Mediterranean Herbs for Homemade Spice Blends

By Rose Swartz July 1, 2023 17 mins read 92 Views

There are many flavorful Mediterranean herbs that can be used in homemade spice blends. Using these herbs can add depth and complexity of flavor to your dishes, and give you more control over the ingredients in your spice blends.

Homemade spice rubs are a great way to quickly and easily spruce up easy weeknight suppers, lunches, meal prep and more! This Homemade Greek Seasoning is one of my favorites for chicken, gyros, or other Mediterranean meals.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a perennial herb that thrives in warm Mediterranean climates. It is a member of the mint family and has woodsy aromatics that include notes of evergreen, citrus, lavender, pine, sage and pepper.

It is a strong, sturdily-flavored herb that holds up to long cooking times and is a staple for stews. It can also be used as a garnish or for flavoring vinaigrettes.

Thyme

Thyme is a classic herb from the Mediterranean that makes an excellent addition to homemade spice blends. Its flavor is reminiscent of grass and wood, like other members of the mint family, but thyme also has floral notes that are similar to those of lavender and rosemary.

It can be used alone or as part of a mix, but make sure you use fresh thyme rather than dried, to show off its full range of flavors. It's also often included in popular herbs de Provence and Italian seasoning mixes.

Basil

Basil is one of the most versatile Mediterranean herbs, and can be used in a variety of cuisines. It's a popular ingredient in pasta sauces, and it can also be added to dressings, marinades, and desserts.

You can easily create your own blends by combining dried herbs with spices. They don't take a lot of supplies, and you can make your own in small batches for a single recipe or in a larger quantity for future use.

Oregano

Oregano is one of the key herbs used in Italian cuisine. It adds flavor to pasta sauce, soups, chicken, and pizza, among other dishes.

The herb is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It is especially high in vitamin K1 and potassium.

Oregano is a perennial plant and can be grown in the home or garden. It is often sold dried or fresh in grocery stores.

Marjoram

Marjoram (also known as sweet or knotted marjoram) has a delicate strength that can carry a lot of ingredients. It adds nuance to Italian and Middle Eastern dishes and is one of the key herbs in French herbes de Provence and za’atar.

It is also a popular herb used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to treat coughs, colds, digestive issues, and menstrual pain.

Dill

Dill is a fresh or dried herb from the parsley family (Apiaceae). It has a distinctive flavour and aroma and is widely used for seasoning soups, salads, sauces, fish, and sandwiches.

Dill is also used in homemade spice blends. Mixing your own spices is a great way to avoid the preservatives and mystery ingredients found in store-bought blends.

Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a herb commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a mild “bitter” flavor and can brighten up many savory dishes.

It can also be used to make homemade spice blends. Just be sure to toast spices such as peppercorns, fennel seeds, cumin and clove before grinding them into a powder.

These seasonings are great to have around the kitchen, especially for quick recipes like pizza and fajitas. They don’t require a lot of ingredients and can be used in so many different ways.

Mint

Mint is a popular aromatic herb that comes in many varieties. It's an important part of many Mediterranean recipes, including salads and desserts.

It can also be used in homemade spice blends. These blends are easy to make and will save you money over store-bought seasoning mixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Statistics

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)
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

How To Upcycle Herbs After Making Infusions, Oils, Tinctures, And More?

There are more ways to use herbs than you might realize. This is why it's essential to keep an open mind when learning how to make herbal infusions, oils, tinctures, and more.

You'll find that there are many methods for making these products, and even though they may seem similar, each method has its benefits.

For example, some methods include creating decoctions, boiling water or alcohol with the herb(s), and letting them simmer for a while. These infusions are solid and potent because they contain higher concentrations of active compounds.

Another type of infusion includes macerating the herb(s), which means soaking them in liquid for a few hours or even overnight. Macerations tend to produce milder results because the plant material isn't boiled.

Some cold-infused forms involve steeping herbs in cool liquids such as ice cubes or cold water. Cold infusions are gentler than hot ones, often used to treat minor ailments.

Herbal oil extraction involves heating the herb(s) to release the essential oils. You can either do this yourself or have someone help you out with it.

Finally, there are tinctures made by mixing herbs with alcohol. They're usually taken orally and are very effective for treating coughs, colds, and flu symptoms.

The best way to learn how to create infused products is to experiment with various techniques. Each technique offers a different potency and effectiveness, depending on the herb(s) you choose.

Once you've tried a few different methods, you'll begin to develop your preferences. In time, you'll be able to determine which techniques work well for you and which aren't worth pursuing.