Medicinal Power of Herbs

From Kitchen to Cure: The Medicinal Power of Herbs

Sandy

5/3/20244 min read

medicinal herbs
medicinal herbs

For centuries and all over the world, herbs have graced our kitchens, adding flavour and aroma to our culinary delights. However, what is considered less often is that often these plants offer benefits to our mind, body and soul, because beyond their culinary uses lies a treasure trove of potential health benefits.

I thought I’d list just a few of these that I have out for sale in my honesty box and what many of you will have in your garden, balcony or even window sills! Most of these healing plant and herbs will flourish just as well in pots as in ground, so please choose whichever works best for you. You can dry or freeze them too meaning you will have their medicinal properties available to you even in the colder months.

Peppermint: This refreshing herb is well-known for its digestive properties. Mint tea is super easy to make… just pick a couple of leaves and add hot water. In late summer I start to dry any excess leaves on a tray (sometimes in the oven as once it’s switched off or out in the sun) and store in an airtight container to use over winter. Mint leaves can help soothe an upset stomach, alleviate nausea, and ease indigestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also provide relief from headaches and muscle aches.

peppermint
peppermint
white and yellow flowers Chamomile
white and yellow flowers Chamomile
green leaves in macro lens
green leaves in macro lens

Enjoying the Herbal Advantage:

Incorporating herbs into your diet is a simple way to potentially reap their health benefits. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Herbs: Add fresh chopped herbs to salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries for a burst of flavour and a potential health boost.

Herbal Teas: Steep fresh or dried herbs in hot water to create a soothing and potentially therapeutic beverage.

Tinctures and Extracts: For a more concentrated dose, consider using herbal tinctures or extracts under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.

Explore the world of herbs and discover their potential to enhance your health and well-being. Remember, a sprinkle of these natural wonders can add flavour, fragrance, and perhaps even a touch of healing to your life!

green parsley beside gray knife
green parsley beside gray knife

Chamomile: Often enjoyed as a calming bedtime tea, chamomile boasts well-documented stress-relieving properties. It can promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and even improve sleep quality. Again, use as a tea just as with the mint, pick the flowers and hey presto! Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties may also be beneficial for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Use cold tea with a clean flannel and use as a compress for its anti flamitory properties on the skin and it can even help with cramps when laid on the abdomen.

Lovage: This lesser-known herb packs a powerful punch. Lovage leaves are traditionally used to support healthy digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve gas. Lovers of natural remedies also use lovage for its potential benefits in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using lovage, as it can interact with certain medications.

Basil: A staple in Italian cuisine, basil offers more than just flavour. It contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Basil is also a good source of vitamins A and K, both essential for maintaining good health. You can use the leaves in cooking for these medicinal benefits or the Italians take half a teaspoon of dried or fresh basil leaf in water as an aid for indigestion and alleviate feelings of fullness, although personally I think a mint tea tastes better!

If you are working outside and get bitten or stung by an insect you can chew a basil leaf and apply it to the bite to help relieve the pain and draw out the venom as it also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Perfecto!

Parsley: Don't just push it aside! This humble herb is a powerhouse of nutrients. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to a healthy immune system and strong bones. It's also a natural source of chlorophyll, which may help detoxify the body. Parsley is also particularly rich in a class of antioxidants known as flavonoids.

Important Note: While herbs offer potential health benefits, it's crucial to remember that they are not a replacement for conventional medicine. Consult a healthcare professional before using herbs for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.