Herbs are the fragrant leaves of many plants that commonly grow in temperate climates and do not have woody stems. Spices, in contrast, are not obtained from the leaves, but come from stems, seeds and bark, etc. of various plants and trees. Many of todays culinary herbs were used medicinally in the monasteries of Europe long ago. The knowledge of their healing properties was recorded in manuscripts during the Dark Ages and was preserved by people who passed on the knowledge of them by word of mouth. With the Renaissance and the age of exploration by sea, herbalism took a giant leap forward, as exotic plants were studied and more widely used. Soon universities had gardens full of herbs, which physicians and apothecaries studied and ground with mortar and pestle.
You have an opportunity to work with these healing herbs in your own kitchen adding them to the foods you cook. Over time, their subtle health-promoting properties can do their part in bringing you good health. And should you be sick, many feel these herbs will help you recover. lf you explore the worlds cuisines, you will find that fresh herbs are much more widely used than in American cooking. Many traditional cuisines incorporate fresh herbs into everyday dishes, such as Thai salads, in which lettuce is mixed with generous amounts of basil and cilantro; or Persian omelets, which you make with 1part dill and 2 parts egg. Then there is chamomile tea you find everywhere in most of the world and rosemary used to flavor all sorts of roasts and savory dishes in European cooking. So try not to limit your use of fresh herbs to just garnishing with a just a sprig of something. Cook with a variety of herbs on a regular basis and receive their traditional medicinal benefit. If you want to use herbs to treat some kind of condition, make a tea by using the leaves and start with one cup a day and slowly build up to several cups per day. Beneficial results should be evident within several weeks. Be sensitive and aware of any possible side effects or unusual feeling or symptoms. If these happen stop the herb immediately and talk to your health care practitioner.
Basil is alleged to relieve many symptoms. It can soothe the nerves, clears congestion, fights infection, lifts that foggy feeling in your mind, lifts depression, and aids digestion. Add basil to salads, pasta dishes, soups, sandwiches, and use to flavor home baked bread.
Fennel seeds are associated with womens ailments and has bee used to stimulate menstrual flow, lactation,and libido. It has chemicals called phytohormones, compounds that help balance your hormones. It has been used for symptoms of menopause and is also a digestive aid. Add fennel to stews, and chew them after a heavy meal.
Watercress lowers blood pressure and helps with the retention of fluids. It has many vitamins and minerals including calcium.
Thyme fights fungal and bacterial infection. It alleviates nausea and altitude sickness
Tarragon stimulates the appetite and helps lesson the pain associated with joint disease.
Sage can be used to help with colds and coughs and has been claimed to alleviate mouth sores.
Parsley is especially high in vitamin C and has been used for scurvy and gingivitis.
Mint aids digestion and stimulates the flow of mucous. It can be used in a variety of foods.
It is very important to note that many of these claims are historical and have never been verified or advocated by the FDA. It goes with out saying when using these herbs makes sure you do your due diligence. It would be a good idea also to ask your heath care provider. There are more and more doctors who are becoming attuned to alternative health care treatments. Ask them and see if you can get some good recommendations.
About the Author
Tactikon is a research assistant with several years of writing and publishing articles.Recent articles have been published on:Men's Scrubs and Women Scrubs
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