Herbs are grown all over the world for their countless health benefits. You should know some of them in order to appreciate their usefulness to mankind. Undeniably, their existence has brought a wide range of benefits to us in different ways.
Here are some of the most popular herbs and their uses:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a stemless plant with thick fleshy green leaves that thrives in hot places. People use this herb to treat wounds, burns, skin infections, diabetes, cysts and elevated blood lipids. Essentially, aloe vera is an herb that is often used in many different applications. It can be used both cold and fresh, as herbs and spices for flavoring food and drinks.
It can also be used to reduce inflammation when used topically on the skin or internally as a supplement.
But what aloe vera made even more popular today is its antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radical damage, and its anti-inflammatory effects. These are beneficial for reducing pain and swelling associated with various conditions.
This herb is also well-known for its ability to promote healthy skin and hair, as well as boost immunity by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In addition to its medicinal uses, aloe vera is also a popular ingredient in cosmetics due to its soothing properties that can help reduce redness and irritation caused by environmental stressors such as sun exposure or pollution.
2. Dill
Dill is an herb that has become increasingly popular for its many uses. It’s often used in salads, soups, and stews to add flavor.
For those who prefer to use fresh herbs, a dill is a great option as it can be grown easily in the home garden. In addition to its culinary uses, dill offers some health benefits as well.
Dill is a perennial herb that is rich in vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B9, and C. It is also rich in fiber, phosphorus, copper and zinc and a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium.
It is popularly known as an effective healing agent for a lot of ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, insomnia, menstrual disorders, respiratory diseases and cancer. It is also known to boost breast milk production and sperm count.
Some studies have shown that it may help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Its healing properties also make it an effective treatment for various ailments such as colds and indigestion.
While more research needs to be done, many people believe that the herb’s beneficial properties make it an ideal addition to any diet.
Whether you’re looking for a flavorful addition to your dishes or are simply interested in exploring its potential health benefits, dill is certainly worth considering
3. Chives
Chives are one of the most popular herbs for both medicinal and culinary purposes. This herb is the smallest in the onion family, but it is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B9, C and K. Its mineral content includes calcium, copper, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
As a medicinal herb, chives have been used to help relieve arthritis, reduce cholesterol levels, and treat coughs and colds. It also helps to improve respiratory conditions and kill germs in the digestive tract.
Meanwhile, as a common culinary herb, chives are often used as a garnish to spice up dishes such as potato salad and omelets. Their mild onion-like flavor makes them an excellent addition to many dishes.
Chives can also be added to salads, soups and stews for a bit of flavor. They are known to help improve digestion and boost immunity. Chives contain many vitamins and minerals that make them an excellent choice of herb for numerous health benefits.
In conclusion, chives aren’t only great tasting but also provide many health benefits when consumed on a regular basis.
4. Holy Basil
Holy Basil, or Tulsi as it is commonly known in India, is one of the most popular herbs used for cooking and medicinal purposes. It is an ancient, aromatic herb that people use to treat dengue, malaria, fever, cardiovascular diseases, dental and eye problems, insect bites, kidney stones and skin infections.
Its leaves are an abundant source of vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C and K as well as protein, copper and zinc. It is commonly used to flavor soups and salads, making it a popular choice for cooks looking for herbs to add flavor to dishes.
A few studies have also shown that consuming holy basil regularly can help improve heart health and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great choice for those looking for natural remedies to reduce inflammation in the body.
Whether you are looking for ways to season your meals or get some additional health benefits from an herb, Holy Basil is definitely worth considering.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary, like oregano, is a woody perennial herb that belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries for its many benefits. It has a distinctive, pungent flavor that makes it popular in many dishes and cuisines.
These aromatic evergreen leaves are rich in vitamins A, B6, B9 and C as well as calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium. It can be used in dried or fresh form and is usually added to dishes towards the end of cooking or as a garnish.
The herb is most commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean food, but can also be found in some Chinese dishes. Rosemary can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, salads, and vegetables. It is also great for marinating meat and fish, adding a unique flavor to every dish.
Due to its antiseptic properties, rosemary has been used for medicinal purposes as well – from treating colds and sore throats to helping with memory loss.
Rosemary also has the ability to stimulate the nervous system, relieve muscle aches, improve digestion, and relieve headaches, rheumatism, depression, neuralgia and spasms. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for cooks all over the world!
6. Lavender
Lavender is an herb with a distinct, unmistakable aroma. It has been popular for centuries, both in the culinary and medicinal world.
Popular uses include aromatherapy, where the scent of lavender is believed to promote relaxation and calmness.
For culinary purposes, it’s often used in desserts and savory dishes. Lavender can also be used to make herbal teas, which are said to aid digestion and reduce stress.
In terms of medicine, lavender has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been known to help with a myriad of conditions including insomnia, headaches and even skin irritations.
Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used for many different purposes from health remedies to cooking delicacies.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint. It is indigenous to Europe but cultivated around the world.
This herb has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It is a good source of vitamins A, B2, B3, and B9 as well as dietary fiber, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc.
Peppermint has carminative properties which help to give you a natural remedy for flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Fenugreek herb
Fenugreek is a popular herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, but it can now be found in many parts of the world.
As an herbal supplement, it is believed to help reduce inflammation, improve digestive health and fight infections. It has also been used to treat ailments such as diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
Moreover, it is known to have antioxidant properties which can help protect against cell damage and premature aging. Other medicinal use of this herb includes the following:
- balance the body’s cholesterol levels
- lower blood sugar levels
- alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation
- cure boils, burns and gout
- aid the milk production of lactating women.
Apart from its medicinal uses, fenugreek is also popularly used as an ingredient in many recipes including curries and chutneys. Its seeds are often roasted or fried to give dishes an earthy flavor.
This is the first part of the list of popular herbs and their uses. If you want to learn more, you can check out is second part by clicking this link.
