Using Mediterranean Herbs in Greek Dishes

By Jessica Rogers June 27, 2023 15 mins read 102 Views

Herbs are a key part of Mediterranean cuisine, adding flavor and aroma to meals without adding extra salt. They also help to lower cholesterol and improve digestion.

Mediterranean herbs are readily available at your local grocery store or even in your own garden. From Rosemary and Thyme to Oregano and Basil, these herbs will make your dishes taste like they're straight out of Greece.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region.

Known for its strong pine-like scent, rosemary is a popular herb in many Mediterranean dishes. It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to stews, soups, meats, and potatoes.

A perennial, it is very hardy and doesn’t need much water. It grows well in warmer climates and can also be grown indoors.

Fresh sprigs are easy to use and can be added to soups, stews and meat dishes. However, whole sprigs must be removed before serving.

Thyme

Thyme has a distinct flavor that pairs well with feta, olive oil, and a variety of meats. It is also used to enhance the flavors of vegetables, soups, stews, and braises.

It is a good source of vitamin C and has a mild scent. Its anti-inflammatory properties help boost immunity and prevent colds from getting started.

Brewing thyme into a strong tea is a great way to relieve respiratory issues like bronchitis, persistent asthma, congestion, and coughing. It removes phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract, reduces inflammation, and prevents bacterial growth that leads to infections.

The herb is available in fresh and dried forms at markets around the country. You can also try growing it yourself. Simply clip a three-inch cutting from the tip of the stem and plant it in sterile sand or vermiculite. Roots will emerge within six weeks.

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most widely used herbs in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a versatile herb and can be added to salads, cooked vegetables, pasta dishes and sauces, and vinaigrettes.

Basil is also a powerful adaptogen, which means it helps combat anxiety and stress by stimulating neurotransmitters that control energy and happiness. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

It’s also a very good source of Vitamin C, which promotes cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also contains iron, calcium and potassium.

It’s a tender plant that grows well in warm climates. It requires full sun and a moist, well-drained soil.

Oregano

Oregano is an essential herb for Greek cuisine and it adds a hint of sweetness to tomato-based sauces. It can also be used to season vegetables and soups. It is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Oregano has a variety of health benefits including its ability to improve digestion by reducing harmful bacteria in the gut. It also provides metabolic benefits due to its high antioxidant content.

Aside from its savoury taste and fresh aroma, oregano is also an excellent source of vitamin C. This essential vitamin helps boost the body’s immune system and fight disease.

Oregano is easy to grow and is a good addition to many recipes, both as a dried herb or fresh. It has a variety of medicinal uses including its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Parsley

Parsley has been a part of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and it has long been used as a medicinal herb. It is also an excellent diuretic, allowing your kidneys to flush out toxins and relieve water retention.

Its fresh green flavor pairs well with many foods, and it is an easy addition to salads or sauces. You can blitz it up into a pesto or stir it into a grain or bean salad to add some extra flavor and texture.

It is also a great source of vitamin C, which helps clear toxins from your body and reduce inflammation. It also contains folate, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

Statistics

The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

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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.