Kitchen Herbs 101 – Conclusion
July 3, 2009 by Debbie Taylor
In my previous post I introduced some information about herbs that are useful in your kitchen, and maybe your medicine cabinet. Hopefully the information was something you could consider more seriously and maybe even this summer you could add some herbs in pots to your back yard or patio.
Not all physicians scoff at the use of herbs in good health, and more and more physicians are willing to consider the benefits of using herbs on a regular basis to supplement good health. Just remember – if you have any medical condition that is being monitored by a physician or are using prescription medication – always consult your physician before using any herbs on a regular basis.
For my back yard garden this year, I’ve got the following herbs growing: fennel, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, and peppermint. I’m not a fan of spearmint but oh how refreshing is the taste of fresh peppermint. And it’s easy-peasy to grow. As a matter of fact, most of the mint herbs will take over where they’re planted, so you may want to keep yours corralled in pots.
On with the herbs…
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum). That little sprig of green decoration on your plate is not just for looks, you know. Parsley can tone down the overpowering effects of garlic or onion breath, but also settles the stomach and can be taken in tea for its diuretic effect.
Red Clover (Trifolium pretense). Again, this is one of those herbs that is often seen as an offensive weed. However, not only can the flowers be added to salad, the leaves and flowers can be used in teas as a relief for PMS! This particular herb has an estrogen-like quality, so it can’t just be grown, harvested, and used without proper instruction, and it should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women for this reason. However, visit your local health food store and ask about Red Clover tea and see what you can find.
Strawberry (Fragraria vesca). Yep – this can be classified as an herb of sorts. It provides both culinary and medicinal use, and because it is so common, I could not leave it out! Besides its lovely taste and antioxidants, strawberry leaf tea can be taken as a remedy for stomach irritation.
Tea (Camellia sinensis). Ahhh – one of the best things growing on God’s green earth. The varieties and uses of tea are practically endless. Antioxidants. Tannins. Caffeine! White, Red, Green, Herbal, Flowering, or Black – tea has much to offer in the way of quenching thirst, as well as offering medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Cooled tea bags on puffy eyes works wonders. Hot black tea sipped slowly can quell nausea. If you aren’t a tea drinker, I really must ask – why not?
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Chock full of vitamins and minerals, this is often eaten in sandwiches with afternoon tea, but can be added to tossed salads and soups as well. Medicinally, it’s been used to treat stuffy noses and sore throats, but more recent research suggests it may have a preventive effect with throat and lung cancers, too.
Herbs are endless in their uses – both ancient and modern. Growing your own herbs for use in your kitchen, or for simple home remedies can be fun and enjoyable. There are so many herbal recipes available now, whether you want to spice up your next meal – or your next bath – herbs have so much to offer.
I have some personal recommendations for resources that I’d like to share with you. They have given me a lot of information about herbs and herbalism, and are resources I return to over and over again:
Mountain Rose Herbs – Your online resource for purchasing seeds, dried herbs, teas, and so much more. This company focuses on education, organic and fair-trade products, and has some of THE best pricing available anywhere for herbs, spices, coconut oil and beyond.
If you’d like a simple book for using herbs, this is not only useful and educational, but really fun to read. Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health is both whimsical and yet serious in the application of herbs. From health to beauty products – this book is a nice addition to your bookshelf if you want to use herbs outside your kitchen!
Finally, what I consider to be MY herb bible! The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs gives tremendous information on growing, harvesting, storing and using herbs. Because it is illustrated, it helps with identification of herbs, and provides information about toxicity, usable parts, and more. If you want to use herbs in a more serious way, I highly recommend this book for you!
photo credit: shimelle
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