Guide to Using Herbs in Thai Cooking

By Rose Swartz April 5, 2023 15 mins read 171 Views

Herbs are an important part of Thai cooking, and are used to add depth to dishes, as well as for medicinal purposes. Common herbs that are used include galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and holy basil.

If you’re new to cooking with herbs, there are a few things to keep in mind.

What are Thai herbs?

Herbs are a key ingredient in Thai cuisine. They are used to enhance the flavor of food while adding an important health benefit.

They are usually added to soups, marinades, and curry pastes. They can also be used to flavor meat dishes and stir-fries.

Coriander: This herb is a staple in Thai cooking. The seeds and roots are ground together to create a sweet and fragrant paste that is used as the base for some of the most popular Thai curries.

Cilantro: Another common herb in Thai cooking, cilantro is used to add a fresh, crisp, and aromatic element to dishes. It has a mild yet distinctive flavor, and it is commonly combined with other herbs and spices in seasoning blends.

Holy Basil: This herb is a popular option for Thai chefs, but it can be difficult to find in western grocery stores. It has a strong, clove-like aroma and reddish-tipped leaves.

Dill is another herb that is widely used in Thai recipes. It is similar in taste to holy basil, but it is less intense. It is a common garnish for many dishes, including kaeng om (herb soup) and fish dishes.

Galangal

Galangal, a tropical rhizome, grows in various Asian countries and is one of the most important ingredients in Thai cooking. It’s used to make curries, soups, stir-fries and more.

In addition to its delicious flavor, this rhizome is also known for its ability to fight cancer and prevent chronic inflammation. Research suggests that it can help protect against eight different types of cancer and reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as eczema, arthritis, and asthma.

The rhizomes of this tropical plant can be bought fresh or dried in powder form. Generally, fresh is preferable as it has more intense and distinct flavors and peppery notes.

Fresh rhizomes can be shredded coarsely and added to sauces, marinades, curries, and soups. They can also be ground or pounded into pastes before cooking, depending on the recipe.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in Thai curries, and its distinctive yellow-orange hue adds an exotic flair to many dishes. A member of the ginger family, turmeric is grown in tropical climates throughout Southern Asia.

The rhizomes and bulbs of this plant are boiled and then dried, turning into a powder that is then used in cooking. The root contains an antioxidant compound called curcumin, and other substances that have anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric has been valued for centuries as a natural cosmetic and dye. It is used in certain religious traditions to color the robes of monks and is also considered a healing herb.

A pinch of fresh turmeric is a wonderful way to season soups and stir-fries. It also works well in a simple juice or smoothie.

Basil

Thai basil (also known as chi neang vorng, holy basil or anise basil) is a pungent herb that is used in many Southeast Asian dishes. You can find this herb in specialty stores or at grocery stores that cater to the Southeast Asian community, and it can be purchased fresh or dried.

The fragrant leaves of this herb can be added to soups, casseroles, sauces and stir-fries. It is also a good addition to grilled or roasted meats and fish.

It is also a great addition to fried rice. It adds a strong, licorice-like flavor to your dish and a little heat to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

You can also add this basil to a pesto. Pesto is a popular Italian pasta sauce that is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. This is a very easy and effective way to incorporate this herb into your cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eating raw basil good for you?

I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.

They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.

The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.

There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.

Just make sure you wash them well first!

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

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.

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.

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How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.