Wikipedia defines Herbs as a widely distributed and widespread group of plants, excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients, with savory or aromatic properties used for flavoring and garnishing food, medicinal purposes, or fragrances – the definition couldn’t be better.
Herbs can be used for culinary purposes, aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual. There are over 20 types of herbs available for culinary purposes, some of which you might have in your kitchen at the moment. Some common ones are rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil, and mint. Some advantages of herbs includes prevention and management of heart diseases. Herbs also reduce blood clots and some herbs help you lower your cholesterol level.
Herbal medicines could also help you treat rashes and burns. Herbal medicines are effective treatment against migraines, arthritis and can be used as a laxative. It is important, however, to use herbs or herbal medicines appropriately to avoid side effects or taste changes. For instance, you must have had days when you used too many herbs in your food and the meal turned out bitter, and if you’ve been on the news, you would have come across the warning on how too many herbs could ruin your liver or cause cancer.
In honor of National Herb Day, here are some comprehensive ways to use herbs and fun facts on herbs.
1. Ginger is one of those herbs that even if overused, has little to no side effects. Pregnant women can use ginger to reduce nausea.
2. Rosemary is an effective herb to use in soothing and detoxifying your skin.
3. The herb called the African flower has been used for decades to treat wasting symptoms associated with HIV.
4. Herbs can be used as capsules, teas, syrups, ointments, oils, etc.
Now, you would agree that Herbs are as crucial as we’ve been told they are, and we do need them.
NOSTALGIA- Think about the day you were forced to take “agbo” for your fever or running stomach.
Happy National Herb Day- 6th of May, 2023.
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