NINE COMMON KITCHEN HERBS

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): An infusion made with the leaves of the basil plant will help to remedy indigestion, reduce fever and speed recovery from a cold or flu. The infusion is made by steeping one ounce of the fresh leaves in one pint of water for twenty minutes. Cover the pot while steeping to keep in the volatile oils. Applying the bruised leaves to insect bites will help to reduce pain, swelling and itching. The scent also acts as a natural insect repellant.

Cayenne (Capsicum anuum and C. minimum): Cayenne contains high amounts of vitamin C and helps to increase one’s resistance to illness. It stimulates digestion and promotes circulation. Some have noted that it also aids in easing minor depression. As a daily tonic add ¼ teaspoon of the dried herb to food or drink three times a day. Cayenne is also one of the most effective styptics in the plant kingdom and for this reason should always be part of one’s first aid kit. An ointment made from the plant is also helpful in easing pain and swelling in the joints.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): This herb is renowned for helping to prevent illness and for relieving nausea, vomiting and cramps. Simmer some of the freshly grated herb in milk ( soy or almond milk is wonderful) with a bit of honey for a healthy and delicious treat. This is a very soothing remedy for an upset stomach. To treat cold or flu a stronger infusion of the herb is recommended.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): The seeds of this plant are a wonderful antispasmodic and aid for indigestion. They also act as an expectorant and as such are useful in the treatment of coughs. One teaspoon of the crushed seeds are simmered in one cup of water for twenty minutes to make this infusion.

Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic is well renowned for its beneficial properties and, indeed, entire books have been written touting its benefits. This herb fights infection, lowers blood pressure, balances cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar and assists the body in detoxification. It is most powerful when eaten raw as an addition to salsas, salads or any main course. One can also make a healing oil by mincing eight ounces of garlic and covering this with olive oil in an air tight jar. Let the oil sit for three days, shaking the jar several times a day, and then straining. The oil can then be used as a base for dressings or as a dip for bread with a bit of balsamic vinegar. Wounds that have become infected or are slow to heal may be treated by mashing a clove of garlic, placing it on the wound and covering with a cotton cloth. This is done for short periods of time, as prolonged exposure may produce irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is another herb which enjoys a stellar reputation. Used in India for thousands of years, ginger will help to promote circulation, reduce nausea, stimulate digestion, eliminate motion sickness, and relive cramps. To make a fresh infusion of the herb, grate one ounce of the root into one pint of water and simmer for ten minutes. A ginger bath will help to relieve stiffness and soreness in the muscles. It is also a wonderful adjunct to a detoxification regimen. Simmer one tablespoon of the dried herb or two tablespoon of the fresh root in one cup of water and add this to your bath.

Honey: While not technically an herb, honey has been included in healing recipes for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians recorded over 900 medicines that include honey as a main ingredient and considered it to be one of the ten perfect foods. One tablespoon mixed with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar will help to restore balance in the body. Mixed with fresh lemon juice it provides relief for a sore or scratchy throat. Raw honey is significantly more potent than pasteurized or processed products, however, it should not be administered to infants. Externally, honey may be applied to minor sores to speed healing as it contains very potent antibacterial constituents.

Lemon (Citrus limonum): Adding fresh lemon juice to a glass of water every morning upon rising has been widely recommended as a means of helping to tone the digestive system and detoxify the liver. This fruit also contains high amounts of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. While it may sting, rubbing the juice on a cut will help to stop bleeding and prevent infection. The juice may also be used as a treatment for skin eruptions.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The leaves of this plant have long been said to help sharpen one’s memory and improve one’s mood. Rosemary is also quite effective in treating headaches and increasing one’s resistance during the cold and flu season. After an illness, the herb helps to restore strength and vigor to the body. A half ounce of the fresh leaves steeped for ten minutes in a pint of water will make a lovely and effective infusion. Make sure to keep the pot covered to retain the volatile oils. Rosemary water has long been used to stimulate and tone the skin. It will also help to rid dandruff and add shine and strength to one’s hair.

Bibliography:

Herbal Medicine: The

Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. 1987, Rodale Press.

The Complete Medicinal Herbal. Penelope Ody, 1993, Dorling Kindersley Ltd.

Healing with Plants in the American and Mexican West. Margarita Artschwager Kay, 1996, The University of Arizona Press