Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, herbs can add new flavors, scents and colors to your meals. They also boast their own unique set of health-promoting properties.
To keep fresh herbs at their peak, make sure they get enough sun. Place stemmed herbs in a glass of water, like you would a bouquet of flowers, and store them on the counter or in the fridge.
Sensory Pleasure
Whether you are a culinary genius or just starting out in the kitchen, fresh herbs are an instant pick-me-up. They smell fantastic, look great, and add a delicious flavor to your recipes. You can also use them as a decorative touch to brighten up your home.
Unlike cognitive pleasures, such as the enjoyment of a work of art or music, sensory pleasure is immediate and purely experiential. It can be triggered by the sight, sound, taste, and touch of an object or event. These types of pleasures are often associated with hedonism and have been linked to sins such as gluttony.
Studies have shown that those who enjoy sensory pleasure often seek out experiences in nature and other natural things. These experiences can have a calming, soothing effect, which helps to alleviate stress and depression. They are also known to improve mood and increase the ability to concentrate.
Visual Appeal
Herbs have a subtle, yet pleasing visual appearance, which can boost the appeal of any food or drink. This makes them a perfect garnish for salads, soups, stews and other meals. A sprig of fresh dill, for example, can add a splash of green color and a delicate herb flavor to pasta or a chicken dish.
Fresh herbs are most potent when added to recipes near the end of cooking. This preserves their subtle flavors and aromas.
Adding herbs to uncooked dishes, like salads and cold side dishes, is also a good idea. This way they can add a bright burst of flavor to these foods without the heat that can diminish their flavors.
Growing your own herbs is an easy and rewarding activity for both novice and expert gardeners. You can easily grow herbs in containers, a raised bed or even a smart kitchen garden. Check out our guide for more details on how to get started!
Aroma
Fresh herbs can add a lovely scent to your kitchen and garden. Some herbs, such as dill, can also impart a mild taste to dishes when used raw.
If you use a lot of fresh herbs, it’s important to keep them as fresh as possible so that they don’t lose their flavor. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Most herbs need to be kept moist. Fill a small glass jar with an inch or two of water and place your stemmed herbs in the container, like you would a vase of flowers. This works well for herbs such as cilantro and parsley. Alternatively, you can wrap your herbs loosely in a damp paper towel and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week (this method works better for harder herbs such as rosemary and oregano). The key is not to let them dry out! The ideal is to spritz them with water frequently to keep them moist.
Taste
Herbs bring a burst of flavor to foods without adding extra salt, sugar or fat. They are also a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Growing herbs in your own kitchen or garden can be a fun and rewarding project for the entire family. For best results, plant herbs in warm weather and water them regularly. Herbs need lots of sunlight and rich soil to thrive, so consider growing them in containers on your porch or patio if you don’t have a large backyard to grow them in.
When buying fresh herbs, look for bunches with vibrant leaves and a strong aroma. If possible, harvest them just before you need them to ensure the herb’s full flavour. Wash them well before using, removing the twist tie or rubber band and running them under cool water. Pat dry with a clean towel or salad spinner. A sharp knife makes chopping and slicing herbs much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mother of all herbs?
The answer may surprise you!
It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.
As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.
Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.
It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.
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 basil good for kidneys?
The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.
Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.
Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.
It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.
Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.
It will leave your skin soft and smooth.
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!
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.
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.
What herbs should you take daily?
Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.
Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.
As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.
There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.
This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.
But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.
So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.
This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.
The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.
This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.
Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.
You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.
There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.
Statistics
- For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
- The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
External Links
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- Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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- Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
- Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB
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How To
How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?
If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.
These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.
Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.
In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.
However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.
However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.
This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.
Resources:
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