A Guide to Using Herbs in Indian Cuisine

By Rose Swartz April 19, 2023 18 mins read 227 Views

There are many benefits to using herbs in your cooking. They add flavor, color, and aroma to your meals while also containing healthy properties that help your body heal and stay healthy.

In this guide, we will explore the most commonly used herbs in Indian cuisine and how you can incorporate them into your cooking to create authentic Indian dishes.

What are the common herbs used in Indian cuisine?

Indian cuisine is known worldwide for its wonderful use of herbs and spices. It has a diverse range of deep-fried snacks, pastries, curries, gravies, sauces, rice dishes, tandoor-cooked meats, vegetable dishes, chutneys and breads.

One of the most common herb ingredients used in Indian cooking is fenugreek leaves. They are used in a variety of ways, including as a base for a vegetable, to temper sambar and as a garnish on top of raita or yogurt relish.

In addition to fenugreek, other common herbs used in Indian cuisine include mint and dill. Mint is a cooling and soothing herb that can be used in multiple ways, such as as a chutney or on top of raita. Dill is another herb that can be used in a variety of ways, including in a veggie dish, on top of raita or mixed with dough to make flatbreads.

Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds are a popular spice used all over the world for their piquant zing, texture and tantalising taste. They can be added whole to curries and savoury dishes, or used as a powder to make mustard sauces and pastes.

Mustard seed has many health benefits, including being a powerful antioxidant. It can also help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

In Indian cuisine, mustard seeds are often used to temper dal and other dishes. This is because they pop when heated and add a nutty, aromatic flavour to the dish.

Mustard seeds can be fried in oil or ghee to release their essential oils and a range of other flavours. They are a great way to add a bit of complexity and depth to curry, roasted meat, roasted vegetables and stir fries.

Coriander seeds

The small, round seeds of coriander (Corianderum sativum), also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, are a key spice in savory dishes across the globe. Their lemony and floral flavor is often used in Asian, Mediterranean, Latin, and Indian cuisines.

They can be toasted and ground to make an excellent base for curry powder or spice blends. They add a warm, slightly nutty aroma to a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and chutneys.

The small, crunchy seeds are easy to find in most grocery stores and can be purchased as whole or ground. While ground coriander is best used for dishes that need to be spiced, but don’t require texture, such as batters and doughs, whole seeds can be added to soups, stews, dals, or pickles to add color and flavor.

Cloves

Cloves are an important spice in Indian cuisine, particularly in biryani recipes. They have a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with other ingredients in both sweet and savory dishes.

They come in whole or ground form, and can be found at any major grocery store. When buying whole cloves, look for ones that have a strong, pungent smell and are intact.

They are harvested before they flower, and then dried until they turn dark brown to black in color. They are native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, but are now cultivated throughout tropical climates like India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and many others.

Green cardamom

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is one of the most commonly used herbs in Indian cooking. Its flavor evokes eucalyptus and is known to aid digestion, improve respiratory health and freshen breath.

Green cardamom is a common spice in garam masala, a mixture of spices that combines cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It can also be used to season desserts and drinks, such as mulled wine and eggnog.

Green cardamom is available in most grocery stores as ground or powder form, but it can be hard to find whole pods. It is best to purchase them from an international grocery store specializing in spices and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

How do you make medicinal herbs?

There are many different methods to make herbs into medicinal products. The most common method is to dry the herbs in a warm, dark location before grinding them into a powder or extracting their essential oils. This can be accomplished by hanging herbs upside down in bunches, laying herbs on a drying screen, or using a food dehydrator.

Once dried and ground, herbs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. Other herbs may require special preparation, such as infusing herbs into oil or vinegar, making tinctures with alcohol, or distilling herbs to create essential oils.

Learning the correct techniques for preparing herbs can help ensure that they retain their medicinal properties and potency for optimal health benefits. Using fresh herbs is usually best, but herbs can also be grown in a pot or garden and harvested when they are mature. Herbs can be purchased at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.

No matter where herbs come from, the preparation techniques remain the same; drying herbs in a warm location followed by grinding or extracting the essential oils. You can make your medicinal herbs with the right herbs and preparation techniques.

When making herbal preparations, it is essential to remember that herbs can vary in potency, so always dilute herbs before use or follow the directions on any product label. Additionally, herbs are best used fresh, as many of their beneficial components degrade over time.

Following safety guidelines and paying attention to the potency of herbs can help ensure that you get the most benefit from your herbs. With a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can make therapeutic herbs with medicinal properties. Remember that herbs should never replace any medical advice or treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

What are healing flowers?

Healing flowers are plants that promote peace and tranquillity. They help us unwind after a stressful day and make us feel more relaxed.

They also help us connect to our inner selves and reconnect with nature.

These beautiful blooms are used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

We call hundreds of varieties of flowering plants ‘healing’ because they provide such a fantastic experience.

This list includes roses, lilies, irises, daffodils, peonies, tulips, hyacinths, and many more.

But there are two species that I find particularly special. These are the Geranium and Lilium.

Geraniums are very easy to grow and come in various colors. Liliums are also known as lily-of-the-valley, which means 'lily' and 'valley.' Both of these species are popular garden flowers.

Healing flowers are often found growing near water. They are said to bring peace and calmness to those who meditate with them.

In ancient times, people would light candles in flower petals to symbolize the sun. This way, they could honor the sun without needing to go outdoors.

Some say that when you look at these flowers, you may see angels dancing.

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.