Herbs to grow in the Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ)
For a long time, many Vietnamese families have had the habit of growing herbs in their gardens, on balconies, or in a few pots placed indoors. These plants are convenient for cooking, can be used as traditional folk medicine, and create green spaces that make living environments more pleasant. Many also believe that planting the right trees at the right time will bring good luck. According to East Asian feng shui, the Year of Bính Ngọ is a year where the Fire element is strong. Plants with natural fragrances, strong vitality, easy care, and a connection to the family kitchen are considered suitable for home cultivation. They serve daily life and symbolize prosperity, smooth progress, and luck.
Below are 3 types of herbs that carry all these meanings and that you should plant at home for the New Year.
Thai Basil
Thai basil is a familiar herb in Vietnamese meals, often served with soups, vermicelli, and phở. According to traditional medicine, Thai basil has a distinctive aroma that helps stimulate digestion and treat mild colds.
In terms of feng shui, Thai basil is seen as a plant with strong "yang" energy, growing quickly with year-round green leaves. Planting Thai basil indoors or on a balcony is believed to activate vital energy, bringing a sense of freshness and favor to work and family life. In particular, the light fragrance of Thai basil adds warmth to the kitchen space.
Perilla
Perilla is not just a culinary herb but also a familiar remedy in Eastern medicine. Perilla leaves are often used to treat colds, support digestion, and for beauty purposes.
In folk feng shui, perilla symbolizes protection and peace. The purple-green leaves are thought to help balance energy, making them suitable for Fire element years like Bính Ngọ. Growing a pot of perilla at home is convenient for use and signifies caring for the whole family's health—an element considered the foundation of long-term luck.
Ginger
Ginger is an indispensable spice in many dishes and folk remedies. Eastern medicine views ginger as a warming herb that helps warm the body, aids digestion, and boosts resistance.
In feng shui, ginger is considered a plant carrying powerful "yang" energy due to its spicy taste and warming properties, helping to dispel bad energy and increase vitality for the living space. Ginger roots grow strongly and produce many branches, so they are often considered symbols of abundance, proliferation, and sufficiency. Many believe that growing ginger at home, especially in the East or Southeast areas, can attract wealth and bring warmth and success to the family. For the Year of Bính Ngọ—a year with a distinct Fire nature—ginger is highly regarded as a plant that "harmonizes with the energy."
Growing herbs at home is not just a convenient habit but also a way for many families to express their wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and smooth new year. For the Year of Bính Ngọ, Thai basil, perilla, and ginger are not only easy to grow and care for but also carry positive feng shui meanings, fitting modern lifestyles while preserving Vietnamese traditions.