in phytonutrients.

2. Balance & Vitality – In TCM, herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria) or Dan Shen (Red Sage Root) help restore internal balance.

3. Practical Uses – Freshen air, repel pests, clean naturally.

4. Emotional Boosts – Lavender calms, peppermint energizes, goji berries make you feel like a wellness influencer.

Q: Can I use herbs every day?
A: Yes, many herbs like ginger, garlic, and goji berries can be used daily in food and tea. Stronger herbs should be used with professional guidance.

Q: What’s the difference between kitchen herbs and Chinese herbs?
A: Kitchen herbs (like basil and oregano) are mostly culinary. Chinese herbs (like astragalus, licorice, or chrysanthemum) are often used in formulas with wellness goals in mind.

Q: Can herbs replace my medicine?
A: No — herbs can complement your wellness routine, but always consult your healthcare provider.

Q: What’s the funniest way to use herbs?
A: Sage-stuffed socks. Hands down.

Final Takeaway

Herbs aren’t just leafy things in jars. They’re flavor enhancers, wellness supporters, cultural treasures, and even comedy gold. Whether you’re brewing Qing Hao tea, marinating in a basil bath, or discovering the peacekeeping power of licorice root, herbs can add both serious benefits and serious laughs to your life.

Bottom line: Use herbs daily, use them seasonally, and don’t forget to have fun with them. Because sometimes the best medicine is laughter… brewed with a little chamomile.