Detox in a Pot

We can thank the plant world for providing a cornucopia of herbs that deliver not only essential vitamins and minerals, but also antioxidants and immune boosters that help detoxify the body. Our combo is the perfect choice for January after the joys of the festive season have left us a little lacking in vooma.

What you need

• Large pot
• Potting soil
• Pebbles or piece of shadecloth
• 1 block palm peat
• Organic fertiliser

Plants we used

• Moss-curled parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – this plant is hight in antioxidants like vitamins C, A and E, which fight inflammation. It also helps to settle the stomach and aids in digestion. Parsley also acts as a natural breath freshener.

• Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’) – echinacea boosts the immune system and mental health. It also aids in maintaining overall gut health.

• Rocket (Eruca sativa) – this is a great detoxifying plant, filled with antioxidants. It also contains chlorophyll delivering vitamin K and calcium for healthy bones.

Do this

Place shade cloth over drainage hole. Add a mix of 80% potting soil to 20% palm peat and 2 handfuls of organic fertiliser and fill the pot half-way. Remove the plants from their pots and place them in the new pot to see if you need to add more soil. Always have your plants at the same soil depth as they were in the original growing bag. Fill in potting soil around plants and firm down. Place in a sun-filled spot and water well. Parsley and rocket are annuals and will have to be replaced seasonally. Echinacea is a perennial that will survive the colds of winter, die down and re-emerge in spring.

In a salad: Roughly break up the rocket leaves and parsley. Pull the petals from the echinacea flowers and sprinkle them onto the salad greens. Add feta cheese and a dash of olive oil. Add salt to taste.