The Power of Herbs: Healing From Within

Herbs are an excellent addition to your cooking, making them much more favourable and having tremendous health benefits! Herbs can change the most ordinary meal into one that is hard to forget. They are also very easy to grow in your garden, and now is the time to take advantage of fresh local produce.

 

Herbs are plants with powerful healing powers and can enhance the flavour of all foods. They are full of phytochemicals and antioxidants, which protect the body against diseases. Herbs are very low in calories, and you can always replace salt with oregano and sugar with anise.

 

Here are some of the top herbs that are easy to get, plant, and have so many health benefits: 

 

Basil

 

Basil is a member of the mint family. It is sweet, pungent, and mildly peppery. It relieves a variety of digestive disorders, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and constipation. As a culinary herb, basil perks up fresh-sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. It is a staple in Italian cooking and is the basic ingredient in pesto. Key nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and many more.

 

Chives

 

I love chives! They have a mandolin-like flavour. They have a high iron content, ease digestion, and may increase the body’s ability to digest fat. They give zest to salads, soups, and omelets. Key nutrients include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.

 

Cilantro

 

Coriander and cilantro are essential ingredients in Mexican and Asian cooking. Generally, coriander refers to the seeds, while cilantro denotes the leaves. Coriander helps to relieve gas, indigestion, and diarrhea. Externally, you can use powdered coriander in salves for muscle and joint pain and to disinfect minor cuts.

 

Dill

 

Dill has a delicate, lemony, celery-like flavour. This herb has been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid and gas remedy. It. is good for the kidneys and spleen and can lower blood pressure. Dill helps milk production in nursing mothers and has long been used for pickling foods. The seed is excellent, sprinkled on seafood. It perks up salads and eggs.

 

Mint

 

Who doesn’t love mint? It is super easy to grow and makes a refreshing herbal tea. You can put fresh mint leaves in salads and smoothies or use them as a garnish. Mint helps ease insomnia, upset stomachs, and nervous tension.

 

Oregano

 

Oregano has been used for thousands of centuries to treat fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin problems. It helps to loosen and remove mucus and is known for its powerful antioxidant activities. It is used in most Mexican and Italian dishes.

 

Parsley

 

Parsley should always be eaten raw to benefit from all the vitamins and minerals. It is highly beneficial as a kidney stimulant and helps eliminate stones. Parsley gives salads great flavour, and munching helps to freshen their breath. By the way, Italian parsley is more nutritious than curly and tastes better!

 

Fresh herbs are fragile. You can wrap them in a damp dish towel and store them in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to two weeks. As always, please do your best to choose organic.

 

Until next time,

 

Frances