Herbs are nature’s healing and flavor-enhancing treasures. From culinary kitchens to traditional medicine, herb plants are essential in daily life. This guide presents 30 herb plants names with pictures, along with simple descriptions to help you identify, understand, and use them. Whether you’re a gardener, student, or herbal enthusiast, this list offers clarity and value.
Herbs are small, soft, and green plants that usually don’t have woody stems. They are used for flavoring food, making medicines, and even for skincare. Many herbs grow well in pots, gardens, and even indoors.
30 Common Herb Plants Names with Pictures
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Bright green, oval leaves with a strong, sweet smell. Common in Italian and Thai dishes.
2. Mint (Mentha)
Pointed, jagged green leaves with a fresh, cool aroma. Grows rapidly and often spreads.
3. Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Delicate, lacy leaves similar to flat parsley. Known for its citrusy smell.
4. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Curly or flat dark green leaves. Often used as garnish and flavor enhancer.
5. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Tiny green leaves on woody stems. Has a sharp, earthy scent.
6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Needle-like dark green leaves. Smells piney and is used in roasts and oils.
7. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Velvety, grey-green leaves with a strong, earthy fragrance.
8. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Small, roundish green leaves. Pungent smell, often used in pizza and pasta.
9. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Feathery, thread-like green leaves. Known for a tangy flavor, used in pickles.
10. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Thin, long green stalks that resemble green onions. Mild onion flavor.
11. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
Tall, thin green stalks with lemon scent. Common in Asian cooking and teas.
12. Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
Large, smooth, dark green leaves. Used dried for soups and stews.
13. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Feathery, light green leaves. Has a sweet, anise-like flavor.
14. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Slender, pointed green leaves. Mildly licorice in taste.
15. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Small, soft green leaves. Sweet and mild, similar to oregano.
16. Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Slightly purple or green leaves. Sacred in India and known for medicinal uses.
17. Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii)
Glossy, deep green leaves in clusters. Strong aroma, key in South Indian cooking.
18. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Small, green compound leaves. Often grown for seeds and leaves in cooking.
19. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Tall plant with celery-like leaves. Strong flavor used in soups and stews.
20. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Delicate leaves like parsley, with a mild, aniseed-like flavor.
21. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Broad, crinkled leaves. Grown mainly for its pungent root.
22. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Arrow-shaped green leaves with a sour, lemony flavor.
23. Perilla / Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Serrated green or purple leaves. Used in Japanese and Korean cuisine.
24. Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Blue-green fern-like leaves. Bitter, traditionally used in folk medicine.
25. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Fuzzy green leaves with a cucumber-like taste. Blue star-shaped flowers.
26. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Fan-shaped green leaves. Widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
27. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Feathered leaves and flat-topped white flowers. Used for healing and teas.
28. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Small, roundish leaves. Strong mint smell, but should not be consumed in large amounts.
29. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Bright green serrated leaves. Naturally sweet—used as a sugar substitute.
30. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Thick, spiky green leaves with gel inside. Used for skin, digestion, and burns.
Uses of Herb Plants
Herbs serve many purposes across different areas of life:
Culinary Uses
- Basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley flavor food.
- Dill and cilantro enhance pickles and salsas.
Medicinal Uses
- Tulsi, mint, and aloe vera are known for healing properties.
- Gotu kola and yarrow support skin and mental health.
Gardening & Wellness
- Herbs like lavender and rosemary are aromatic and used in relaxation therapies.
- Many herbs also attract pollinators to gardens.
Conclusion
These 30 herb plants names with pictures offer a complete overview for anyone interested in nature, health, or cooking. Herbs are easy to grow and highly useful — a small herb garden can add life, flavor, and wellness to your daily routine.
Katrine is a curious mind with a passion for discovering and sharing interesting ideas from everyday life. Her writing covers a wide range of general topics designed to spark interest and keep readers engaged.
With a clear and conversational style, Katrine makes complex ideas simple and ordinary topics fascinating. She believes curiosity is the key to learning, and her articles reflect that spirit on every page.