Different studies have shown how herbs help us as people in dealing with so many things like illnesses and diseases in our day-to-day life. In times past, our forefathers and ancestors leveraged the use of herbs towards healing and treating different life-threatening conditions that could normally end a person’s life.
Spices, on the other hand, are known for the wonderful addition they bring to our culinary affairs. They add a touch of flavor and seasoning to our meals to give them that well-deserved taste. Learning about herbs and spices is important to be familiar with the different options available out there and the benefits that come with them.
We shall be looking at the different herbs and spices that start with the letter E. Stay with us.
Herbs and spices
Echinacea:
Echinacea is widely known as a medicinal plant that has the ability to reach a height of two feet tall. The leaves of the plant are hairy and compound, with serrated margins. The flowers are generally small and have a pinkish-purple color.
This herb has been used by native American tribes for centuries to cure common colds, symptoms of the flu, and other general ailments. The plant is part of the Daisy family and grows in so many parts of North America. It is mainly known to be harvested during the summer season when the flowers are blooming.
How to use echinacea plants: Echinacea plants are known to be used to cure colds, flu and upper respiratory problems. As an adult, you can take echinacea three times daily until you notice the symptoms go down or you begin to feel better. However, it is advised not to take it for more than ten days. Also note that it shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach. Ensure you’ve had something before going ahead and taking it.
The health benefits of echinacea: The echinacea plant has vital compounds that give it the leverage to ease and treat common colds and flu, and reduce the symptoms of sore throat, cough, and fever. Echinacea is also recommended by lots of people who treat themselves by herbal means because of how effective it is in boosting the immune system.
Where to get them: The echinacea plants, also known as coneflower, can be gotten online via Amazon, or you can get them from farmers and gardeners.
Elderberry:
Elderberry is widely known as a delicious shrub whose origins can be traced to Europe and Amen. They grow up to 3-5 feet and have small, dense leaves that are said to produce nice-smelling white flowers during the late spring and early summer seasons. The plant bears fruit that are purple berries and can be eaten raw. The elderberry is said to be a very healthy plant, and we shall be looking at how to use the plant and its health benefits.
How to use elderberries
Elderberries are quite simple to use. They can be used as a syrup, tea or
tincture, etc. You can dry your elderberry leaves and use them as a homemade syrup which is known to increase and boost your immune system and helps the body recover quickly from flu.
The health benefits of the elderberry: The berries and flowers contained in the elderberry are known to be rich in antioxidants and different vitamins that are said to be very effective in boosting the immune system. The minerals in the elderberry can also help with taming inflammation, reducing stress levels, and protecting your heart from the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They are also recommended to help treat common colds and flu.
Where to get them: Elderberries can be ordered online via Amazon or be gotten at grocery stores. They may also be available on farms and at fruit markets.
Ephedra:
The ephedra plant has generally been known to be a traditional herb for thousands of years because of its ability to treat migraine problems. However, due to some concerns about the use of this herb, it has been classified as a controlled substance in many countries.
The plant is widely known as a perennial shrub whose height reaches three meters. Its branches are quite thin and flexible, and they are normally arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers of this plant are generally small and have a green color at the ends of their branches.
This plant is also known for its medicinal purposes. The components that can be found in ephedra have a compound called ephedrine, which gives the plant its medicinal prowess. This
How to use ephedra plant
The ephedra plants are mainly used for their medicinal purposes. They are used to treat the symptoms of bronchial asthma, flu, headaches and migraines, colds, and allergies.
The plant can also be used for weight loss and obesity problems, as well as to improve one’s athletic performance.
The health benefits of the ephedra plant: The ephedra plant has compounds that are very effective in easing the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, common cold, flu, headaches, and migraines. They are also recommended for the treatment of coughs, chills, nasal congestion, etc.
Where to get the ephedra plant: The ephedra plant can be ordered online on shopping platforms like Amazon. Farms and gardens are other areas that they might likely be cultivated. If you know people who own any of these, then you should go ask if they are available, or better yet, check for them in grocery stores.
Eucalyptus globules:
The eucalyptus globules are considered a fast-growing plant whose origins can be traced to Australia. The plant reaches a height of twenty-five feet tall with a spread of fifteen feet. The plants’ bark is tough and somewhat scaly.
The plant’s leaves are oval in shape, smooth and blue-green in color. The plants are known to be deciduous during winter period and they turn a reddish-brown. The flowers of this plant are colored white, yellow, and orange.
The plant’s fruits are globular capsules that have two seeds in them.
How to use the eucalyptus globules: The eucalyptus globules can be used to help breathe. You can diffuse and breathe in the eucalyptus globules directly to have a refreshing, fresh breath. You can also apply the plant oil on your upper back or rub it under your nose for its stimulating aroma. You can also use it to dilute it with vegetable oil and use it for massage.
The health benefits of eucalyptus globules: The eucalyptus globules contain compounds that are effective in treating the symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. It also has benefits in using it with different materials such as ointments and creams for relieving muscle and joint pain.
Where to get them: Gardeners or farmers who plant herbs would be in the position to have this plant. Another good option is to check it out on online platforms like Amazon and place your order. Even if you do not find a vendor in the United States on the platform, there’s a likelihood that you will find an international vendor that you can order from.
The Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng):
The eleuthero plant, also widely known as the Siberian ginseng, is a variety of perennial plant that belongs to the herbaceous plant family, and its origins can be traced to Siberia. The eleuthero is a small evergreen shrub that is smaller in shape and can reach a height of up to a meter. The flowers bear a green color and they are generally small are mostly seen in late winter or during early spring.
How to use eleuthero: Eleuthero is widely used for its medicinal purposes as it has been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine used to treat different conditions and is considered to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
The health benefits of eleuthero: The eleuthero has some healthy important compounds in them that help with the improvement of cognitive function, boosting energy and reducing fatigue, managing or lowering the risk of cancer, curing wounds and preventing ulcers, lowering blood pressure, and managing menopause. The roots of the plant contain lots of nutrients and antioxidants that make up its medicinal prowess.
Where to get them: Eleuthero herbal plants are available online via Amazon. Other places you can likely get the plant are in retail gardens and farms. Grocery stores are also a good option, but for these herbs, they might be too sophisticated to find them in one, but there’s no harm in trying.
Epazote:
The epazote plant is widely known as a small and bushy perennial herb which grows mostly in warmer regions, especially North America. Other names for the plant are chenopodium, ambrosioides, and Mexican hops. The plant is a member of the amaranth family. The epazote has been considered and used as a medicinal plant for over 2,000 years because of the many healthy compounds present in it.
How to use epazote: Epazotes are widely used as medicinal plants and also used for their culinary benefits. The plants are used as seasoning in pot beans, especially when they are black beans. You’d also find them being used in stews and different rustic dishes that are prepared using mushrooms. Epazotes are also used to make tea as they are known to aid digestion.
The health benefits of epazote: The compounds available in epazotes are rich in medicinal content and are said to help aid digestion, reduce flatulence, reduce respiratory problems, kill parasites in the body, improve metabolism, and protect the immune system. The plant is also known to help with weight loss and quick healing of wounds.
Where to get them: This plant is native to Mexico and can easily be gotten from garden produce vendors. But if you’re in the United States or other parts of the world, there are only a few shopping companies that you might find the herb on. A prime example is Amazon.
Euphrasia/Eyebright:
It is a flowering plant whose origins can be traced to Eurasia and North Africa. The herb is mostly planted in temperate regions and they are known to be small, reaching at least eight to twelve inches in height. The plant’s flowers are white or pink. The plant is mostly known for its ornamental compounds, which are used to add color and a sweet-smelling scent to gardens.
How to use euphrasia: The plant’s are used as an ornamental flower and as an insect repellent and also as a medicinal herb. These flowers are also traditionally used solely for their medicinal prowess for therapeutic reasons that include the treatment of eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
The health benefits of euphrasia: Euphrasia, also known as eyebright, contains compounds like flavonoids, luteolin, and quercetin. The plant is said to be effective in treating runny noses, colds, and flu. It may also prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack due to its oxidative properties.
Where to get them: The euphrasia herb is a kind of rare commodity, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find them in grocery stores. Locating local produce vendors or ordering them online via online shopping platforms would be a good idea.
English lavender:
The English lavender is a type of flowering plant, commonly called Lavandula angustifolia, and is part of the plant family Lamiaceae. This plants origins can be traced to the mediterranean region. The herb reaches a height of 30–60 meters, and it’s said to have small purple flowers in late summer to early fall. English Lavender is known for its sweet-smelling scent that is used in making perfumes .
How to use English Lavender: English lavender is mostly used for its nice-smelling fragrance. They can be used as a carpet freshener, used to make lavender soap, used to make homemade candles and linen spray, etc.
The health benefits of English lavender: Lavenders are considered good for health. They may help improve sleeping time, help treat skin problems, may ease pain as a natural remedy, may reduce blood pressure and heart rate, may relieve asthma, may lessen menopausal flashes, might help fight the growth of fungus, etc.
Where to get them: English lavender is quite rampant in parts of Europe and the Mediterranean, so it’s easier to find them in grocery stores in these places. However, to get the plant in the United States, you have to check with produce vendors or order it online via online shopping platforms like Amazon.
Evening primrose:
The evening primrose is widely known as a flowering plant that is part of the daisy family. The plant has about one thousand species whose origins can be traced to North America. The perennial plant’s height reaches up to a meter tall , having tendrils that curl around other herbs.
The evening primrose leaf is considered alternate, and quite simple. The leaves are capable of growing up to thirty cm long and ten cm wide. The plant’s oil is known to be rich in fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory compounds in them and are very helpful in the reduction of cholesterol levels.
How to use evening primrose: Evening Primrose possesses some essential oils that are used for easing hot flashes experienced by women going through menopause. They are also used to ease premenstrual symptoms and nerve pain through massage.
The health benefits of evening primrose: The evening primrose has compounds that are rich in minerals contained in its oil. Some forms of this oil come in capsules and are either taken through the mouth or inserted inside the vagina for medicinal purposes. The plant oil is also used for premenstrual symptoms, menopause symptoms, arthritis, high cholesterol levels, acne, etc.
Where to get them: Evening primrose oil is considered medicinal, and you can find it in medical clinics and pharmacies. However, if you want to get the plant itself or parts of it, then the best way to get it is through produce vendors or by ordering it online via Amazon. There’s a likelihood of finding them in grocery stores too, but the chances are slim.
The English thyme:
The English thyme is widely known as a perennial herb that grows mostly in the bush and reaches a height of one to two feet tall. The leaves are oval in shape and grow to eight inches long. The plant grows mainly in temperate zones around the world, and its origins can be traced to Europe.
They are also found in America, Asia, and North America. The plant is used both as an ornamental and for culinary purposes. It has so many ways it can be use and has some very good health benefits too that we shall be looking a.
How to use English thyme: English thyme is widely known to be used for its culinary prowess. For centuries, the plant has been used as a flavor in foods and dishes like sauces, vegetables and meats, chickens, eggs, and pastas. You can also use them in different recipes, like sauteed carrots with thyme, thyme tea, and sauteed mushrooms with thyme.
The health benefits of English thyme: Thymes are known for their numerous health benefits and vitamins that promote healthy living. The plant is rich in vitamin C, which has the property of being very supportive to the immune system. They also contain potassium, which helps our cells stay healthy, and manganese, which helps the bones stay strong and healthy and prevent blood clots.
Where to get them: Depending on where your current location is, you can easily get your English lavender in the grocery stores. If you live in some parts of Europe or some parts of the United States of America, you can easily find them in grocery stores. However, if you’re not in any of these locations, ordering them online via online shopping platforms would be a very good option.
Ethiopian sour gourd:
The Ethiopian sour gourd plant is a nice looking herb that is popular in so many parts of the world. It is also generally known as or referred to as bitter gourd, and has been used as medicine for a very long time. The plant reaches a height of about two feet and has small leaves. The flowers are small and green in color and can be seen on top of the stem.
How to use Ethiopian sour gourd: The Ethiopian sour gourd can be used in so many different means. They can be used as a vegetable or in traditional drinks similar to coffee. They can also be used in these recipes: Katha meets karela, dahi karela, bitter gourd chips, and bitter gourd stir-fry. Some of the mentioned recipes are Indian-based, so you’d need to check how to make them online.
The health benefits of Ethiopian sour gourd: The Ethiopian sour gourd is a very rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which means they may help fight inflammation in the body, help manage diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels, etc.
Where to get them: The Ethiopian sour gourd can best be gotten from produce vendors or ordered via online shopping platforms. Grocery stores like Walmart, once known for their stocking ability, might also have them in stock.
Ehuru:
Ehuru, also known as African nutmeg, is a shrub that reaches a height of three feet. The plant’s bark is quite rough and scaly and has deep brown blotches. You’ll normally find the plant green on its upper surface and paler beneath. The origins of this plant can be traced to North Africa.
How to use ehuru: The ehuru seeds are widely used as an African spice that is added to soups and stews.
The health benefits of ehuru: the ehuru seeds actually act as a stimulates that can help ease constipation and stomach ace.
Where to get them: The ehuru seeds are not widespread or so popular in the United States, so the best option is to check for them online if they can be ordered, or better still, reach out to produce vendors to see if they have them in stock.