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Seasonal Herbs (Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring): Benefits and Recipes

By Joe Boland

August 17, 2025

Herbs have been prized for centuries not just for their flavor, but also for their health benefits, culinary versatility and cultural significance. Using seasonal herbs, those that are freshest during a particular time of year, ensures the best taste, highest nutrient content and often a lower cost. It also supports sustainable food choices.

Whether you’re cooking, crafting home products or creating herbal teas, incorporating herbs at their seasonal peak can elevate your recipes and wellness routines.

From summer’s bright basil to winter’s warming cinnamon, every season offers unique herbal treasures for your kitchen and wellness routine.

Benefits of using seasonal herbs

Choosing herbs when they are naturally in season offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Better flavor and aroma. Seasonal herbs tend to be more aromatic and flavorful than out-of-season or imported varieties.

• Higher nutrient content. Freshly harvested herbs are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential oils.

• Cost savings. In-season herbs are often less expensive due to local abundance.

• Sustainability. Using local seasonal herbs reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farmers.

• Culinary inspiration. Each season offers unique herbs that inspire new dishes and creative cooking.

You can find many of the following seasonal herbs in herbal supplements, such as Ancient Nutrition's Organic Turmeric or Organic Ashwagandha.

Summer herbs

Summer brings long days, plenty of sunshine and warm soil: ideal conditions for growing fragrant, leafy herbs. Many summer herbs thrive in the heat, producing intense flavors perfect for salads, grilled dishes and refreshing drinks.

Summer’s long, sunny days encourage leafy herbs and vibrant flowers to flourish. These herbs often have cooling, uplifting properties that are perfect for warm-weather dishes and drinks.

Best Herbs

• Basil

• Mint

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Lemongrass

• Cilantro (in cooler summer climates)

• Lemon balm

• Hibiscus

• Aloe vera

Benefits

Summer herbs are often high in essential oils that give them their strong scent and flavor.

Basil is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, while mint aids healthy digestion and provides a cooling effect. Oregano and thyme contain compounds with antimicrobial properties, and lemongrass offers a fresh citrus note along with antioxidant activity.

Here is more on the benefits of these seasonal herbs:

• Basil. Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants; may support cardiovascular health and help the body respond to inflammation in a healthy way.

• Mint. Aids healthy digestion, cools the body and may help with nausea.

• Oregano. Contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds with natural antimicrobial effects.

• Thyme. Supports respiratory health and may aid already healthy immune defenses.

• Lemongrass. Has antioxidant properties; supports digestion.

• Cilantro. Rich in vitamin C and may help detoxify the body.

• Lemon balm. Calming herb that supports mood, digestion and sleep quality.

• Hibiscus. High in vitamin C and anthocyanins; may help support healthy blood pressure.

• Aloe vera. Known for its skin-soothing gel; internally, may support digestive health and hydration.

Uses and recipes

• Basil. Make fresh pesto, or pair with tomatoes and mozzarella in a Caprese salad. Try this Walnut Basil Pesto.

• Mint. Add to iced tea, fruit salads or mojitos, such as this Mojito Mocktail. For a sweeter drink, make this

  Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie.

• Oregano. Use to season grilled vegetables, or sprinkle over pizza.

• Thyme. Add to marinades for chicken or seafood.

• Lemongrass. Use in Thai soups or curries for a citrusy note. This Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a good place to start.

• Cilantro. Chop into salsa or sprinkle over tacos. This Cilantro Ginger Green Smoothie is a winner as well.

• Lemon balm. Steep in tea, or use in fruit-infused water.

• Hibiscus. Brew as a tart, ruby-colored iced tea. Try this Mixed Berry Hibiscus Refresher.

• Aloe vera. Blend into smoothies, or use the gel in homemade popsicles. You can also use aloe vera to make a DIY Sunburn Spray.

Fall herbs

As the weather cools, herbs with earthy, warming flavors come into their own. Fall herbs are often grounding and complement hearty dishes, root vegetables and seasonal meats, including roasted vegetables, hearty grains and warming stews.

Best herbs

• Sage

• Rosemary

• Parsley

• Chervil

• Bay leaf

• Astragalus

• Oregano

• Garlic

Benefits

Sage contains rosmarinic acid, which supports cognitive health. Rosemary supports circulation and may aid memory. Parsley is high in vitamin C, while bay leaves release flavorful oils that enhance slow-cooked dishes.

Here is more on specific benefits of these fall herbs:

• Sage. Contains rosmarinic acid; may support memory and brain health.

• Rosemary. Rich in antioxidants and compounds that may aid circulation.

• Parsley. High in vitamin C and vitamin K; supports bone and immune health.

• Chervil. Mild flavor with potential to support healthy digestion.

• Bay leaf. Contains cineole and eugenol, supporting digestive health and a healthy response to inflammation.

• Astragalus. Traditionally used to support healthy immune function and energy.

• Oregano. Natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.

• Garlic. May help with healthy cholesterol levels and support heart health.

Uses and recipes

• Sage. Pair with roasted squash, or use in stuffing.

• Rosemary. Infuse in roasted potatoes or breads. Try this Creamy Parsnip Soup with Rosemary.

• Parsley. Add to soups, salads or tabbouleh.

• Chervil. Sprinkle over eggs, or mix into creamy dressings.

• Bay leaf. Add to simmering stews or soups.

• Astragalus. Simmer slices in soups or broths.

• Oregano. Use in tomato sauces or roasted vegetable dishes.

• Garlic. Roast whole bulbs, or sauté for pasta sauces. This Classic Homemade Hummus uses garlic and other seasonal herbs.

Winter herbs

Winter’s chill doesn’t mean the end of fresh herbs. Hardy varieties and indoor-grown herbs can still bring vibrancy to cold-weather cooking.

Winter herbs are hardy, warming and often nutritious, helping support the immune system .

Best herbs

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Oregano

• Chives

• Winter savory

• Echinacea

• Ginger

• Elderberry

• Cinnamon

• Ashwagandha

Benefits

Winter herbs often have robust, woody stems that withstand colder conditions. Thyme and rosemary retain high levels of immune-supporting compounds. Chives offer vitamin K and a mild onion flavor that brightens heavy dishes.

Here is more info on the benefits of these seasonal herbs:

• Thyme. Supports healthy respiratory function and has natural antimicrobial properties.

• Rosemary. Antioxidant-rich; may support circulation and memory.

• Oregano. Supports healthy immune system function and has antiviral compounds.

• Chives. Provide mild onion flavor and vitamin K.

• Winter savory. Supports healthy digestion and adds peppery flavor.

• Echinacea. Commonly used to help a healthy immune system during cold season.

• Ginger. Aids digestion and a healthy immune system.

• Elderberry. Has anthocyanins; may support immune system function health.

• Cinnamon. Helps support health and adds warmth to dishes.

• Ashwagandha. Adaptogen that supports stress resilience and energy.

Uses and recipes

• Thyme. Add to roasted root vegetables or soups, like this Homemade Chicken Soup.

• Rosemary. Infuse in olive oil for drizzling over bread.

• Oregano. Sprinkle on baked casseroles or pizza.

• Chives. Top baked potatoes or scrambled eggs.

• Winter savory. Add to bean dishes or roasted meats.

• Echinacea. Brew as an herbal echinacea tea.

• Ginger. Add to stir-fries, teas or baked goods. Some of the best ginger recipes include Gingerbread Overnight Oats, a Cilantro Ginger Green Smoothie, Hot Toddy Mocktail with Lemon Ginger, Ginger Turmeric Tonic and

  Ginger Shots.

• Elderberry. Make elderberry syrup or elderberry jam. This Elderberry Tea is another great option.

• Cinnamon. Sprinkle over oatmeal, or add to mulled cider. You can also make this Cinnamon Bun Smoothie

  or Mexican Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Buttercream.

• Ashwagandha. Stir into warm milk with honey for a calming drink.

Spring herbs

Spring is a time of renewal and fresh growth, with tender, bright herbs bursting with flavor and nutrients. These herbs pair well with lighter meals and fresh produce.

Best herbs

• Chives

• Tarragon

• Mint

• Dill

• Cilantro (in warmer climates)

• Nettle

• Dandelion

• Turmeric

• Peppermint

• Calendula

Benefits

Spring herbs often contain chlorophyll-rich tender leaves that support detox processes. Dill aids digestion and has antimicrobial effects. Tarragon provides antioxidants and a subtle licorice flavor.

Here is more on the benefits of spring herbs:

• Chives. Gentle onion flavor; supports cardiovascular health.

• Tarragon. Rich in antioxidants; may aid healthy digestion.

• Mint. Refreshing; aid digestive health.

• Dill. Supports a healthy digestive system and is rich in vitamin C.

• Cilantro. May help the body detox.

• Nettle. Nutrient-dense; supports joint health and may provide allergy relief.

• Dandelion. Supports healthy liver function and acts as a mild diuretic.

• Turmeric. Supports joint and immune system health. It also aids a healthy inflammatory response.

• Peppermint. Helps with proper digestion and may support alertness.

• Calendula. Supports skin health and has compounds that help with a healthy response to inflammation.

Uses and recipes

• Chives. Mix into cream cheese spreads or omelets.

• Tarragon. Whisk into vinaigrettes, or add to chicken salad.

• Mint. Use in spring rolls or herbal teas.

• Dill. Add to pickles or potato salad. Try these Kale Quinoa Cakes with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce.

• Cilantro. Mix into fresh salsas or curries. This Ultimate Green Juice utilizes cilantro and other seasonal herbs.

• Nettle. Brew into tea, or add to soups. (Cook to remove the sting.)

• Dandelion. Toss fresh greens into salads, or sauté with garlic.

• Turmeric. Stir into golden milk (try this Turmeric Latte) or curries. You can also make a Gut Support Smoothie with Turmeric or Turmeric Shots.

• Peppermint. Add to desserts, or infuse in water. Here are some peppermint recipes to try: Keto Peppermint Mocha, Homemade Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Collagen Hot Chocolate.

• Calendula. Steep into tea, or sprinkle petals over salads.

Conclusion

Seasonal herbs offer a simple yet powerful way to improve your cooking, nutrition and connection to the rhythm of nature. By selecting herbs at their peak, you’ll enjoy vibrant flavors, better health benefits and more sustainable eating.

Whether it’s fragrant basil in summer, earthy sage in fall or bright dill in spring, there’s always a seasonal herb ready to transform your meals.