The different herbs, spices, and condiments that are used to make local meals and cuisines are a big reason why they are so popular. The burst of rich taste and flavor from most herbs and spices is what gives most signature cuisines like Rendang and Laksa their relevance.
Let’s talk about killing two birds with one stone. Herbs and spices do not just give you a delicious fragrance or meal; they also offer health advantages, preventing and curing so many ailments.
Herbs that start with the letter L (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them).
Let me guide you through the L-alphabet herbs. Yes, I mean those herbs with the letter “L” starting their names. We will be looking at an exclusive list, very detailed in its uses and even where you can make purchases. Some of these herbs are as follows:
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
2. Lemon (Citrus limon)
3. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
4. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
5. Liferoot (Senecio aureus)
6. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
7. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
8. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
9. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
10. Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).
Let’s take a deeper look into these herbs along with their various properties, uses, health benefits, and where to buy them. Follow us as we dive in. First on our list is
1. LAVENDER
Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a small shrub, most commonly cultivated for its pronounced aroma. The herbal plant is a small evergreen shrub and has grey, linear, hoary leaves and also flowers that range from blue to violet, often grown in uninterrupted or compact spikes.
Lavender appears in several cultivars, although Angustifolia is the most commonly known of the two major varieties. The other is in latifolia, which gives us a more violent and camphoraceous oil.
Uses of lavender.
Well, one of the main purposes for growing the herb is for its essential oils, which are often used for scenting several products. This herb may also be used for cooking in the absence of fresh rosemary. Infused oil gotten from lavender leaves may be used to make balms, lotions, creams, and soaps. They may also be included in bath teas or mixtures for home cleaning. Do not limit yourself to this list, as there are several uses for lavender.
Health benefits of lavender.
- One of the health benefits of lavender is support for people with anxiety disorders.
- The herbal plant has been used to help with insomnia or other sleep disorders. The part mostly used for this purpose is the lavender flower.
- This herbal plant may also serve as a treatment for the alopecia areata disease, which is often responsible for hair loss in patches.
- They also have a characteristic calming effect for soothing headaches and migraines.
- Oil extract from lavender also has characteristic wound healing ability, but ensure to carry out a patch test before applying the oil directly to the skin.
Where can you buy lavender?
If you want to add some fresh, strong-scented, aromatic herbs to your collection, look them up on Amazon, the Washington Post, High Country Gardens, and other websites.
2. LEMON
This is a really popular one, but what you may not have known is that the lemon, scientifically known as Citrus limon, is also a herb. They belong to the Rutaceae family and are a variety of small, evergreen shrubs found in Asia, particularly the Northern Myanmar, China or Northeastern India. A lemon has a characteristic scent, and a pale or purple budded flower is often seen during the summer or spring season. It also produces sour-tasting pulp fruit.
Uses of lemon
When we talk about the uses of lemon, the parts we are referring to are the fruits, peel, juice, and essential oils from them. The peels of lemons contain properties beneficial to the stomach. The juice extract may be used for cheese production. As a matter of fact, lemon is also the key component of lemonade. They are also used for sorbet ice, marinades, and for dressing salads.
Health benefits of lemons
- Lemon is a citrus, and like citrus, one of its key components is vitamin C. Lemon is a reliable source of heart-healthy vitamin C. Consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Research conducted on animals has proven that when you add collectibles from lemon to plant compounds, they may promote weight loss, although this effect cannot be scientifically proven in humans.
- Also, juice extract from this citrus may reduce the risk of kidney stones, although this claim may not be fully backed up as more studies are required.
- Lemon contains plant chemicals that have been proven to lower the risk of cancer in animals, but more studies are needed for humans.
- Citrus Limon also contains soluble fiber, which aids the digestive process. Make sure to eat the pulp of citrus fruits, not the juice.
Where can you buy lemons?
Do you want to purchase lemons? Well, look no further; just visit your regular grocery store, Walmart, the whole foods market, or online stores like Aldi.us, exploresuperfoods.com, Pearsonranch.com, etc.
3. LEMON BALM.
Often scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, it is a scented perennial plant or herb and is wildly grown in fields, gardens, and even along roadways. The herbaceous plant belongs to the mint family, and has spread to virtually all parts of the world from its nativity in Iran, Central Asia, South Central Europe, and the Mediterranean basin.
Uses of lemon balm.
Leaves and essential oil extract are the most commonly used parts of the balm. The leaves of the herbs are often used to add lemon flavoring to soups, sauces, and salads, while the essential oil extract helps with sleeplessness, as it is also used as a treatment for nervous stomach abnormalities in adults as well as kids.
Health benefits of lemon balm
Some of the health benefits of lemon balm after selection from the several benefits of this herb include
- This herb may help lessen stress and may improve your mood, soothing you as well as aiding relaxation.
- Over the years, the herbaceous perennial has provided solutions for indigestion, having a positive effect on abdominal pain, discomfort, etc.
- The herb may also help relieve feelings of nausea.
- Studies have proven that Melissa officinalis helps with menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome.
- The balm also helps with headaches, toothaches, boosts cognitive function, treats cold sores, etc.
Note that along with the several benefits, this herb also has its side effects such as headaches, painful urination, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, body temperature spikes, wheezing, dizziness, etc. Hence it should only be used for a short time.
Where can you buy lemon balm?
If you wish to try out this herbal plant or its essential oil extract, you may order it on Amazon, etsy.com, from eBay, Chandika.com, or Laherb.com.
4. LOVAGE
Well, this is an interesting plant where several parts fall into several categories. To start with, the scientific name for the perennial is Levisticum officinale, in the Apiaceae family and Apioideae subfamily. For a long period of time, this plant has been grown majorly in Europe, although it is native to the Mediterranean.
Uses of lovage.
The parts commonly used in this plant are the leaves, roots, and seeds. Here is what’s interesting: the leaves are used as an herb, the root as a vegetable, and the seeds as a spice. I told you it was an interesting one.
The leaves of the plant may be prepared alongside asparagus and salt and served with eggs, and they are predominantly used to add flavor to liquor, flavored bitters, and sauces. The roots of this plant also possess a relatively heavy volatile oil and act as a mild aquaretic. The root and underground stem are often used to prepare medicine.
Health benefits of lovage.
The herbal remedies and benefits of this plant have been around for a long period of time. Some of these benefits include:
- Well, they have long been known to soothe digestive difficulties; hence, they are known as digestive aids.
- They are good for heart health and to aid respiratory function.
- When it comes to minerals and vitamins, the plant is rich in vitamin C and the B complex.
- Lovage is a diuretic and hence good for cleansing and flushing the body without electrolyte loss.
- Levisticum officinale also helps with arthritis sensitivity.
Where can you buy lovage?
You can buy this herb at Walmart, the True Leaf Market, from Amazon, Etsy, Burpee.com, etc.
5. LIFEROOT
Senecio aureus, or liferoot, cough weed, cocashweed, false valerian, golden ragwort, etc., is a perennial wild flower cultivar that belongs to the daisy plant family, Asteraceae. In full growth, the plant reaches about two feet in height. The leaves at the base are concentric to orbicular, measuring about 0.6 feet across and 0.6 feet long. Habitats for these plants are in Europe and North America in the meadows, bogs, wet woods, and floodplains.
Uses of liferoot
The herb has quite a variety of uses, ranging from menopausal disturbance of any kind to being used for strengthening and aiding where ever necessary. It can also be used to delay or reduce menses, as a douche for treatment of vaginal discharge, and externally as a uterine tonic.
Health benefits of liferoot
- They may be applied externally for the treatment of wounds.
- The herb is beneficial for the treatment of sores, eye infections, and burns.
- Liferoot can also be applied to bee stings to ease pain.
- Native Americans use Senecio aureus for the treatment of lung diseases such as tuberculosis.
- Pain from arthritis, rheumatism, gout, etc. is often eased by liferoot.
Where can you buy liferoot?
This herb is available in Indiamart, on Amazon, Etsy, Red Moon Herbs, etc., so if you are looking to make a purchase, do that on any of the sites or online stores.
6. LIME
Citrus aurantifolia is actually a hybrid between C. hystrix and C. medica. Lime is sour tasting with a round shape and a bright green color. Lime also consists of many species of the Citrus glauca, which is the desert lime; the Citrus hystrix, which is the makrut lime; and the Citrus latifolia, which is the Persian lime.
Uses of lime.
When it comes to lime and its uses, the list may be numerous, as the leaves, fruits, peels, and even oil extract are useful. Externally, lime may be used to lighten the skin. This should be avoided, though, as it can be really irritating. A few drops may be put into the final rinse water to give the hair a bright color when dull.
Health benefits of lime
- Lime juice is packed with powerful antioxidant properties that help to protect against free radicals in the body.
- These herbs are rich in vitamin C like other citrus, making them powerful for boosting the immune system.
- This vitamin C content also makes them suitable for promoting healthy skin.
- Lime is a citrus, and like all citrus, it contains citric acid, which helps prevent kidney stones by increasing the citrate level as well as binding stone-forming minerals in the urine.
- They also help to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Where can you buy lime?
If you live in the United States and want to buy fresh lime or lime products, go to Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, Hildenbrand lime and fertilizer, your local grocery store, or even online stores like Amazon.
7. LICORICE ROOT
Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice as it is commonly known, is a hardy herbaceous perennial and is a flowering plant belonging to the bean family, fabaceae. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region of the world. This plant is a tall perennial plant and has light, spreading foliage and a rather dark green leaflet hanging downwards. The root of the licorice plant is brown, cylindrical, and long.
Uses of licorice root.
Licorice root is basically used as a medicinal herb in Chinese medicine as a treatment for heart revitalization, wheezing, coughing etc. The root is also used to make licorice tea.
Health benefits of licorice root
Only a few of the health benefits of this root can be scientifically backed up, as licorice root has potential health risks too. Some of these benefits are
- Licorice root may aid digestion or digestive process.
- Extracts from this root herb have been tested to have protective effects against cancer.
- Because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both the root extract and tea are suitable for upper respiratory conditions.
- Some research indicates that root extract reduces body mass index, hence supporting weight loss.
- This root herb may also aid in the treatment of ulcers, diabetes, hepatitis, etc.
Where can you buy licorice root?
You can buy this root in powder from Walmart, or extract it from laherb.com, from Amazon, littlewoodsherbal.com, etc.
8. LEMON GRASS
Cymbopogon citratus, or lemon grass, is a very common herb in the grass family, poaceae. This tall, stalky plant is characterized by a lemon-like aroma with a citrus flavor. It grows in the Asian, African, and European regions. Other names include silky head, coochin grass, barb wire grass, citronella grass, fever grass, oily head, etc.
Uses of lemon grass.
Citronella, another name for lemon grass, is often used as an ingredient in Thai cooking and may also be used to repel bugs. Essential oil extracts may also be used for aromatherapy, for air freshening, to lift the mood and reduce stress.
Health benefits of lemon grass
- This grass is a potent antioxidant which acts against disease-causing free radicals in the body.
- Tea products made from lemon grass contain antimicrobial properties that aid in the treatment of oral infections and cavities.
- Citral and geraniol are basically the two predominant compounds present in lemon and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemongrass may help reduce the risk of cancer.
- This herb may also promote digestion and act as a diuretic.
Where can you buy lemon grass?
This plant herb is available on Amazon, Foodchamps.org, Veganfoundry.com, etc.
9. LOTUS
Nelumbo nucifera, or the lotus plant, is an aquatic species grown in several regions of the world, especially in Asia, both in India and southeastern Asia. These plants may often be referred to as water lilies as they also grow in water. They are also shaped like a bowl, with petals and green leaves, and white, pink, red, or blue flowers.
Uses of lotus
Lotus may be used in food to increase the nutritional content of the meal. Their seed flour may also be used as a replacement for wheat in cookies. Fresh lotus can also be used in our dishes like stir fries and soups.
Traditionally, it is prepared as medicine and used in the treatment of cough, fever, diarrhea, and infection. It is also used in the production of powders, tea, extracts, toothpaste, and capsules.
The flowers are used for their aesthetic purposes in Asia. It signifies purity, beauty, and longevity in Hinduism and Buddhism (which gave it the name sacred lotus).
Health benefits of lotus
- Several parts of the lotus plant contain flavonoids and alkaloids which may act as antioxidants which protect against diseases as a result of oxidative stress.
- Lotus flowers also have anti-inflammatory properties in their leaves and seeds.
- Lotus seed pod extract and leaves possess powerful antimicrobial properties.
- They may also help reduce blood sugar levels.
- Catechin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol are antioxidants in lotus that protect the body against diseases, cancer, and oxidative stress.
- Plant-based compounds found in lotus help in suppressing inflammation.
- Lotus extracts have antimicrobial properties which may cure some dental issues.
Where can you buy lotus?
This herb is available on lotusfarm.com, reston farm, whole foods market, Walmart supercenter, Jusgo supermarket, Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy, Indiamart, eBay , or any online store.
10. LOBELIA
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants with several species, about 415 species in total. But our major focus is the Lobelia inflata. This species has a tall greenish stem, long leaves, and violet flowers.
Uses of lobelia
Lobelia inflata is mostly used for medicinal purposes, mainly.
Health benefits of lobelia
- They are suitable for the treatment of asthma and respiratory disorders.
- Lobelia helps in the management of attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
- Research proves that this herb is a potential treatment for the abuse of drugs.
- This also helps it possess antioxidant properties.
Where can you buy lobelia?
You can get this product from Restonfarm, Landscapesfarm, Amazon, etc.
Spices that start with L (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
Making a list of L spices? Below are the names of some of them that you should add to your list.
1. Limau purut (Citrus hystrix)
2. Lemon basil (Ocimum africanum)
3. Lime basil (Ocimum americanum)
4. Laksa leaf (Persicaria odorata)
5. Luo han guo (Siraitia grosvenorii)
6. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
7. Lumbang Tree (Aleurites moluccana)
8. Lengkuas (Alpinia galanga)
9. Limau Kasturi (Citrus microcarpa)
10. Lesser Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta)
11. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
12. Long Coriander (Eryngium foetidum)
13. Lada Hitam (Piper nigrum)
14. La Lot (Piper sarmentosum)
15. Looking-Glass Tree (Heritiera littoralis)
1. LIMAU PURUT
Limau purut, or kaffir lime, is scientifically known as Citrus hystrix. This tropical fruit has a high concentration of limonene, alkaloids, neroli, citronellol and many other organic properties. It is native to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Uses of limau purut
The leaves are used in Thai dishes, sauces, and soups for their enticing aroma. The extracted oil from the leaves is used in pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries for the production of medicine, soaps, fragrance, shampoo, cosmetics, and salves.
Health benefits of limau purut
- The oil extracts are used as an ingredient in the production of mouthwash and toothpaste to improve gum and oral health.
- Limonene and citronellol in Limau purut are unappealing to insects. It may be added to insect repellent.
- Limau purut contains antioxidants which get rid of free radicals causing cell mutation, cancer and apoptosis.
- Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant compounds, it helps in boosting the immune system.
Where can you buy limau purut?
Purchase limau purut from Amazon, Etsy, eBay, order it on Instacart, or buy it from any Asian herbs and spices vendor.
2 LEMON BASIL
Lemon basil is scientifically known as Ocimum africanum. The lemon basil plant sprouts gregariously in fallows, waste lands, open shrubs etc. and is called the “King of herbs”.
Uses of lemon basil
Ocimum africanum is used for its fragrance, mint, and flavor as a condiment and also in the manufacturing of some essential oils.
Health benefits of lemon basil
Lemon basil contains vitamin K and A, manganese, iron, calcium and is packed with antioxidants, which include lutein, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. The health benefits include
- Antioxidants reduce the risk of arthritis, heart diseases, and diabetes.
- Lemon basil contains bioactive plant-based compounds that protect the body against cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory properties like eugenol in lemon basil ensure that the digestive tract remains healthy.
- Camphene, which is a compound in Lemon Basil, improves the skin by acting as a toner and getting rid of dirt, surplus oil, and dead cells.
Where can you buy lemon basil?
You can purchase fresh, dried, or the extracted oil of lemon basil from Amazon, GrowJoy, order on Instacart, Etsy, and ParkSeed.
3. LIME BASIL
Lime basil is scientifically called Ocimum americanum. Basil is a year-round plant, but it is most readily available from spring to summer. It is commonly called hoary basil, American basil, or hairy basil. Ocium americanum was first found and used in Thailand but is native to Southeast Asia, India and tropical African regions.
Uses of lime basil
Ocimum americanum is often grown for its aesthetic purpose. However, the oil extracts can be used in the production of candles, cosmetics, and soaps. It is also used in aromatherapy.
Health benefits of lime basil
- Rich amounts of vitamin A, C, and K found in lime basil have been proven to contain anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lime basil is a good source of copper, folate, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Omega-3 fatty acid is an antioxidant found in lime basil that aids the brain and eye health.
- Vitamin K and iron in lime basil promote healthy and strong hair. It also helps the body make collagen, which is a protein that keeps skin healthy.
Where can you buy lime basil?
You can buy lime basil from Amazon, Grow Joy, Etsy, Rareseeds, Seedsavers, Sowseeds, and Walmart Supercenter.
4. LAKSA LEAF
Laksa leaf is scientifically known as Persicaria odorata and is commonly called Vietnamese coriander. The exotic spice is usually found in most spicy and tangy Southeast Asian dishes.
Uses for laksa leaf
Persicaria odorata is traditionally used to make herbal medicines.
Health benefits laksa leaf
- Flavonoid, an active antioxidant found in laksa leaf, aids in preventing cancer and aging.
- Laksa leaf extracts are used in the treatment of dandruff and scalp sores.
- The combination of ginger and laksa leaf juice is used traditionally in the treatment of indigestion, flu, runny nose, and sneezing.
Where can you buy laksa leaf?
You can buy laksa leaf from 99 Ranch Market, H Mart Torrance, etsy, eBay, Amazon, The Garden Store, and Alamy.
5. LIMAU KASTURI
Limau kasturi is scientifically known as Citrus microcarpa and is commonly called calamansi lime. The tropical plant is native to Borneo. However, due to deforestation and extinction, it is hard to see the Kesturi lime in the Borneo forest. This means that the limau Kesturi is not found in natural habitats but only in conserved areas such as private gardens for personal use.
Uses of limau kasturi
The juice from limau is used in making cocktails and fruit drinks. It is also used in marinating meat as a good substitute for lime.
Health benefits of limau kasturi
- Limau Kasturi contains vitamins A, C, and E, which help to prevent disease, repair the skin, and improve vision.
- Kuersetin, filsetin, astragalin, metilgallat, and gallic are plant-based compounds that fight free radicals that cause cancer.
- Limau kasturi is rich in vitamins like carotenoids that help boost the immune system.
- 4: It is high in natural dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
Where can you buy limau kasturi?
You can purchase limau kasturi from supply bunny, lazada.com, dropee.com, and thethornyfruit.com.