Admit it: it takes a lot to get your blood flowing during the dark, cold months. Between reluctantly pushing the comforter off in the morning and trying to keep active indoors, it’s easy to fall into the doldrums of winter.

So why not try to spice things up? Herbs can do just that, literally.

This winter let your windowsills be a link to fresh activity that can breathe new life into your old routine. Growing your own indoor herb garden is fun and simple, and can add a little flavor to your normal activities.

Whether you’re an outdoor gardening enthusiast looking to move your hobby indoors or you’re new to the scene, starting an herb garden for the winter is easy. Chris, an employee at Magic Home Gardens on Indianola Avenue, says growing fresh herbs takes minimal effort.

“You turn into Mother Nature,” he says. “You supply the food, light and temperature control. Doing herbs is really easy.”

Magic Home Gardens is one local garden store offering fresh herb seeds perfect for creating your own indoor garden. Starting from seeds isn’t the only option, though.

“A lot of people take their plants from outdoor gardens and bring them inside,” Chris adds.

In either case, small clay pots, light soil-less potting mix, and a south or southeast-facing window are the only equipment needed. Herbs don’t require much light because they don’t produce flowers, but local stores offer lighting options (fluorescent or high-intensity, for example) that can supplement any natural light your windowsills receive.

Maintenance is also simple. Water is essential and growth supplements for soil rejuvenation are available, but most herbs grow quickly on their own. Trimming and regular use keep them in check. Temperature control (about room temperature) is also important for herbs growing near windows.

Choosing which herbs to grow may seem daunting, but keep in mind what you’ll be using them for.

Thressa Willard, manager of Garden Indoors of Columbus, says, “Basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are all really easy to do, and they keep things organic, too.”

If you really want to fight the winter blues, choose herbs that will complement your wintertime activities: making soup, making tea, or keeping your home fresh. Here are some suggestions on how to spice up things up with herbs:

Soup
As the cold weather begins to settle in and the words “comfort food” re-enter our vocabulary, soups like beef barley, chicken noodle and tomato come to mind. These are easy to embellish with homegrown herbs. Rosemary is a standard culinary herb, and also stimulates your immune system and keeps you alert. Any chicken soup recipe is good with rosemary, thyme, lavender, or lemon basil, and recipes with beef are easily jazzed up with rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. Tomato soup is good with rosemary, oregano, and basil, as well as roasted garlic.

While you’re at it, mix it up! New recipes are always fun to try, especially in the winter when outdoor activity is limited. Lentil herb soup is a healthy and flavorful alternative to normal winter soups. In a large, deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 cup finely-chopped carrots, and 1½ cups chopped onions for about 5 minutes, until just softened. Add 8 cups water, 3 cups beef broth, and 2 cups uncooked lentils (rinsed and drained) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Process 14½ ounces canned stewed tomatoes in a blender or food processor until chopped — as fine or course as you prefer. Add the tomatoes and juice, then your herbs and seasonings. Best for this recipe are oregano, thyme, and mint (½ teaspoon of each, dried). Salt and pepper to taste, then stir and add 10 ounces spinach (buy frozen, but use chopped and thawed) and simmer uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Tea
Herbal tea on a cold winter’s night can soothe both heart and throat, especially when they have your very own homegrown herbs to add. It will require more leaves, but will prove to be more satisfying for being your own creation. Tear and bruise your fresh leaves of mint, lemon balm, or lavender and soak them in hot water to create your own fragrant tea. These herbs, among others, also make great and flavorful additions to your favorite cider.

While you’re at it, keep it ice cold! On the other end of the temperature spectrum, herbal ice cubes can cool any evening down in cold beverages, such as iced tea or sparkling water. To make them, mince your fresh-grown herbs (mint, lavender, or lemon balm suggested) and pack them into an ice cube tray, about three-fourths of the way full. Fill the ice cube tray with boiling water (boiling water is best for the herbs because it blanches the herbs before freezing and helps them to retain their natural flavor and color). Pop the ice tray into the freezer and use when frozen.

Fragrance
Homegrown herbs make a delectable decoration in your kitchen and add just the right amount of aroma. Mint and peppermint are classic seasonal favorites, but others like lavender, sage, and thyme may be appealing for being reminders of spring and autumn.

A new way to clean during this winter is to mix your own all-purpose cleaner using homegrown herbs as the scent to infuse your home. Mix 1/8 cup liquid soap (preferably something with no scent or a faint scent of the herbs you will use) with ¼-½ cup vinegar or lemon juice. Then add ½ cup of fragrant herb tea, made with your own fresh herbs.

While you’re at it, burn the midnight oil! Burning your own distinctive candles is another way to perfume your home. To make herbal candles, you must purchase pillar candles (these will be the herbal candles) and votive candles that match the pillar candles’ color. Melt the votive candles in an old pan on low heat and gather the herbs you will use. Next, use a small paintbrush to dab the melted votive candle wax onto one of the pillar candles and place one of your herbal leaves on it. Cover the herb leaf with another layer of the melted votive wax and continue until you achieve the desired design. Go over the finished candle with another layer of melted wax to smooth out the top layer.

Shannon McMahon is a contributing writer for Luxury Living.