Does anyone soak their straw in water with other herbs before topping their plants? What about chamomile?

I've been wondering about this, because I was thinking of using either basil leaves or mint leaves in the water I will soak the straw in before putting them around my plants. I'm thinking my plants will benefit from it, as a preventive measure. And also just to make my plants feel special. Of course, if it isn't useful, I 'll happily just use the basil for my salads and cooking.

I was even considering a few drops of neem oil, but decided I'd rather save that for when it is really needed.

CKat, The only soaking I do of straw for planting is a rough sort of composting... the same way hay/straw bales are prepared for use as a growing medium. Add some nitrogen fertilizer to the bale, the soak with water several days to raise the interior temperature of the bale. That breaks down some of the material, helping to change the bale from mulch into compost.