Since time immemorial, humans have been known to use herbs for treating themselves, healing wounds, and for spiritual purposes. We cannot deny the importance of herbs in our lives since early times to this point. About spices: spices are the flavor of life. If what we eat helps us stay alive, then definitely, spices are part of the reason why we live.
Spices give a pleasurable taste to our dishes and make eating worthwhile. Now, there are different reasons why people would want to learn about herbs and spices, but it all boils down to one thing, and that’s gaining knowledge. What ever it is that you maybe looking for, this article will be giving you all the needed details to help you the answers you need.
Herbs
Balm:
Balm is generally considered to be a perennial plant known to grow mostly in fields and along roadsides. Its stem is usually upright, and it’s said to grow up to 3 feet. Balm is a member of the labiatae plant family and its botanical name is
Melissa officinalis. Its other names are known as sweet balm, melissa, bee balm, and blue balm.
How to use balm: the herbs, volatile oil and polyphenols can all be used in balms. The herb is considered a very useful herb as you can decide to use it alone or combine it with other herbs for medicinal purposes. The herb is very effective in treating colds and fevers, and it is known to promote perspiration. It is also widely known to be used with salt.
Health benefits of balm: the compounds present in the bam herb can help relieve stress and anxiety, Likely to improve brain function, help reduce insomnia and different sleep disorders,
It may help relieve indigestion, cold sores, and minimize menstrual cramps.
Where to get them: Balm herbs can be gotten from grocery stores and supermarkets. Especially the popular ones that are likely to have them in stock. The easiest way to get them, though, is to just order them online via Amazon while you wait for delivery.
Barbery:
Barbery is generally known as a deciduous herb that is scrubby and has a gray-yellow grooved stem with yellow roots that are known to bear pronged spines and toothed leaves, and yellow flowers that have oval red fruits. The plants’ botanical name is known as Berberis vulgaris, and they are also popularly known as jaundice berry and common barberry.
How to use Barbery: Barbery is mainly used as a liver tonic and for the purpose of detoxification. The herb’s root bark is generally known to have good liver aiding compounds that improve the function of the liver and help treat gallstones.
In barbery lies a high concentration of a compound called berberine, which is known to be exceptional in reducing and preventing the risk of diseases and infections. Berberine is considered to improve the microphages and it is great for the immune system. Both fresh and dry roots of this plant can be used.
The health benefits of barbery: Barberies contain compounds that are rich in nutrients and minerals that help in managing diabetes, may help to treat diarrhea issues, may protest against metabolic syndrome, may aid dental health, and may also reduce the risk of cancerous cell development.
Where to get barberries: Barberries can easily be ordered online on Amazon. However, you are likely to still find them in popular grocery stores like Walmart and Costco. You can also check them out from the farmers.
Bayberry:
Bayberry is generally known to be an evergreen tree that has varied heights in different regions. The leaves of these plants are said to also vary, having a length of about 1-4 inches and leaving an odor when crushed. The flowers are mostly seen during spring and are yellow in color, with nutlike fruits.
How to use bayberry: Bayberry is widely known to be very useful in the treatment of diarrhea, jaundice. Its bark is known to have compounds that stimulate indolent ulcers and excited coughing too. The plant decoction serves as a very good wash for the gums and is quite helpful in the treatment of inflammation inside the throat and uterine hemorrhage.
The health benefits of bayberry: Bayberries contain compounds that are vital in aiding the digestive system for proper digestion, aiding the reproductive system and preventing unhealthy inflammation. The plant is also used as a gargle for sore throats and as a douche for cases of vaginal discharge.
Where to get them: Bayberries are likely to be found in grocery stores like Walmart and Costco. However, if you check them out and they are not in stock, you should visit a farm as it’s likely to be planted, or better still, just order them online on Amazon.
Bay leaf:
Bay leaf who’s botanical name is also known as Laurus nobilis L., is part of the Lauraceae plant family. The leaves are known to be grown widely in scrub land and woods, mostly in Europe and the US.
The leaf is an evergreen tree that reaches 20 meters in height. On top of the surface of the leaf is an olive green color, while the lower surface has a dull olive to brown-like color. The fruits of this herb are normally small and red in their initial stages but later turn black.
How to use bay leaf: Bay leaf’s fruits and leaves have an aromatic, stimulating, and sort of narcotic compound. Both the leaves and the oils are actually used as a food spice for flavoring. The herb is also greatly used for medicinal purposes.
Health benefits of bay leaf: The compounds that are present in the bay leaf contain vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. These vitamins are generally known to aid and support the immune system in being healthy. Bay leaf teas are also said to be very effective in easing stomach upsets.
Where to get them: Bay leaves can possibly be found in grocery stores like Walmart and Costco. However, if you check them out and they are not in stock, you should visit a farm close to your locality as it’s likely to be planted, or better still, just order them online on Amazon.
Bergamont:
The bergamot plant is part of the lamiaceae plant family with it’s botanical name as monarda didyma. The plants’ origin can be said to be traced to South America. The herb’s leaves are said to possess a flavor that is citrus-like and it reaches a height of three feet high.
The plants’ flowers have different colors that range from pink and mauve to scarlet. Some of the most popular names for the plant are Oswego tea and scarlet monarda.
How to use Bergamot: This herb is generally considered to have a savory and fruity flavor, is quite aromatic and is widely known to improve digestion. The ant is generally considered to be effective in treating colds, problems with the chest, throat, and mild issues with digestion. The plant can also be used to make an herbal tea.
Health benefits of Bergamot: The compounds available in Bergamot contain vital minerals and nutrients that help to reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, aid heart health and prevent heart diseases. The herb is rich in flavonoids that are said to aid the immune system and boost it too.
Where to get them: Bergamot herbs are not so rampant in the United States, so it’s best that you order them online via Amazon, but that should be after you have exhausted the option of checking for them in grocery stores and farms around you.
Bilberry:
Bilberry is part of the Ericaceae plant family. This is generally known as a short shrub whose height reaches just 50cm and has a sort of thin ovate leaf. Widely known to be mostly seen during spring, the plant’s color is red and kind of pink. This herb is also known to bear berries as a fruit.
How to use the Bilberry: The bilberry herb is generally known to be used for treating urinary tract infections and stones because of its possession of astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant compounds. They can also be used for the treatment of diarrhea in young children.
Health Benefits of Bilberries: The compounds in bilberries contain vitamin C and antioxidants that are very effective in fighting free radicals in the body, caused by environmental stress factors. Bilberries may also reduce the risk of cancer. They can also help reduce inflammation in the body, aid in improving heart health and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Where to get them: Bilberry herbs are not so rampant in the United States and yet not so scarce. If you put in the effort to find them, you definitely will. It’s advisable that you order them online via Amazon, but that should be after you have exhausted the options of checking for them in grocery stores and farms around you.
Birch:
The birch herb is part of the plant family of betulaceae and its botanical name is betula Alba. The plant has a white bark color and it can be removed or peeled off in horizontal strips. The plants’ leaves are sort of chodate.
It has a brighter green above it and a lighter green beneath it. It is a known fact that only the female species of the birch trees bear seed cones. The trees are said to grow up to at least ten to twenty five meters in height.
How to use birch: Birch is generally known to be used in treating arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, water retention, and kidney stones. It is also said to be very effective in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. The plant is also known to be very useful in toning the skin and does increase skin elasticity. It is also very useful as a hair care product as it combats oily and greasy hair and also acts as a conditioner for the hair.
Health benefits of birch: The birch herb contains compounds that are used to cure kidney stones, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and so many other diseases. Its tree, buds, and bark are all used for making medicine. However, there’s no scientific basis for these claims.
Where to get them: Birch herbs are not so popular in the United States, so it’s best that you order them online via Amazon. However, you should do that after you might have exhausted the options of checking for them in grocery stores and farms around you. Herb or fruit markets are also another possible place you can find these herbs.
Bitter melon:
Bitter melon is a member of the cucurbitaceae plant family and its botanical name is Momordica charantia.
Its origins can be traced to eastern Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. It’s a green shaped cucumber fruit/herb. It is also widely known by its other name, balsam pear.
How to use bitter melon: The fruit is used a lot in different ways, especially by people who live in tropical regions. This herb is also known to be actively used in curing conditions like infections, diabetes, and leukemia.
The health benefits of bitter melon: Bitter lemons have compounds that contain some important minerals and vitamins in them, such as vitamin C, which helps in the prevention of disease in the body, the formation of bone and overall healing. The herb also has vitamin A in high amounts, which promotes skin health and proper vision.
How to get them: Bitter lemons can be gotten from grocery stores and supermarkets. Especially the popular ones that are likely to have them in stock. The easiest way to get them, though, is to just order them online via Amazon while you wait for delivery.
Black cohosh:
Black cohosh is part of the ranunculaceae plant family and its botanical name is known as cimicifuga racemosa. The black cohosh is generally known as a shrub-like plant. whose origins can be traced to the eastern deciduous forests of North America. The herb is perennial, and it’s height reaches three to eight feet, and it’s actually topped by a long plume of white flowers. The leaves of the herb are large, while the leaflets have toothed edges.
How to use black cohosh: Black cohosh is generally known to be used to relieve menstrual cramps and situations like mood swings that follow premenstrual syndrome. The basic uses of the plant are for relaxation, sedation, and antispasmodic. The root is where the medical value lies.
The health benefits of black cohosh: Black cohosh has compounds that contain nutrients and vitamins that make it effective in treating arthritis, problems with sore throats, and even high blood pressure.
Blessed thistle:
The blessed thistle is a herb that is from the asteraceae plant family, and its botanical name is cnicus benedictus. The origin of the plant can be traced to the Mediterranean region in Western Asia. It is also cultivated in most parts of Europe.
The blessed thistle is generally known as an annual plant that is said to grow up to 60 cm. The plant is said to have hairy stems, and its leaves are up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, with little spines on the margins. Its other names are also known as holy thistles and carbenia.
How to use blessed thistle: There are bitter substances in blessed thistle that contain some antiphlogistic and antibacterial occurrences. The herb is generally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and is also known for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and gout. The dry leaves and upper stems are the parts that are used.
The health benefits of blessed thistle: The blessed thistle contains compounds or chemicals known as tannings. These tannings have the probability of helping with diarrhea, cough, and swelling. A lot of people use the blessed thistle for the purposes of ingestion, wounds, infections, and many other health problems. However, there is really no standard scientific evidence to back up these claims.
How to get them: Blessed thistle herbs are not so rampant and you can’t just find them easily in the United States, so it’s best that you order them online via Amazon. However, you should do that after you might have exhausted the options of checking for them in grocery stores and farms around you. Herb or fruit markets are also another possible place you can find these herbs.
Blueberry herb:
The blueberry is part of the ericaceae plant family and its botanical name is vaccinium myrtillus. The plants’ origins can be traced to North America and eastern Asia. Blueberries are generally known as shrubs that vary in size from 10 cm tall to 4 cm tall. The smaller species of this plant are considered lowbush blueberries, while the bigger species are considered highbush blueberries.
How to use blueberry herb: The blueberries, apart from their medicinal purposes are also widely used for their culinary prowess. They can actually be eaten fresh, or used to make pies, syrups, jams and jellies, juices, wine, and even some baked foods. The parts used are its dry leaves, whole or chopped.
The health benefits of blueberries: Blueberries are known to contain vital compounds that have minerals and vitamins in them. They also contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent cancerous cells from developing. Blueberries are also very rich in vitamin K, which plays a vital role in aiding a healthy heart.
Where to get them: Blueberries are quite popular in the United States and are widely cultivated, so finding them wouldn’t be a hard thing to do. Kindly check them out in grocery stores and supermarkets, especially the fruits. Then for the leaves, you can check on farms and gardens.
Spices
Basil:
The basil spice is a part of the lamiaceae plant family and it’s botanical name is ocimum basilicum. The plant is generally grown for its culinary prowess and aromatic leaves. The plant’s origin can be traced to India, where it is widely grown for the purpose of cookies. The spice is used in so many ways and has some health benefits that we’ll be looking at immediately.
How to use the basil spice: The basil leaves are generally known for what they bring to the kitchen, here are some ways you can use them; you can add them on top of your whole pizza, you can finish your pasta with its thinly sliced leaves, you can blend it into different sauces, you can add it to a soup, you can add it to a salad or you can use as a garnish on an avocado toast.
The health benefits of basil spice: The compounds in basil contain some very important essential oils like eugenol, linalool, and citronellol. These oils are effective in fighting inflammation in the human body. The anti-inflammatory components can help lower the risk of having arthritis, heart disease, bowel issues, etc.
Where to get them: Basils are very popular in the United States and can easily be found by checking in grocery stores and supermarkets when they can easily be stocked. Grocery stores like Walmart and Costco stand a greater chance of having them in stock. If you’re one of the people who find it stressful to push a trolley down the aisle, then it’s best to order them online.
Borage:
Borage is part of the boraginaceae plant family and its botanical name is Borago officinalis. The plant is cultivated around parts of Europe. The plant is generally known for its thick but soft stems and somehow large leaves.
How to use borage: borage is widely used to cure internal fevers, infections from both the mouth and throat and also helps in giving a clear skin. The parts of borage to use are the leaves, the flowers, seeds, and oil.
Health benefits of borage: Borage is very effective in curing infections, balancing hormones and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Where to get borage: Borage is a popular plant in the United States, so there’s a high likelihood of being able to find it easily in grocery stores and supermarkets.