Healthwizard

Benefits of herbs

Herbs

As with spices there are too many herbs to give a full list of all their benefits. These are the more common ones used for cooking and easily available in the supermarket (or to grow yourself)

Holy basil

Basil – The classic accompaniment to all tomato dishes. It is also a natural tranquilliser and a tonic to calm the nervous system. May aid digestion and ease stomach cramps. Basil tea may relieve nausea.

Bay - is used to stimulate and aid digestion.

Chives – help to enliven dishes with a delicate onion taste. Chives can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.

Coriander leaves

Coriander – fresh leaves can be eaten as a tonic for the stomach and heart. The seeds and leaves are used for treating urinary tract infections.

dill

Dill - has proved itself to be effective in the relief of gripes and flatulence (gripe water).

fennel

Fennel – fresh leaves have a mild aniseed flavour and are used, along with the seeds; to aid digestion, prevent excessive wind, insomnia, nausea and vomiting.

Feverfew – although not commonly used in cooking, I included this one as it makes a good alternative to pills to combat a headache. Eat 3-5 fresh leaves every day between slices of bread to reduce the frequency of migraines and to aid restful sleep. Do not eat raw leaves as they can produce mouth ulcers

mint leaves

Mint – used mainly in cooking, mint also aids digestion and hot mint tea can help at the start of a cold.

parsley leaves

Parsley – a widely used herb for garnishing, it contains vitamin C and iron. Fresh parsley leaves also make a good breath freshener when chewed after eating garlic.

rosemary leaves

Rosemary – used extensively throughout the Mediterranean, it is said to act as a stimulant to both the nervous and circulatory systems, and may help to soothe the digestive system, relieving indigestion and flatulence. Drinking a weak infusion may also help to relieve a nervous headache, neuralgia and colds. Rosemary also makes a good antiseptic gargle.

Sage Benefits

Sage – aids in the digestion of rich or heavy foods (hence its affinity with goose and venison). Sage tea can also be used for indigestion, anxiety, excessive sweating and as a gargle to ease a sore throat.

thyme leaves

Thyme – has strong medicinal qualities. Take as a tea for a digestive tonic and a cure for hangovers. Sweeten the infusion with honey for convulsive coughs, colds and sore throats. Apply diluted thyme oil as a massage for headaches and use the essential oil in a burner as an antiseptic room freshener. It may also relieve insomnia, poor circulation and muscular pain.

Leave a Comment May 15, 2007