The Healthy Benefits of Herbs

The Healthy Benefits of Herbs

When people think of herbs, they immediately think of sour medicine or mere garnishes. Whereas herbs should be seen as important culinary supplements. These succulent leaves like basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley are not only green color additives to food but also have extraordinary health benefits. There is a variety of herbs and they perform almost the same but they all have one thing in common and that is that they are beneficial to the body.

The health benefits of herbs

Herbs can be used as a dish and they can also be used directly for treatment.  Nevertheless they are all beneficial to the body. Keep reading this article to learn more on different herbs and how they can be used.

Turmeric root

Turmeric root is a perfect anti-inflammatory root. It helps in digestive issues, inflammation of the skin, and other skin conditions. Therefore, it is also helpful in supporting healthy cholesterol, treating body discomfort, and also aids in weight loss. Turmeric also said to be a natural blood thinner. Here’s how you can use turmeric to gain its benefits;

  • Turmerics best cooked with rice, stews, whole-grain foods, and lentils.
  • You can also marinate turmeric in chicken, and you can cook it with eggs.

Either way, you decide to use it. Turmeric is a beneficial herb that is essential in the diet. 

Thyme

Used in ancient Egyptians for both its medical qualities and its intense flavor. Thyme has both relaxing and antiseptic qualities. It is a suitable food additive because it strengthens the immune system, supports the nervous and respiratory systems. Thyme is also helpful in toning and soothing the body. 

You can use thyme in different dishes including;

  • Meat
  • Chicken
  • Tofu
  • Most vegetable dishes
  • Beans
  • Casseroles

Rosemary

Rosemary is not only used for its smell and additive in food and drinks(tea). It is also known for the many health benefits it has. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosemary oil helps improve hair growth and prevents baldness. It also helps in fighting dandruff and hair loss. Rosemary used for digestion problems like intestinal gas, heartburn, and gallbladder issues. It helps fight against bacterial infections. Rosemary is also helpful in cognitive stimulation and can also help in improving memory performance, boosting intelligence and alertness. Best used in tea, meat, and fish stew. Rosemary can also be put in salads and vegetables.

Parsley 

Parsley is rich in minerals and vitamins, and it is used as a fresh culinary herb or dried spice. Its bitter flavor pairs well with many food recipes. Parsley is also seen as one of the powerful disease-fighting plants. It provides excellent nutritional value and other potential health benefits.

Parsley leaves are a rich source of Vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for bone health. Vitamin K helps build stronger bones by supporting the cells that help in bone-building called osteoblasts.   It also activates proteins that help increase bone density, which is the number of minerals present in your bones. It can be combined with almost all vegetables, and it adds a good taste and smell to fish, meat, and salad dishes.

Mint( Peppermint) 

Peppermint has a strong pleasant smell and taste, which boosts appetite, which is good for digestion. Mint gives a cooling and soothing effect when taken. Mints used in making many fresh breath products like chewing gums, toothpaste, and mouthwash. It possesses antibacterial properties that kill germs that cause dental plaque.  Peppermint may also relieve clogging caused by sinuses due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

You can put mint in tea to treat indigestion. Mint is best suited with peas, stews, and potatoes. So make sure if you want your dishes to have a pleasant fresh smell, don’t forget to add mint.

Ginger Root 

This is a natural aromatic root with a sweet hot flavor like pepper which is helpful in different ways to our health. Ginger helps treat many forms of nausea, relieving the urge to vomit to people going through morning sickness or even Chemotherapy. Ginger can help lose weight. According to studies done on both animals and humans, its proven that ginger might help to lose some weight. Ginger can help treat chronic indigestion, and it has been proven to speed up emptying the stomach, therefore, aiding in relieving stomach discomfort. 

There are different ways you can take your ginger

  • It is a good salad dressing and marinades.
  • Ginger in tea which is shared is also an excellent way to take your ginger.
  • Ginger is also good when cooked in rice.

Basil

Basil is a green leafy herb that has a powerful smell and a recognizable flavor. Different varieties of basil offer slightly different flavors that are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of its benefits derived from its antioxidant properties and also its essential oils. Basil is full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, which can further lead to cell damage and increase the risk of having various health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.  Basil is helpful in blood sugar regulation; it can reduce high blood sugar levels. It can also be beneficial in treating the long-term effects of high blood sugar. 

How you can take basil

  • Make basil tea with honey and lemon by crushing the leaves before steeping.
  • You can also put basil in salads, sandwiches, avocados, soups, beans, and pasta.

Garlic

Best known for its flavor and therapeutic uses, a food spice that adds a savory taste to food. Also adding a delightful smell when added to food. Garlic use goes way back in ancient times in Egypt, where they used it for its antiseptic action. Garlic considered to have a strengthening action on the respiratory system. It also helps in supporting the healthy circulation of blood and cholesterol levels. Garlic is said to improve physical performance in most animals and people with heart disease.  It is also said that garlic will help you live longer; due to its’ beneficial effect on helping to prevent and treat chronic disease, it makes sense that it can help you live longer. Fresh garlic more beneficial compared to powdered garlic or garlic salt. You can cook garlic with many different dishes, especially meat dishes, stews, and whole grains.

More benefits of herbs can include

Herbs are helpful in healing wounds, sores, and boils—herbs like aloe, red clover, burdock, bayberry, ginseng, and myrrh. Certain antipyretic herbs like Charita, black pepper safflower were recommended by traditional medicine practitioners to help reduce fever and the production of heat caused by any condition. Herbs can be good as astringents like sandalwood helps contain the discharge of blood, mucus, etc.  Herbs can stimulate the activity of organs, for example, cayenne. Cayenne can help prevent liver damage and progression. Research shows that daily consumption of cayenne with an active compound of capsaicin has benefits on liver damage. Herbs act as sedatives because they found to have a soothing effect on the body by medicine practitioners. Some herbs reduce toxins in the blood. Aloe, barberry has a bitter taste that helps reduce toxins in blood, reducing or killing an infection.

Bottom line

In any meal you take, don’t forget to include some herbs. Herbs are very healthy, and they will increase your lifespan. Most herbs have the same benefits especially antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It is essential to add herbs and spices to your everyday diet. They can also replace the medication for people who don’t like taking manufactured medicine

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