The Best Herbs for Sachets

Sachets are made with herbs crushed then stuffed into small fabric pillows or bags. The best herbs to use work well both in potpourris and sachets, according to the Sara's Super Herbs website. However, when used in sachets, all parts of the herb should be ground: roots, bark, leaves and flowers. Sachets are used to freshen the air in many places such as clothes closets, dresser drawers, car interiors and even in the clothes dryer to add fragrance to fabrics. Sachets can also be used to repel insects.

Lavender

• Lavender, common name Lavandula, is a member of the Labiatae family. The dried flowers are added to sachets to give fragrance to the air. Tossed in the dryer, lavender sachet adds a scent to linens and clothes. Lavender fragrance helps relieve anxiety, depression, tension, restlessness and insomnia. The sachet is also used to repel moths and other insects.

Lemon Verbena

• Lemon Verbena, a member of the Verbenaceae family, is also known as vervain and Indian hyssop. Flowers, leaves and roots are used in sachets. Lemon verbena has tranquilizing properties and helps relieve depression and headaches. Lemon verbena, used as a sachet, is also tossed into the dryer to scent bed linens and clothes.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm is a member of the Labiatae family which also includes mint. Lemon balm is also known as bee balm, melissa and sweet balm. Leaves have a lemony scent and are used in sachets for its tranquilizing effects that help relieve anxiety and insomnia, according to "The New Healing Herbs."

Mint

• Mint is the common name of the Mentha species and is a member of the Labiatae family. Mint leaves are added to sachets to add fragrance to the air. Mint leaves are also used as an insect deterrent.

Geranium Leaves

• Geranium is the common name of the Pelargonium species and is a member of the Geraniaceae family. Leaves, which are hairy, toothed and lobed are also scented. Crushed dried leaves are added to sachets for household fragrance. The dried leaves are also used in sachets as an insect repellent.

For Insect Prevention

• The best herbs to use in sachets for insect prevention depends on the type of insect being repelled. To ward off flies, use bay leaves, eucalyptus, cloves and basil. For flea prevention use lavender, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, pennroyal, citrus, citronella, lemongrass and rue. To prevent moths, use lavender, sage, ginseng, rosemary, rose petals, vetiver, cloves, mint and thyme.