What would we do without the flavor and garnish that spices add to our food? Well, this might be a rhetorical question, but we cannot deny the fact that spices make your meals tasty and more enjoyable. They give that extra ingredient that makes you immediately have an appetite to eat. Even without seeing the food, just the scent alone does the job.
Herbs and spices can actually be said to go hand in hand, though they might be different in some ways because most spices are made from herbs. We cannot really tell your sole intent to know the herbs and spices whose names start with the letter l, but we can assure you that whatever it is that you intend to find, we shall be providing you with enough information in this article to get there.
Herbs
Hawthorn:
The hawthorn tree is known as a shrub whose height reaches two to eight feet tall and has quite a few white flowers. The hawthorn’s white flowers yield mainly during spring, and they develop reddish berries that turn ripe in fall. The berries from the hawthorn are actually edible and are known to have a sweet, tart taste or flavor. This plant has been considered a medicinal plant for over a hundred years.
How to use hawthorn: The hawthorn can be used as supplements and can also be used for tea, wine and vinegar, jam and desserts, etc. The plant is also used more for medicinal purposes as it is highly rich in medicinal compounds. We shall be looking at it’s health benefits immediately.
Health benefits of hawthorn: Hawthorn plants are rich in healthy compounds and nutrients. They are used to protect against diseases and help in managing proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies show and confirm that the plant is effective in increasing coronary artery blood flow. It can be applied to the skin tone.
Where to get them: whole dried hawthorn herbs can be gotten in most grocery stores in the United States, they can also be gotten from plant vendors around the country. However, if you live outside the United States and the plant isn’t really that popular in your country, you can order them online on Amazon.
Hibiscus:
The hibiscus plant is generally known as a flowering vine that is part of the mallow plant family, Malivaceae.
This plant is so large and very diverse that it can be said to have over 2000 species, and they come in different colors such as; red, orange, yellow, , white, and pink. The flowers are mostly used in arrangements and pass for popular garden plants. These plants are also widely known for their medicinal prowess.
How to use the hibiscus plant: The hibiscus plant has been known to be widely used for centuries as a medicinal herb and also as a decorative flower. People use the plants as extracts, make teas, and supplement them. Traditionally, they are also used to treat different ailments like liver problems and high blood pressure.
The health benefits of the hibiscus plant: The hibiscus plant has some good compounds in it, such as antioxidants, anthocyanin, and polyphenols. The compounds present in the plant are capable of preventing diseases and inflammation inside the body. Hibiscus tea is also taken as a beverage based on its health benefits. Because of its rich antioxidant properties, it may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Where to get hibiscus plants: Hibiscus plants are quite popular among gardeners and herbalists, even among most everyday people, so there’s a high chance of getting them from produce vendors or getting them in grocery stores. If you’re not in the United States and the plant is not so well known wherever you might be, you should consider ordering them online.
Holy Thistle:
The holy thistle, also popularly known as the blessed thistle, is part of the asteraceae plant family. This plant’s origin can be traced to the Mediterranean region and can also be found in different parts of the world too. The herb is considered a very bitter herb and it is not edible. However, this herb is very medicinal and is used for so many purposes relating to health.
How to use holy thistle: The holy thistle plant’s main use is for medicinal purposes. It is used to treat different ailments and conditions, such as liver issues, ingestion, and chest congestion. problems. The plant is widely used as a natural means to improve breast production in breastfeeding mothers.
The health benefits of holy thistle: The compounds in holy thistle contain some certain chemicals that might help in treating cough, swelling and diarrhea. It may also be capable of treating indigestion, infections, wounds, etc. However, there is really no scientific evidence that proves these health benefits.
Where to get them: The produce vendors are a better option for getting your holy thistle since they are into different kinds of produce, whether edible or not. The grocery stores can also save the day and night by likely having the herb in stock, though it is not a guarantee they will be in stock.
Horny goat weed:
The horny goat weed, or commonly known by its common name, barrenwort, is a perennial flowering herb whose origins can be traced to native Asia and some parts of Europe. The nick name “horny goat weed” was derived from the goats that eat the leaves and stems of the herb and immediately become aroused sexually as an after effect of eating the plant.
How to use horny goat weed, or barrenwort plant: The herb is said to have been used for over centuries in native or traditional medicine to treat different kinds of ailments and health conditions. These health conditions include: sexual dysfunction, fatigue, anxiety, etc. The plants’ effect is to increase the flow of blood in the body and relax the muscles. Several studies hint at the plant’s being able to affect cognitive function and memory.
Health benefits of the horny goat weed : Barrenwort has compounds that contain chemicals that can aid sexual function by allowing blood flow in the body. They also contain properties known as phytoestrogens, which are chemicals that are similar in action to the hormone estrogen.
Where to get them: Gardeners or produce vendors are the go to people for herbs like this. However, there’s a likelihood of big grocery stores having them in stock properly where herbs are stacked, but it’s not so certain. If you can’t seem to get your hands on them physically, try ordering them online.
Horehound:
Horehound, also known as Marrubium vulgare, is a perennial herb whose origins can be traced to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The plants are said to have been in use for thousands of years because of their medicinal prowess. The white Horehound variety is said to be specifically used to treat coughs.
How to use the horehound: The horehound is used mainly for its medicinal purposes, and it is used to treat different ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and so many other health related problems. The herb is also used in treating stomach indigestion and can also be used in making a tincture or infusion to treat bladder infections.
The health benefits of the horehound: The horehound is known as an expectorant herb that contains compounds that help to loosen bronchial secretions and remove mucus. Horehounds also increase the flow of saliva and gastric juice. They are also known to relieve coughs, digestive problems, loss of appetite, indigestion, and constipation.
Where to get them: horehound can be gotten from produce vendors, especially the ones who specialize in herbs and flowers. You can also get them online via Amazon. It depends on where you’re located. If your location is the United States, then you’re more likely to find them in grocery stores.
Horse chest nut:
The horse chest nut, whose botanical name is known as Aesculus hippocastanum, is a very large tree known to be deciduous, whose origin can be traced to the eastern and central United States. The tree grows to a height of eighty feet and actually had a spread of forty feet. The flowers of this plant bloom in May and they are colored white. The horse chest nut bears fruits of which are like spiny capsules that if split open reveals the brown seed inside of it.
How to use horse chest nut: for centuries the horse chest nut has been known for its medicinal prowess and widely used for that purpose. The bark of this plant, leaves, and seeds all contain a compound called saponins that is said to help improve the circulation of blood. The seeds of the plant are said to be quite high in fatty acids accompanied by sterols known to be very beneficial for the skin.
The health benefits of horse chest nut: the horse has compounds that contains vital minerals that may reduce or relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, may treat varicose veins, may stop anti-inflammatory in the body, may relieve hemorrhoids, has antioxidant properties, could reduce the risk of cancer, etc.
Where to get them: Horse chestnuts can be gotten from produce vendors or in grocery stores that are known for their stocking ability of herbs. You can also order the plant online if you don’t find pushing trolleys down the aisle fun.
Horsetail:
The horsetail plant belongs to the equisetaceae plant family. It is a widely known perennial herb that has a thin green and a somewhat jointed stem.
The reproduction of the plant is done by the release of spores from the tips of the stems. The plants can largely be found in moist areas.
How to use horsetail plant: the horsetail plant is widely known to have been used for its medicinal prowess for over hundreds of years. The plant contains a compound known as silica that is effective and beneficial for skin and hair health. The compounds help keep the hair from breaking or splitting. The horsetail is also used to help increase blood circulation in the body and has anti-inflammatory properties in it.
The health benefits of horsetail plant: the horsetail herb used for its medicinal benefits for over hundreds years is known to have compounds that contain vital properties that may treat tuberculosis, stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, treat kidney and other health issues.
Where to get them: There are so many proven online shopping platforms that you can easily order your horsetail herbs from. An example of these platforms is Amazon. Another way to get the herbs if you live in the United States is from produce vendors or in grocery stores that are known for stocking so many different herb varieties.
Hydrangea:
The hydrangea herb plant, whose scientific name is Hydrangea arborescens, is a flowering shrub whose origins can be traced to America. The plants’ height reaches two to six feet tall.
It is said to have showy clusters of white flowers during the summer, which are followed by clusters of blue fruits during the fall. They have dark green leaves.
How to use hydrangea: The hydrangea herb has been said to be in use by the native Americans for its medicinal purposes for a long time. The fresh and dried leaves from the tea can be made into a tea to cure respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and asthma. You can also use the tea for the treatment of urinary tract infections and problems with the bladder.
The health benefits of hydrangea: Hydrangea as an herb plant has vital compounds that can help in treating urinary tract infection problems such as bladder infections like the urethra and prostrate, kidney problems etc. The hydrangea plant is also used to cure hay fever.
Where to get them: The hydrangea leaves, though not a scarce commodity in the United States, can still be used to find if you don’t go through the right sources. The best sources for plants and herbs like this are gardeners or produce vendors because they are the ones who are more likely to have them, as you might not find them in grocery stores, except the ones with a history of storing different varieties of herbs.
Hyssops:
Hyssops are quite bushy perennial herbs widely known for their culinary and medicinal benefits. The plant reaches a height of one to two feet and is known to have blue flowers. The leaves of the plant are very aromatic, hence they are often used in the kitchen. However, they have a bitter flavor.
How to use hyssops: hyssops, is vastly known to be used as spice in recent times and majorly used as a medicinal herb for centuries. The plants are also used in treating illnesses like respiratory infections, liver problems, and digestive problems. The herb can also be said to be very effective in the treatment of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It can also be used as tea.
Henna:
The henna tree is a tree whose origins can be traced to North Africa and the Middle East. The tree is known to reach a height of about twenty feet. These leaves are normally dark green, with small white blossoms on them. The henna tree fruit is red in color but has a bit of orange drupe mix. The bark, leaves, and the Jenn fruit are loaded with antioxidants that are vital for human health and have also been shown to prevent inflammation and cancer development in the body.
How to use the henna herb: The henna herb has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine to treat different kinds of ailments. Henna can be used to treat stomach ulcers, which is known to be a type of inflammatory bowel disease, bed sores, and many other health problems. However, there is no concrete evidence to back these claims up.
The health benefits of henna: Henna contains compounds that have vital nutrients and minerals to combat some types of infections. It is also said that henna is likely to decrease tumor growth, prevent and reduce spasms, decrease inflammation, and help relieve pain.
Where to get them: henna is not native to the United States, so even if there’s availability of the plant, it might not be so easy to find. To save yourself some time and stress, it is advised that you just check it out online and make an order. Big online shopping companies like Amazon are likely to have them, even if it means buying from an international vendor. You can still check them out via produce vendors.
Spices
Hops:
Hops are a widely known plant that is used to brew beer, and they have been used for this purpose for centuries. The plant has also been used as traditional medicine for a very long period of time. It is a perennial plant that grows best in temperate climates. The plant can also be said to be grown both indoors and outdoors.
The plant leaves are quite dark in color and may sometimes need structure to grow on as they are a climbing vine. The cones of this plant are the vital parts that are used for the purpose of brewing beer. They contain some bitter properties that serve as a spice and flavor to the beer.
How to use the hops plant: hops contains compounds that gives it a bitter taste which helps stimulate the digestive system, they can also be used as a digestive bitter and taken before meals to boost appetites. You can also use the bitters you’ve made in cocktails or, better still, use them to make beer.
The health benefits of hops: Hops can serve as an appetizer and help with your eating pattern. They are also known to increase the flow of urine and stimulate breast milk production when delayed after giving birth. Hops can also help digestion and ease anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Where to get them: some of these herbs are rare commodities but hops do not fall under this category because they are quite known in the states and can actually be gotten in grocery stores that are known for stocking herbs produce vendors too are another means to get them. However, if you’re not in the US , you can check online for the herbs where you might likely find them and get them imported to you.
Horseradish:
Also known by its botanical name as Armoracia rusticana, this is a perennial plant that is part of the brassicaceae plant family . It is actually a root vegetable that has a sharp, pungent taste. The plant reaches a height of a meter tall, having green leaves accompanied by white flowers.
The plant’s root can either be taken raw or cooked.
How to use the horseradish plant: for so many years the horseradish plant has been used and is still being used as a spice. You can use it to add flavor to your dishes like roast beef, fish, and potatoes. You can use horseradish in these recipes, such as: tartar sauce, horseradish sauce, horseradish in souffle pancakes, latke tacos, salisbury steak, blooming onion, oysters kilpatrick, chocolate moist cookies with cocoa. Depending on just how you’d like to use them, the spices can be used in any of the listed recipes.
The health benefits of horseradish: the compounds present in the horseradish are have some properties that are vital to health which include: aiding digestive, boosting immune system, and fighting inflammation. Horseradish also contains antioxidants that are widely known to help in protecting your body from cell damage by fighting free radicals. Some studies also show that horseradish may prevent the growth of colon, lung, and stomach cancer cells. However, more research to prove these statements needs to be done.
Where to get them: The horseradish herbs may be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners. Grocery stores known for stocking herbs might also have them in stock, so it’s best you go check them out in one of the stores near you. The last resort is to purchase them online via shipping platforms. You’re definitely going to see at least one vendor that has the herb.