Psychic Blog

Many of us will buy herbs on a weekly basis at the supermarket, you may even grow them in pots on a windowsill or in your garden; but what you might not realise that as well as making your cooking extra delicious, they have many healthful properties that have been used for centuries to boost well-being and cure ailments.

Here we explore some of the most common culinary herbs:

Basil

• Aids optimal digestion
• Remedy for headaches
• Helps with insomnia

* The oil from the leaf (Eugenol) has anti-inflammatory properties

– Use at the last minute, so the leaves don’t turn black.

Coriander

• Fights nausea
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Antibacterial and detoxifying

*The seed as opposed to the leaf have cancer fighting antioxidants like apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol.

– Use the seeds in cooking, but use the herb leaf as a dressing/garnish or in a juice.

Parsley

• Effective for constipation
• Useful for the bladder and kidneys at relieving inflammation
• As a general tonic for the body

*Parsley is rich in vitamin K an essential component for healthy bones.

– As well as use in hot/cold dishes, it can be chewed raw to help digestion and as a breath freshener.

Rosemary

• Strong antiseptic properties
• Relieve sore throats and help with gum health
• Fights inflammation (from the caffeic and rosmarinic acids)

*The oils from Rosemary can have a sedative effect which calms nerves and even stomach aches.

– Rosemary stems are great used in marinades and to infuse flavour in meats before roasting. But can also be used to create a medicinal tea.

Sage

• Hormonal balancing
• Mild diuretic
• Helps with mild bugs like stomach upsets and catarrh from colds

*Its antioxidant properties have been shown to improve concentration and memory.

– Can be used raw, cooked or as a dried herb. Try infusing the herb in honey, for use in cooking or as a tea.

Thyme

• Great for cold or flu symptoms
• Colic in babies
• As a general tonic and digestion aid

*It has great antibacterial properties, and when used as a tea, it is very helpful for gum disease and sore throats.

– Try crushing the herb and using as a dressing with oil and vinegar. It can also make meat more digestible with its high iron content.