List of Herbs and Spices for Health and Cooking

There is a lot of talk about herbs these days, and everyone seems to be discussing the manner in which they can be used for healthy eating, cooking, and for medicinal purposes. Herbs are actually plants that are generally low growing. They are almost always aromatic in nature and are therefore great for cooking either in the dried form or even fresh. Not many are aware of this, but many herbs are also used in perfumes.

It is a myth that these herbs that have medicinal properties do not have any side effects at all. The fact is that they contain active ingredients that can cure a disease, but in conjunction with some of the other herbs, supplements, or medicines, they can also cause side effects. The numbers of herbs that exist are almost impossible to list, but here are some that you may want to explore.

1. Super kelp - Also called sea kelp or sea wrack, this herb found in the sea has a significant amount of iodine and trace elements that are essential for healthy eating. The herb is also used to treat obesity in many patients. Additionally, sea kelp has properties that allow for cleansing of the kidneys and the stimulation of the thyroid and pituitary glands (for treatment of hypothyroidism).


2. Garlic - Used extensively in oriental cooking in all easy recipes and difficult ones, this herb is a natural antibiotic. In ancient days, it was used to treat infections, wounds, typhus, and cholera too. It is also a great natural remedy for lowering cholesterol since it has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. It is estimated that garlic may also be helpful in reducing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension risks.
   However, it should be noted that too much garlic can cause an upset stomach, excessive flatulence, asthma, bloating, bad breath, body odor and skin irritation in some people. Since garlic causes some thinning of the blood, it should not be used by those with bleeding disorders or those who are recovering from post-operative bleeding.


3. Parsley -Petroselinum or parsley this is an herb that is known to be a great diuretic. It is an herb that is replete with various nutritious elements such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. So if you are looking forward to healthy eating, parsley should definitely be part of the easy recipes that you want to follow.
   The herb is also good for the kidneys and resolves urinary water retention issues. The power of the herb is understood well from the saying 'if parsley is thrown into a fishpond, it will heal the sick fishes therein'.


4. Green Tea Extract - Green tea extract is another herb that has been used in countries like China and India for many years. This herb is also a key aspect of many treatments that are created in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. A great antioxidant, green tea prevents heart diseases and cancer.
   This positive effect is obtained by the prevention of vascular blood clotting and a reduction in cholesterol. Green tea also helps in strengthening the immune system and preventing digestive tract infections and respiratory issues due to its antimicrobial properties. Some side effects to watch out for while taking this herb include nausea, insomnia, palpitations, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and reduced appetite.


5. Horse Chestnut - This chestnut is known to be a great healer for blood vessels. It makes the capillary cells strong and limits fluid breakage to the minimum. This herb is also great for many people who want to look younger, since the antioxidant properties of this herb reduce wrinkles and also prevent them from forming.
   If you want to ensure that you stay youthful and avoid those crow's feet and laugh lines on your face, healthy eating with easy recipes that include horse chestnut is the way to go. Some have also used horse chestnut for treatment of hemorrhoids, phlebitis and varicose veins and have achieved significant respite from these issues.


6. Milk Thistle - The liver is the largest organ in our body, and it is subjected to some of the most toxic agents like viruses and alcohol. Healthy eating for the liver should always include milk thistle as a key ingredient in easy recipes. Even though this is a herb that is not too well known, it is a miracle worker for medical issues such as asthma, bladder stones, cancer, breathing issues, dropsy, fever, impotence, jaundice, malaria, piles, plague, spasms, uterus and spleen problems, headaches, rashes, and much more.
   With such a large list of medical issues that it can cure, you should probably look up some easy recipes in which you can use milk thistle in your daily cooking, especially if you have any of these medical conditions. Note that this is an herb that you should avoid completely during pregnancy.


7. Oregano Oil - Used and popularized by the additional sachets that you get in a delivered pizza, oregano is an herb that is often used in cooking in the dried form, but the same herb can also be converted into oil for consumption or use. Oregano oil is an immensely helpful product since it has significant anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. It has been known to be used to cure small issues like insect bites, an upset stomach, earaches, toothaches and more.

The properties of this amazing herb are not limited to just these. Oregano oil has also been known to help in cases of bronchitis, tension, anxiety, rheumatism, and athlete's foot.

It must be noted that there are many more herbs that you can use in your daily cooking and benefit from the medicinal properties that they offer. The great thing about herbs is that not only are these great for the body, but are good cosmetically and also impart great flavor and taste in your food too. So if you want to ensure healthy eating that is also tasty and delicious, get some of these herbs home and start consuming them right away.