Holiday Herbs

Beyond cooking and baking, a number of herbs like lavender, mint, and chamomile appear in winter crafts and remedies. Lavender sachets tucked into drawers evoke calm during the holiday rush; mint teas soothe an overload of cookies; and chamomile baths ease weary limbs after long days of shopping, celebrating, and taking down decorations. According to tradition, some herbs were found in the manger or were somewhere in the neighborhood at the time of the original Christmas.  Here are some popular herbs and their stories.

Although now it is mostly used in cooking, thyme was highly favored in the gardens of medieval monasteries. Historically, thyme was burned to clean spaces and promote courage. Medieval ladies embroidered a pennant showing a bee hovering over a sprig of the thyme to give to their knights before battle, as this herb was considered an emblem of boldness and hardihood. It was also tucked into pillows and sachets to encourage restful sleep and ward off nightmares. In holiday cuisine, thyme complements poultry, gravies, and vegetables.

With its piney aroma and needle-like leaves, rosemary is perhaps the most iconic winter herb. In medieval Europe, rosemary was believed to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. It was often burned as incense during winter feasts and used to scent homes and churches. Symbolically, rosemary is associated with remembrance—a fitting tribute during a season of reflection and reunion. In the kitchen, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats, root vegetables, and festive breads, adding a woodsy brightness to hearty winter fare.

Pennyroyal was one of the herbs that was put in the shoes of pilgrims and other travelers to give them strength and resiliency.  For those who travel during this holiday season, pennyroyal seems just the thing.  Since it was thought to aid in all sorts of stressful circumstances, this herb was sometimes kept in a bowl in the household to bring peace, and it was also scattered on rough seas by sailors.  Just carrying the plant was said to calm the stomach. 

In the holiday season, the air fills with the scent of pine and spice, and herbs take on a starring role. From the kitchen to the linen closet, from wreaths to wassail, favorite herbs have often been cherished for their culinary, medicinal, and symbolic properties. Their presence in winter traditions reflects a deep-rooted connection between nature and celebration.