(Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean. This plant has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Thyme tastes delicately green with a faint clove aftertaste. Health Benefits Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol,… Continue Reading
spice
Sage
(Salvia officinalis) The Latin name for sage is salvia which means to heal so given to sage because of its medicinal properties. Sage has been used for centuries as a medicinal due to its antiseptic, astringent, and irritant properties. Often tea made from sage is used to treat sore throats and mouth irritations. … Continue Reading
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is easily distinguished by its strong, pungent, pine-like scent. Unlike dill or thyme, rosemary must be used sparingly to not overpower a dish. Rosemary is best known as a symbol of remembrance, friendship, and love. Health Benefits: Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and… Continue Reading
Paprika
(Capiscum annuum) Paprika is a member of Capsicums, flowering plants that bear seeded fruits in the form of sweet and hot peppers. The fruit of Capsicum plants are commonly derived from chili peppers. All capsicum peppers are from the same family as tomatoes, potatoes and deadly nightshade. Paprika is a finely ground powder… Continue Reading
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale) Ginger has been around for thousands of years and is associated with Indian and Chinese cooking. Although technically not a root but a rhizome (horizontal plant stem), ginger is available raw, powdered, pickled and crystallized. For ginger lovers, check out The Ginger People, a company devoted in making all natural ginger products… Continue Reading
Dill
(Anethum graveolens) The word “dill” comes from the Norse “dilla” meaning “to lull”. Dill tea is used to help lull a person to sleep. The dill plant is used primarily in pickling which is explains how the term Dill Pickles came about. Health Benefits As a carminative (helps with intestinal gas), dill aids… Continue Reading
Basil
(Ocimum basilicum) While basil comes in a number of varieties, large-leafed sweet basil is most commonly used in cooking. Other varieties include bush basil, which is less pungent and purple basil which is used for decorative purposes. Holy basil has mauve colored leaves and is slightly lemon scented while cinnamon basil has notes of… Continue Reading
Cayenne Pepper
(Capsicum frutescens) The name cayenne comes from where this spice was believed to originate – the Cayenne region of French Guiana. Cayenne pepper is made from the finely ground seeds and pods of various chilies. Health Benefits The hot and spicy flavor associated with cayenne pepper is capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound that when… Continue Reading
Curry
Curry is not a single herb but a blend of spices. Although curries can differ by color (red, yellow, green) and spice mix, the primary ingredient is turmeric. Other common ingredients include ground cumin, coriander and cardamom. Health Benefits Curcumin is what gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color and is associated with the health… Continue Reading