Coriander
Coriander leaves are commonly known as Cilantro, a favorite in Mexican dishes and in Middle and Far Eastern dishes. A tea of Coriander seeds will stop griping caused by laxatives. Chew on seeds to soothe upset stomachs or aid digestion. A poultice of crushed seeds alleviates rheumatic pains. Leaves make a delectable addition to soups, sauces, and bean dishes. Seeds are great spice for beef and fish.
Dill
Medicinal and culinary properties in both seeds and herb. Used for hiccups and as a sedative. Chewing its seeds remedies bad breath and indigestion. Dill tea will relieve gas, colic, and prevent griping.
Fresh Dill
An appetite stimulant, and compliment to other herbs in small quantities. Seeds are great in butter, spreads, cream cheese dips, and vegetables. Herb makes rich sauces, appetizers. Perfect with potatoes, egg dishes and fish. Try it on salmon sauce.
- Fennel seeds.
Fennel
Fennel is used to aid digestion, nausea, and colic. Hailing from southern Europe and Asia Minor, it increases milk production in nursing mothers, is recommended for weight loss, stabilizes the nervous system, is a sedative for small children, expels phlegm from throat, and eliminates toxins from the body. Fennel improves night vision, relieves gas, expels worms, stimulates menstruation, and cleans the bladder and liver. It can be taken in teas, chewed or crushed in soups, sauces, shakes, and bakes. Soothes gums of teething babies. Great on sea food, a blast on fish!
Garlic
The most popular, and researched herb. Shown to boost immunity, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels; prevent high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Also, it blocks the growth of cancer cells, kills infections, and normalizes liver, gallbladder, and digestive functions. Need I say more! It is good taken fresh at the first sign of a cold. Garlic oil dropped into ear is good for ear infections. Garlic is a great aid in eliminating certain worms with a laxative. The active ingredient, Alicin is responsible for the pungent smell. Odorless Garlic capsules are not as beneficial. Garlic’s affinity is strongest on the respiratory system, therefore beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, flu, and other lung disorders. Great in combinations for circulation. It makes a flavorful addition to most dishes especially sauces, soups, and vegetables.
Ginger
Ginger root.
Another popular herb hailing from the Orient. Tea with honey great for first signs of a cold. Eaten fresh first thing in the morning primes up the immune system and induces alertness. Ginger generates heat to lower extremities and from inside out, therefore promotes sweating, aids digestion, nausea, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and is an aphrodisiac. A very versatile herb, Ginger adds zest to baked foods, vegetables, sauces, soups, shakes, and hot beverages. See more on Ginger as one of our herbs of the month.
Horseradish
A culinary herb with antibiotic action that comes highly recommended for respiratory and urinary infections, gout and rheumatism. A great digestive stimulant, Horseradish poultice is good for sciatica. It is good for sinus ailments and at the first sign of a cold (½ teaspoon, grated + 1 drop lemon juice held under tongue for as long as possible). Too much consumed can cause diarrhea or night sweats. Use moderately for best results. Great with meat, rice, sauces, and dips.
Lemons are as resourceful as they are beautiful.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice has been a favorite for cooling the body. It is also good with water as a gargle for sore throat, and heated for the first sign of a cold. It secret is its high content of vitamin C. It promotes digestion by aiding liver function. Topically, it relieves sunburn and chapped skin. Limonene, its active ingredient has been linked to breast cancer prevention, and increasing liver enzymes to remove cancer-causing chemicals. Enhances the flavor of vegetables and fish.
Dried Marjoram leaves.
Marjoram
Marjoram tea tones and purifies the digestive system. It is an antiseptic, stimulant and purifying herb. Good for headaches, irregular menstruation and skin diseases. With Greek origins, Marjoram was thought to induce dreams of a future spouse! It is used to treat rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, sprains, brain, stomach and chest complaints, coughs, colic, asthma, convulsions, menstrual cramps, and as an antidote for snakebite. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Mint
Another good herb for nausea, upset stomach, gas, headaches, and nervousness. Known to promote sweating, great for children; improves taste of tea blends. Beneficial for asthma, colic, spasms, convulsions, griping, fainting, and heart burns. One drop peppermint oil + one teaspoon honey + a dash cider vinegar + one cup hot water drunk slowly will alleviate a bad cold. When used sparingly, peppermint leaves enhances fruit dishes, coleslaw, hot or ice beverages, vegetables and meat.
Mustard
A strong stimulating herb, it promotes appetite and stimulates gastric mucous membranes to aid digestion. Mustard seeds are used to stimulate urine and promote menstruation. It is recommended for epileptic seizures, toothaches, headaches, rheumatism, and muscle pain. A tablespoon of hot mustard will relieve all kinds of cramps in seconds. A poultice or plaster may be used to treat stiff muscles, chest congestions, to warm the skin, and clear the lungs. Good in sauces, soups, salads, dressing, butters, vegetables, and crushed seeds add spicy flavor to wines.