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Best Herbs You Should Know About
The following are some of the few best herbs you should know about
MARJORAM
Marjoram has many medicinal properties. Used most often as an es sential
oil it has balancing and soothing properties
and is an effective sedative.
Oil or powder (processed into capsules) from marjoram plants will
lower blood pressure, ease respiratory problems, sooth gastric distresses
of all kinds, calm the nerves, and cure headaches. It is also an excellent
base oil to blend with such items as lavender, rosemary, chamomile,
eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, bergamont, and thyme. (Marjoram
spice has a slightly mint-like citrus flavor and is popular in many
recipes.)
Marjoram herb should be avoided by pregnant women and individuals
with low blood pressure; otherwise, there are no known side effects
or interactions with marjoram. Allergies and indigestion are always
possible. Simply discontinue use if this is the case.
MINTS
Mint grows profusely and has the advantage of being completely safe
for use, tasting good, and calming down all manner of digestive problems
from nausea and indigestion to vomiting and cramping. (Peppermint
used as a tea or as a lozenge is particularly effective for stomach
complaints.) For small children with colic, spearmint is a better
choice than peppermint because it is milder but in adults spearmint
has little beneficial effect beyond a pleasant taste. Mint oil combined
with rosemary is an excellent hair conditioner and will control dandruff.
Many people also report that mint stimulates their appetite.
While the consumption of mint is time-honored and
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thoroughly safe,
some people do report sensitivity to peppermint. In this instance
the mint actually causes rather than cures heartburn and should be
avoided.
PARSLEY
Because parsley herb is rich in ascorbic acid, it serves to cleanse
the blood and to increase the secretion of urine. A popular agent
to ease indigestion, parsley also decreases the formation of gas in
the stomach and intestines and minimizes flatulence. It will lower
blood pressure, regularizes a woman’s menstrual cycle, and is
an effective remedy for bad breath.
Excessive amounts of parsley will increase bleeding and should be
used with great caution by those taking blood thinners. Since parsley
also works as a diuretic the increased urination it causes may be
an inconvenience. (For women fighting fluid retention from PMS, however,
this is seen as a positive factor.)
ROSEMARY
An evergreen with a sweet aroma, rosemary herb has traditionally been
associated with remembrance. A tea made from rosemary will increase
mental acuity and reduce fatigue while staving off indigestion. Some
people use rosemary oil to condition hair or as a liniment or bath
oil for rheumatism. (It is a fragrant and savory spice when used in
cooking, especially in roast chicken dishes.)
Eaten in normal amount or taken in recommended doses rosemary is completely
safe. Allergic reactions are always possible and if rosemary is consumed
in large and unrealistic quantities it will cause vomiting and potentially
an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
SAGE
The woody sage herb is a shrub with purple-blue flowers. It has a
long history in herbal medicine. It works to improve poor memory,
eliminates tension, and enhances concentration. It is also good to
heal problems in the mouth and throat. When used as a hair care agent,
sage prevents graying.
Some concern exists about the presence of thujone in sage which increases
the heart rate and leads to mental confusion. In normal culinary amounts
or at recommended doses, these side effects do not occur. Some herbalists
suggest taking sage for two weeks followed by a week to two weeks
off the supplement.
Will I have trouble finding herbs?
All of these “top ten herbs” are available in grocery
stores (in some instance organic food outlets) or at the health food
store in pill, ointment, or oil form. Seasonal considerations are
rarely an issue given the manner in which produce of all types is
shipped around the United States. If you plan on growing your own
herbs, consult the horticulturist at your local nursery about proper
planting times, care, and harvesting. In processed form (supplements,
oils, and creams) herbs are readily available at all times of the
year. From savory sage herb to pungent basil herb, these natural substances
will not only spice up your plate but can also enhance your health
and well-being.
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