5 Creative Ways to Use Fresh Herbs (Beyond Cooking)

Fresh herbs are incredibly versatile! Discover 5 creative ways to use fresh herbs from your garden, including DIY cleaners, simple syrup, natural air fresheners, and beautiful herb arrangements.

Several years ago, I started growing herbs in my garden and found out that it is so easy, and abundant. I mean I’m not kidding, I had so many fresh herbs that I just couldn’t use them all.

So I made it my mission to find more ways to use herbs beyond cooking with them. Here are 5 of my favorite!

1. Homemade Fresh Lavender Hand Sanitizer

This DIY hand sanitizer is quick to make and smells amazing. Once you try it, you may never want to go back to store-bought versions.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
  
• 4 tablespoons witch hazel
  
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 1/4 cup fresh lavender (or more if desired)
  
• Small squeeze bottle
  

Instructions

Add all ingredients to your squeeze bottle, shake gently, and it’s ready to use right away.

2. Fresh Mint Simple Syrup

Fresh mint syrup is perfect for sweetening iced tea, lemonade, or making a refreshing mojito.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Combine water, sugar, and mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for about 30 minutes. Strain and pour the syrup into a jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!

3. Lemon Herb All-Purpose Cleaner

If you love natural cleaning products, this fresh herb cleaner is a wonderful option. It smells bright and fresh and works well for everyday surface cleaning.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
  
• 1/4 cup vodka
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm
  
• 1 chopped lemon peel
  
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
  
• Glass bottle

Instructions

Pour ingredients into a glass bottle, and let it infuse for 2 weeks. Shake before using. Use this for general surface cleaning.

4. Citrus Rind Air Fresheners

These simple natural air fresheners are one of the easiest herb projects you can make.

Ingredients

• Citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
  
• Sea salt
  
• Fresh herbs of your choice

Instructions

This is so simple to make. Slice fruit, empty the rind, fill the inside of the rind with sea salt, and top it with your choice of herbs. Enjoy the freshness for about a week.

P.S. Wouldn’t this be adorable to use as a centerpiece for a fun spring or summer party?

5. Use Herbs in Floral Arrangements

Last but not least! My favorite way to use my fresh herbs.

In all my research to find unique ways to use fresh herbs, can you believe no one mentioned anything at all about the beauty of herbs? I mean they really are so pretty. My absolute favorite way to use my fresh herbs, is in a floral arrangement, or just in a pretty vase in my kitchen!

Try adding a few stems to a bouquet or simply place them in a small vase in your kitchen. Not only do they look pretty, but they’ll fill the room with the most amazing natural fragrance.

This is just a variety of fresh sage, lavender, and oregano.

Fresh herbs are truly one of the easiest and most rewarding things to grow. Whether you use them for cooking, home projects, or decorating, they add so much beauty and usefulness to everyday life.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I hope this inspires you to start your own little herb garden. If you do…let me know!

xoxo