Your cooking is never really complete without the touch of some specific herbs and spices. These gifts of nature not only add punch to your dish, but also come laden with nutrients. So, if you have the desire to add some to your grocery list, we have put together a list of herbs and spices that begin with the letter V. Let’s dive right in.
Herbs
Catnips
Catnips have the botanical name Nepeta cataria. It is native to the regions of Europe and Asia. This herb belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other names it is known by are catwort and catmint. They were named this way due to the way cats get attracted to this herb.
The leaves of this herb are rough-edged, sometimes having an oval or triangular shape. The stems of this plant are square shaped, a feature that is peculiar to the mint family.
Uses
- Essential oils can be extracted from catnip leaves.
- Catnips can also be grown as an ornamental plant.
- The plant can be grown as a bug repellent.
- The leaves of this plant can be steeped in warm water and help with stomach indigestion.
Health benefits
- Aids in dealing with insomnia: extracts from catnip can be used to deal with the issue of sleeplessness. It owes this to a compound called nepetalactone , which is the active ingredient in catnip. This compound bears similarity to another compound found in valerian, which has a sedative effect and helps with insomnia.
- Catnips can also deal with anxiety and restlessness. Having a stressful day? Then all you might just need is a decoction of catnip leaves. Steeping the leaves in water to drink can help relieve tension and stress after a stressful day.
- Cough remedy: Studies have shown that the active ingredients contained in catnips have bronchodilatory properties which can reduce spasms.
Where to buy catnips
You can buy catnip at these locations: Noble Garden florist, Bethel Park Flowers
Celery leaf
Celery is an herb that has been cultivated since time immemorial, as old as man himself. Celery is characterized by a long stalk which tapers into leaves. All parts of celery can be eaten.
Celery is a very nutritious herb. A 100 g serving of raw celery yields:
- 16 calories
- 2.97 g of carbs
- 1.6 g of fiber
- 3.1 mg of vitamin C.
Uses:
- Celery can be used in salads.
- As a dried herb, it can be used to flavor soups and stews.
- It can also be used in stir fries.
Health benefits
- Lowers cancer risk: Celery has some amazing antioxidants. It has two active antioxidants, apigenin and luteolin. Apigenin helps to neutralize free radicals that promote the growth of cancer cells. It also helps the body to remove dysfunctional cells. Luteolin, on the other hand, prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Promote good cardiovascular health: Celery contains another active ingredient called phthalides, which causes the dilation of your arteries and other blood vessels. This way, you can easily regulate your blood pressure. This is especially useful in hypertensive patients. In addition, these antioxidants can also help to lower the level of bad cholesterol (low density lipids). Cholesterol buildup in your blood vessels causes obstruction and blockage of blood flow through them.
- Protects the brain and nerves: active ingredients in celery can actually protect the brain and all the components of the nervous system. Lutein, in particular, has been linked with preventing memory loss and preventing brain inflammation. Consuming celery can prevent the onset of debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Where to buy celery
Celery is available in any grocery store. You can get them at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Central Market.
Christmas Basil
Christmas Basil is an annual herbaceous plant. It has large, glossy leaves with a distinct scent. It is a hybrid basil derived from the Genovese and Thai varieties. The Christmas Basil has a scent that is of a fruity nature. It has stunning purple flowers that can brighten up any room or windowsill.
This plant is known botanically as Ocimum basilicum.
Its nutritional value is given below. A 100 g of the basil leaves yield:
- 23 Cal
- 2.65 g of carbs
- 1.6 g of fiber
Uses
- The leaves of Christmas basil can be steeped in water to make decoctions.
Health Benefits
- Can treat asthma and cough: bacauctions of the Christmas basil leaf can be used to course relief in asthmatic and cough episodes. The basil leaves contain antioxidants with bronchodilatory effects. Their anti-inflammatory properties help to neutralize inflammation in the respiratory cavity.
- Promote oral health: Christmas basil leaves have antimicrobial properties. They can be used to prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and gums. They help to cause the tightening of the gums around the teeth too.
- Lowers the risk of cancer: Christmas basil is rich in antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals that promote the growth of cancer cells. These antioxidants can also hinder the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Respiratory Health: The Christmas basil can act as an expectorant, helping you to eliminate the mucus and phlegm. This is quite important for those who already have the flu or bronchitis. This herb contains some anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated respiratory tracts and cause sufferers of respiratory infections to recover quickly.
Where can I buy Christmas Basil?
You can purchase these herbs at Whole Foods Market, Walmart, and Kroger.
Chives
Chives are close relatives of shallots and leeks. It has the botanical name of Allium schoenoprasum, and is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. It is characterized by long, slender, hollow stems. The leaves are slender and hollow, just like the stems. The flowers have a light purple coloration. The flowers and the leaves are both edible.
Its close relatives are garlic and onions. It has a lot of nutritional benefits. 100 grams of chives yields:
- 30 Calories
- 0.7 g of fat.
- 296 mg of potassium
- 2.5 g of fiber.
Uses
- Chives are used in stir fries
- The flowers are used to garnish salads.
- They can help repel unwanted bug life.
Health benefits
- Chives are rich in vitamin A: Vitamin A is a very essential vitamin to have in your diet. Chives supply these vitamins in a good quantity. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to night blindness. This vitamin promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness.
- Prevents Cancer: The presence of antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in chives are protective agents against cancer in the lungs and pancreas. Quercetin is also another antioxidant that protects against cancer. In addition, the fiber content of this herb can help protect against colon cancer.
- Promotes good cardiovascular health: Another substance in chives called allicin is important for the perfect working condition of your heart. It helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. It also releases nitric acid, which can help to relieve stiffness in your blood vessels and also lower your blood pressure.
- Chives are good for the bones. Chives are rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K is an important vitamin for the maintenance of your bones. Vitamin K helps to reduce bone loss and the onset of osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
- Aids digestion: The antimicrobial properties of chives are a good factor in eliminating bacteria that can cause harm in your gut. Chives can eliminate salmonella, a bacteria that is responsible for food poisoning. Chives are also rich in minerals and other phytochemicals that can ease the digestive process.
Where to buy chives
Chives can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Cloves
Cloves are an aromatic flowering plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its botanical name is Syzygium aromaticum. The flower buds are what are used as spices. The parent plant originates from the region of Indonesia.
The flowers turn from green to bright red before being harvested. Cloves are rich in important nutrients. 2 g of ground cloves yields:
- 6 Cal
- 1 g of carb
- 1 g of fiber
- 55% of the daily recommended intake of manganese
Uses
- Dried cloves can be used to flavor beverages.
- They form a major component of spice blends.
- They give flavor to meats and marinades
Health benefits
- Have an abundant supply of antioxidants: cloves are rich in the antioxidant eugenol. Eugenol is a powerful antioxidant that research has shown is great at neutralizing free radicals that can cause oxidative stress in your tissues. This eugenol is even more powerful than vitamin E and other antioxidants.
- Protects against cancer cells: The phytochemicals found in cloves have been proven effective against cancer cells. Clove oil in test tube studies has triggered cell death in cancer cells and hinder the progression of tumors. This shows that consuming cloves can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.
Where to buy cloves
You can get cloves at the following locations: La Noire, The Great American Spice Company, and Walmart.
Spices
Coriander
Coriander is an annual herbaceous plant, known botanically as Coriandrum sativum. It is also known as Chinese parsley. Coriander’s seeds and leaves are edible; they can be used for cooking.
In the US, the seeds are called coriander, while the stems and leaves are called cilantro. However, all around the world, they are just referred to as coriander seeds and coriander leaves.
Due to its distinct flavor, coriander is commonly used as a spice in culinary preparations. Coriander contains the following nutrients. 100 g of coriander leaves yields:
- 31 calories
- 1.93g of carbs.
- 4.66 g of fiber
- 86.99 g of water.
- 0.70 g of Fat
- 3.52 g of protein.
- 135 mg of vitamin C.
Health benefits
- Lowers risk of diabetes: Coriander seed is rich in phytochemicals that can regulate blood sugar. These compounds stimulate an enzyme that helps to reduce the level of sugar in the blood. Research has shown that consuming coriander leaves and seeds has proven effects on diabetics. It has also been shown that these compounds can reduce the body’s resistance to insulin.
- Lowers risk of cancer: coriander is rich in antioxidants that can neutralize the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are oxidative species that are a byproduct of energy production in the mitochondria. These unpaired electrons, if left unattended, can cause serious damage to your cells’ DNA. Cell mutations are what lead to chronic conditions such as cancer. Consuming coriander seeds and leaves can prevent such conditions from occurring.
- Good for the heart: Coriander is rich in antioxidants that can lower bad cholesterol and low-density lipids in your blood. The presence of this cholesterol can cause issues for your blood vessels, as it narrows their diameter, leading to high blood pressure and the like. Coriander is also an effective diuretic that can flush out excess sodium from your blood helping to regulate your blood pressure.
Where to buy Coriander
Coriander seeds and leaves can be purchased at Whole Foods Market, Costco, and Kroger.
Cayenne pepper
The cayenne pepper is a species of pepper that has a moderately hot chili taste. The pepper is long, about 10 g and 25 cm in length, and of a red coloration with a conical shape. The scoville scale of the cayenne pepper ranges between 30,000 and 50000 units.
The pepper can be used fresh as it is or dried and ground to be used as a seasoning.
Cayenne pepper is packed with nutrients and antioxidants in a rich supply. A 100 g serving of this pepper yields:
- 318 calories
- 57 g of carbs
- 27 g of fiber
- 127% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Uses
- They can be added to give spice to soups and sauces.
- The cayenne pepper can be used as a condiment in pastries and any cooked dish.
Health benefits
- Very abundant supply of antioxidants: cayenne peppers are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. The benefits of having antioxidants in your body cannot be overemphasized. Without them, harmful free radicals will run riot and cause serious damage to your body cells. Antioxidants provide anti-aging effects. They keep you body looking fresh and younger.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: this purpose also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in your body can lead to the development of many chronic conditions that can affect your heart, liver, and all the vital organs. Consuming cayenne pepper can help to neutralize this inflammation. Research has shown that consuming cayenne pepper reduces the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Aids digestion: cayenne pepper, due to its spiciness, is actually a good tool as it facilitates the digestion of food. It stimulates the release of gastric juices and enzymes in your stomach. This promotes the digestion of ingested food. Studies have also shown that this pepper acts as a fuel for the “good bacteria” in your gut.
- Aids in weight loss: cayenne peppers help to increase your body’s metabolism and how fast calories are lost. Their fiber content also gives a feeling of satiety, thus preventing you from consuming too many calories.
Where to buy them
Cayenne pepper is readily available at Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.
Cardamom
Cardamom refers to the spice that is derived from seeds of the genus Eletteria. These plants are native to India and Indonesia. The seeds are black and little, contained in light green pods. Free seeds have a sweet taste that is likened to mint.
Uses
- Cardamom can be used as a spice in soups and stews.
- Extracts from these seeds can be used as medicine.
Health benefits
- Lowers blood pressure: cardamom spice is vital to lowering and regulating your blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants, which can perform this function. In addition, the spice is a powerful diuretic. This means that it causes your body to produce more urine. When your body excretes urine, it reduces the amount of water contained in your blood that can lead to increased blood pressure.
- Lowers the risk of cancer: studies have shown that extracts from the cardamom seed are useful in both preventing and fighting cancer cells. From these studies these extracts help to stimulate the production of immune cells that can combat cancer cells.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: cardamom seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammations are responsible for a lot of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, rheumatism, and brain decline. Consuming these seeds can reduce the production of inflammatory compounds such as pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Can help with stomach trouble: Cardamom spice is vital to resolving stomach issues such as nausea and vomiting. It can help to relieve stomach discomfort, and there is a belief in some circles that its activity can cure ulcers. Extracts from the cardamom seed have been proven by research to be able to prevent or reduce the growth of stomach ulcers. It has also been shown to be effective against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers.
Where to buy cardamom
Cardamom is sold at these places: World Spice Merchants, La Boite, and Spicez.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree species and is an essential condiment that makes up a lot of cuisine. It is native to regions of Asia, with Indonesia and China being the highest producers. The cinnamon is extracted from the tree bark and then dried. It curls up into sticks. These sticks can then be ground into cinnamon powder.
Cinnamon is rich nutritionally. 100 g of the spice yields:
- 247 calories
- 80.6 g of carbs
- 53.1 g of fiber
- 1002 mg of calcium.
Uses
- Cinnamon is used in the preparation of pastries such as rolls.
- It is also used in the production of chocolate.
- It is used for flavoring drinks and sweets.
Health benefits
- Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants: Cinnamon is one of the spices with the highest levels of antioxidants. In a study, it’s even our travel with the likes of oregano and garlic and the antioxidant index. These antioxidants that it contains can help neutralize and get rid of free radicals in your body.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: inflammation causes problems for you when they are targeted against your body’s own tissues. Cinnamon is rich in phytochemicals that can help neutralize such inflammations; these inflammations, if left unattended, can lead to the development of certain chronic conditions that can affect the brain, liver, lungs and other vital organs.
- Lowers the risk of diabetes: taking cinnamon is important because it can reduce the level of insulin resistance. This is especially crucial for those who already have diabetes. This ability will regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent them from being too high and causing any other health mishaps.
- Antimicrobial properties: cinnamon is believed to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is commonly put in foods to prevent the activity of bacteria. Research has shown that it is effective against bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses.
Where to Buy Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be purchased at these locations: Red Ape Cinnamon, Walmart, and Publix.
Cumin
Cumin is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of Apiaceae. It is native to the Iranian region and has the botanical name Cuminum cyminum. The seeds are contained within an ovoid achene. They are oblong in shape. Their seeds are reminiscent of caraway seeds. The seeds are useful as spices in different cuisines.
Uses
- Cumin can be used as an ingredient in cheese as a flavoring
- The seeds can be ground to form the components of curry.
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants: Cumin seeds contain apigenin and luteolin. These are powerful antioxidants that keep free radicals in check. These antioxidants help to prevent your body cells from dying too quickly. The presence of these antioxidants keeps you younger and fresher.
- Can stop diarrhea: studies have shown that extracts from the cumin seeds are effective at preventing diarrhea. The research showed that the symptoms of diarrhea were effectively dealt with.
- Helps to regulate blood sugar: in studies, extracts from willy cumin seeds have been shown to be able to regulate blood sugar in diabetics. These extracts also reduced insulin resistance and were able to stimulate the enzyme that prevents spikes in blood sugar.
- Antibacterial properties: cumin oil can be extracted from their seeds. This oil is quite effective as an antiseptic agent against bacteria and parasites. It is known that upon recording, this oil proved effective against some resistant strains of bacteria. It is for this reason that cumin seeds have been used as preservatives in the past.
- Lowers blood cholesterol: Cumin seeds are rich in antioxidants that have hypolipidemic properties. This means that it has the ability to remove bad cholesterol (low density lipids) from your blood. This keeps your heart blood vessels in a healthy condition.
Where to buy Cumin
Stores that sell cumin include Whole Foods Market, Central Market, and Walmart.