Taking herbs along camping is a great way to practice preventive health and enjoy the wonderful flavour and aroma of those herbs as well.
How?
Herbs in Camping Meals
First, by using herbs in meals and also adding fresh veggies or berries you might find at a local farmers market while camping.
Aren’t those farm markets just the best to discover? There was a small farm stand near the campground we stayed at with fresh tomatoes and plums operating on the honor system. Simply put your money in the metal box and take your produce.
Fresh mint is a nice addition to your drinks and garlic is great added to egg dishes for breakfast or for dinner.
Dinner for one night was jambalaya, a flavourful Cajun rice dish with tomatoes and rich in herbs.
A vegan sausage was added for protein along with sauteed onion, green pepper and mushrooms. This dish has a combination of garlic, paprika, dried thyme, oregano and basil along with a bit of cayenne pepper.
On another night I made a Thai Peanut Coconut Curry dish with noodles. Most of the ingredients did not have to be kept cold which made it nice for camping. The herbs used were curry, garlic and a small knob of ginger. A fresh squeezed lime and a couple tablespoons of soy sauce enhanced the flavour. Yum!
Herbs for First Aid
Second, Herbs are also great for first aid when camping.
Essential oils are handy to take and come in small containers. My favourites are peppermmint, lavender, tea tree, oil of oregano and wintergreen.
Lavender is good for bug bites, sunburn relief and relaxing the nervous system.
I also like peppermint oil for its cooling effects for sunburn or bug bites. It cools the sting and reduces inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil is another good essential oil for bites and stings.
Oil of oregano is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory so it’s good for a number of uses such as bug bites and pain while camping. Don’t use it for sunburn as it’s a hot oil.
I was paddle boarding quite a bit on the various beautiful bays while camping and strained my lower back. Wintergreen essential oil is considered nature’s analgesic as it helps relieve aches and pains when applied topically.
Remember to always dilute essential oils in a cream or carrier oil such as sweet almond oil before use. Lavender can be used neat or directly on the skin.
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