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A Guide to Herbs Culinary and Healing Herbs
otanist would give a matter-of-fact definition of herbs as flowering plants without a woody stem. To many of us, the very word herbs evokes a sense of gentle fragrance and delicate flavours. The word also has mystical connotations, with herbs being used in spiritual practices as well as in ancient healing techniques.
In this whirlwind guide to the world of herbs, well explore the various uses of herbs and some examples of herbs. Well also look at some herbs which can be grown in a kitchen garden.
Herbs What makes them Special?
Herbs are sought after for three qualities:
- Fragrance or Aroma
- Flavour
- Medicinal or healing properties
Although all parts of herbs are used, the leaves of a herb most commonly have the above mentioned characteristics.
Some Culinary Herbs and their Usage
Herbs can give both flavour and aroma to a dish. In most herbs, the leaves contribute to aroma and flavour. The leaves can be used in fresh or dry form.
Common culinary herbs include:
- Basil herb Basil leaves are used for flavouring in many types of cuisine such as Western or Mediterranean. Sweet basil is a common type of basil herb used in cooking.
- Coriander Both Coriander leaves and seeds are used in cooking. It adds aroma as well as a flavour.
- Rosemary The leaves of Rosemary are used for aroma and flavour. It is often used in Western cooking.
Some other culinary herbs are Lavender, Thyme, and Oregano.
Benefits of Medicinal Herbs - Ayurveda and Chinese Healing Herbs
Many herbs have healing properties which have been documented and used by ancient medicinal systems such as Ayurveda or ancient Indian medicine. Chinese medicine, which is equally old, also uses herbs for healing. Medicinal herbs used by these two systems provide numerous health benefits.
Some medicinal herbs are-
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) ( Ocimum Sanctum Linn).- Tulsi leaves have been used in Ayurveda to cure skin diseases and gastric problems.
- Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Ginseng has been used as part of Chinese healing herbs since ancient times. The roots are used in strengthening the immune system and controlling blood sugar levels.
- Haridra (Curcuma Longa Linn.) This herb is used to cure disorders of liver and blood in Ayurveda.
Medieval western references to Rosemary and Sage talk of their ability to rejuvenate memory.
More Uses of Herbs
Other uses of aromatic and medicinal herbs include:
- Mystical and religious purposes - herbs such as Holy Basil are used for religious purposes.
- Fragrance and perfumes Lavender and Lemon Balm are used as perfumes and to lend fragrance to air.
- Good-luck charms Rosemary was used for good-luck in medieval times.
Growing Herbs
Common herbs such as Basil, Coriander and Lavender can be grown in any kitchen garden. Care should be taken about the sunlight and watering requirements for each herb. Some herbs such as Coriander can flourish easily, but Basil requires more care.
Using fresh herbs right off your kitchen garden in your cooking can greatly enhance flavours and aroma.
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