Herbs are amazing, aren’t they?
Not only are they delicious when eaten – many of them also have medicinal uses as well!
The herbs above were picked from my garden a few weeks ago, and I just couldn’t help putting them in “order” for the photo – at least according to Simon & Garfunkel, anyway. Bonus points to those of you who sang that in your head when you saw the pic.
While I really love cooking with herbs (I made a delicious roast chicken with these ones)….I’m even more interested in learning about the various health benefits of not only herbs, but also the many wild plants that grow naturally in my area.
Wild Wednesdays (I need strict guidelines each day of what to write about – I find structure staves off writer’s block, so please bear with me while I get my blog feet wet) will be a day where I provide an overview of the properties of different plants, flowers, herbs, etc. that have either edible or medicinal attributes (or both!). I hope you find it as interesting as I do.
A note of caution before we begin – it is important to research the properties and side effects of any natural herb or plant extremely thoroughly, and to always consult with medical professionals (I do not consider myself an expert in herbal remedies, so I don’t count!) before using them internally for medicinal purposes; this is especially important for children, and pregnant/nursing women.
Ok, let’s begin.
Parsley is well known for garnishing restaurant plates – and most people are familiar with the dried flakes you can find in the spice section at your local grocery store….but did you know that fresh parsley also helps with digestion, and works to prevent gas and bloating? In a pinch, it’s also a great natural remedy for not-so-fresh breath. Just pop a fresh sprig in your mouth, and chew – perfect for date night! (just check your teeth before you smile)
Sage is commonly used in cooking – from stuffing, meats and poultry, to soups, stews, and side dishes. This herb is really versatile, and has a really unique, earthy flavour. Sage tea with lemon is reported to be a really soothing and delicious way to treat a sore throat, and, just like parsley, it also helps with digestion.
Another cool thing about sage, is that it can apparently be used to naturally darken gray hair. Who knew?
Rosemary is one of my favourite herbs. It is the star in a stuffed pork loin dish I make on occasion that has caused my husband to propose marriage more than once while we were dating.
Rosemary is truly a wonder herb. I use the essential oil version of this herb in many of my products – including bug spray, deodorant, and headache balm. Rosemary is antibacterial, analgesic (helps with pain), and promotes healing and circulation. It’s also wonderful for use with skin and hair.
Thyme is another herb known to help with sore throats due to its expectorant (helps clear airways of mucous) and antitussive (calms coughs) qualities. Sorry to use my medical terminology on you – I sometimes slip back into being a nurse, which comes with its own language. 🙂
I also use thyme essential oil in a sore muscle balm that I make, as it is considered a “warm” oil – meaning that it can feel warm or even hot when applied to the skin. (this helps with the relaxing of muscles)
Well, there you have it. A brief overview of some of the properties of some commonly found herbs. Stay tuned each Wednesday for a look at a different herb or plant.
GLA:D 