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Kitchen Herb
By peace | June 21, 2007
Picture of Nettle
A herb is any plant that is valued for its medicinal, culinary or aromatic qualities. As well as livening up a dull recipe, herbs can be used to relax, soothe and energize, as well as to target specific organs, fight infection, bolster natural defenses against disease, and ease aches and pains. Try to use fresh herbs whenever you can. The easiest way to have herbs on hand is to grow your own. Many herbs are easy to cultivate at home. You can then enjoy their revitalizing aroma in cooking and also every time you brush by.
Herbs can also be effective where conventional medicines are impotent. Antibiotics, for example, cannot eliminate viral infections, but many herbs can. Herbal remedies are powerful and they make up three-quarters of all the medicines used in the world. Indeed, the very word “drug” comes from the early German word droge, meaning to dry, as in drying herbs. It is estimated that up to half of all prescription drugs either come directly from plants or are chemical imitations of constituents naturally found in plants. Aspirin, for example, now considered a cure for conditions as diverse as heart disease and cataracts, is in fact, a chemical imitation of salicin, an acid derived from the bark of the white willow tree. Even less exotic herbs such as parsley have an important role in promoting optimum health. This herb, which you can chew to freshen the breath after eating garlic, can aid digestion and clear congestion caused by coughs and colds.
Picture of Sage
Top Ten Kitchen Herbs
1. Ginger: A spiritual and physical cleanser, good for coughs, colds, indigestion, travel sickness, morning sickness, arthritis and circulatory problems.
2. Basil: Stimulates the immune system to make more antibodies. Relieves many conditions, including asthma, arthritis, rheumatism and headaches.
3. Rosemary: A gentle liver tonic, it stimulates circulaion, strengthens the heartbeat and is a good antidote to stress.
4. Sage: Astringent and antiseptic, it has powerful anti-aging properties, enhances memory and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Coriander: Antifungal and antibacterial action aids digestion and alleviates allergies and hayfever. Decongests the liver and eases cystitis and skin rashes.
6. Turmeric: May aid fat loss and boosts circulation. Energizes the immune system and speeds up wound healing.
7. Fenugreek: Relieves constipation, lowers cholesterol and reduces blood sugar levels. Soothes coughs, fevers, sore throats and menstrual pain.
8. Nettle: Protects against anaemia, allergies and hayfever, high blood pressure and heart disease. Can also alleviate the symptoms of prostate enlargement.
9. Garlic: Potent antibacterial agent, effective against colds, skin problems and digestive disorders. Can also help circulatory disorders.
10. Liquorice: Alleviates stomach disorders, bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, kidney problems and irritable bowel syndrome.
