Herbs are defined as a herbaceous plant that lacks a woody stem and dies to the ground every year. They are additionally noted as being any plant or plant part that can be used for either culinary, medicinal, or fragrance purposes.1 There are many herbs that are common, whether they are used to supplement medicinal application, added to fragrances and even used in cooking. Because of the many benefits of herbs, there are many ways we can use them to benefit us in our everyday lives. Whether you use them in your food or through aromatherapy, you can find different ways to experience the many benefits herbs can deliver. Below, we will be going over some of the most popular herbs and we will be discussing some of the benefits they offer.
Most Common Herbs:
This is easily one of the most popular herbs used in the kitchen. This particular herb can be found in a variety of dishes. In fact, it happens to be perhaps the most versatile herb to be used in cooking. It features a very mild flavor that can add to many different dishes. There are all kinds of varieties as well to choose from which makes it even more versatile. You can find basil varieties that are strong and punchy and varieties that are much milder and subtle. Basil has been shown to have a variety of health benefits including the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body.2 Sweet basil is well known for having anti-inflammatory properties because of high antioxidant content.
Bay Laurel (Bay Leaves)
This is another very common herb that you will typically find being used in a variety of dishes including, but not limited to, soup, stews, and meat dishes. This herb is well known for having a distinct flavor and fragrance that can add to a dish. The leaves themselves are not meant to be consumed but instead used as a flavoring agent. Within the herb itself, you will find a variety of chemicals consisting of terpenes and other chemicals. One of the greatest benefits of this leaf is its ability to ward off harmful bacteria as it has exhibited very strong antibacterial activity.3
This is another very common herb that is used in many dishes. It is typically associated with Latin and Asian dishes. It is actually called coriander if the seeds are harvested. This particular herb has shown to have significant benefits including the ability to protect cells against harmful UV rays.4
Fennel has two distinct types. One is treated like an herb and the other is treated as a vegetable. The herb is commonly used in various food dishes including stews, fish dishes, and soup. Fennel has been shown to have a wide variety of benefits that make it a very powerful herb, including the ability to dramatically improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).5
Lavender is an extremely popular and commonly used herb. Not only has it been used for centuries for its pleasant fragrance, but it has also been used for its medicinal properties as well. Studies have shown that lavender can have a positive impact on stress levels. Along with this, it has proven to have a positive effect on improving cognitive performance and mood in studies of healthy people.6
Lemongrass is a herb that is widely used in Asian cuisines. Along with this, it is a well known medicinal herb that has a lot of positive health benefits. In fact, it has proven to have the ability to have powerful antioxidant effects in those that regularly consume it. Along with this, it has been proven to have antifungal properties. It has also been shown to have antibacterial properties associated with it. Also, when utilized as an essential oil, it has been shown to have a positive effect in the fight against cold symptoms.7
Mint is another herb that is extremely common. It is used in a wide variety of culinary dishes. Mint itself is very nutrient dense. In fact, it happens to be an excellent source of Vitamin A which is crucial for healthy vision and it also has a lot of antioxidants which makes it an effective ingredient for protecting your cells from free radicals.8
Oregano is another very common herb that you will find being used throughout the world in various dishes. It is typically found in sauces, soups, and more. It happens to be extremely high in all kinds of nutrients that are essential for optimal body function including vitamins A, C, E, K, and various minerals. Along with this, it happens to be high in antioxidants which make it a very effective herb for fighting inflammation and oxidation. It has been shown to feature antibacterial properties when its oil is extracted.9 It was shown to have the ability to help fend off harmful bacteria which makes it a viable and effective tool to help to treat bacterial infections.
There are plenty of herbs that are widely used for various reasons. Not only are they used for flavoring in dishes, but they are also commonly used to create essential oils for medicinal purposes. A lot of herbs contain healthy terpenes which can have a significant positive effect on your overall health alone.10 There are plenty of different ways to benefit from the medicinal effects of herbs, especially through aromatherapy. By using extracted herbs through essential oils, your health can be benefited in many ways by doing everything from helping to ease stress in reducing the prevalence of unhealthy toxins in the body. MONQ’s Forest Blend is a great essential oil mix that can help harness the power of herbs in everyday life.
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