Herbs have been used to treat human and animal ailments over the years. The only issue western medicine has with the use of herbs is the lack of an accurate dosage prescription, as there is really no well prescribed scientifically proven medicine in traditional herbal medicine.
However, traditional medicine has been proven to be very effective in terms of side effects compared to western medicine, as the side effects of western medicine can be dangerous compared to the use of herbs. In this article, we are not just learning about herbs; we’ll also be learning about spices and their uses.
Like we know, spices are what give our meals that little extra touch that makes us salivate at the smell of them. They help make our dishes more appetizing, and we’ll be talking about different spices that start with the letter P and are available out there.
Herbs and spices
Palmarosa
Palmarosa herb is widely known as an herbaceous bush whose stems are somewhat slender. This herb is mostly harvested even before the onset of its flowers, and it yields best when its leaves get dry. The botanical name of the plant is Cymbopogon martinii, and it is part of the gramineae plant family. The origins of the plant can be traced to the Cape of Good Hope.
The uses of the palmarosa herb
The palmarosa herb has been known to be used for its oil that calms the mind for years now. The herb is widely known to be used to counter tiredness due to stress or nervousness. The oil is also known to be a great moisturizer as it contains compounds that enrich the skin and keep it healthy. The oil is also known to be active in generating skin cells and balancing hydration levels.
The health benefits of the palmarosa herb
The palmarosa herb contains compounds that have vital minerals and vitamins that are very effective in the reduction of fever. Its antiviral and anti-bacterial elements play a vital role in this aspect. The plants’ oils may help prevent and fight viral and bacterial infections. The plants’ oils are also said to have the capacity to aid a better digestive system and heal open wounds by applying their oil to the area. Some studies also found the plant effective in treating dehydration.
Where to buy the palmarosa herb
The palmarosa herb is not so much of a rare commodity if you live in the United States. You’re likely to get them from produce vendors or gardeners. However, this herb is actually quite popular in some parts of Europe too. If the plant isn’t well known in your country, you can decide to order them online via Amazon and the numerous shopping platforms available there for you.
Parsley
The parsley herb is widely known as a plant with a short life span. Its leaves are green, and its flowers are mixed between yellow and green. The herb is part of the umbelliferae plan family and its botanical name is Carum petroselinum. The parsley herb’s origins can be traced to the eastern Mediterranean. The plant is also known by its other names, such as: arden parsley, rock parsley, and common parsley.
The uses of the parsley herb
The parsley herb has been known to be used for its medicinal benefits for centuries. The herb is said to be used for the inhibition of cell growth, stimulating the digestive system and the uterus in the process. The leaves of the plant are also considered to contain some itch-relieving properties that are said to be very effective when applied internally.
The health benefits of the parsley herb
The parsley herb contains compounds that have important vitamins and minerals that help clot blood and improve bone health. The herb is also said to be very rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that are vital in reducing the risk of contracting dreaded illnesses and diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
Where to buy parsley herb
Parsley herbs can be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners. Different variations of processed parsley herbs can also be found in grocery stores and supermarkets. However, if you find pushing trolleys down the rail quite stressful, then your best bet would be to order them online via Amazon.
Partridge berry
The partridge berry is a creeping evergreen plant whose stems are up to 30cm long and root at different points. Its leaves are dark green in color and have a sheen on top that looks like white. The herb is part of the Rubiaceae plant family and its botanical name is Mitchella repens. The other names that the plant is known for are; squaw vine, check berry, deer berry, etc. The origins of the parsley herb can be traced to Native North America.
The uses of the partridge berry
The partridge berry is an herb that is widely known to be used for its medicinal prowess. The herb has been used for centuries to prepare the uterus and the entire body for childbirth. The The herb is also used to ease the pains that come from menstruation. It is said to be used to treat cases like nervous feebleness and irritability, etc.
The health benefits of the partridge berry herb
The partridge berry is said to contain compounds that have properties that are effective in strengthening the uterine walls and uterine muscles and aiding contractions in the process. The properties are also very effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps and the pain that comes from the childbirth process. Women who have suffered a miscarriage also use the herb.
Where to buy partridge berry herb
The partridge berry herb can easily be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners, especially the ones that deal in herbs. However, you’re still likely to find them in grocery stores and supermarkets if you live in the United States. Although you might not find a non-processed or organic herb, if this plant can’t be found in your state or country, the best bet is to try ordering it online on any of the online shopping platforms.
Passion flower
The passion flower is a perennial shrub that is deep-lobed and generally has nice looking leaves with flowers that smell really nice. The passion flower begins to come up during summer, accompanied by edible fruits. The herb is part of the passifloraceae plant family and its botanical name is passiflora incarnate.
The uses of the passion flower herb
The passion flower herb has been used for centuries because of its medicinal value. It is widely used to treat people as an internal treatment measure to cure problems like anxiety, sleeplessness, lack of rest, and irritability. Its fruits, in their ripe state, can normally be eaten raw. Its flowers are used and made into a syrup. Many people also use this plant for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.
The health benefits of the passion flower herb
The compounds present in the passion flower contain so many vital nutrients and minerals that are quite effective in treating anxiety and sleep issues, pains, poor heart rhythm, symptoms of menopause, and attention deficit problems. The plant also contains some good antioxidants like vitexin, quercetin, and rutin, etc.
Where to buy passion flower herb
The passion flower is widely used in the United States because of its important medicinal compounds, so it is a much needed commodity. You can get the extracted varieties of the herb in pharmacies and grocery stores. However, fresh and organic passion flowers are more likely to be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners. Ordering them online is another good means of getting them.
Patchouli
The patchouli plant is a nice-smelling herb that reaches a height of two to three feet. Its leaves are somewhat egg-shaped and its flowers are white in color, mixed with a bit of purple. The herb is part of the N.O. labiatae family and its botanical name is Pogostemon patchouli. It is also known by its other name, called pucha.
The uses of the patchouli herb
The patchouli herb has been widely used for years for perfumes and soaps. The leaves are allowed to dry and used for the distillation of oils. It is also widely believed that its oils have prophylactic components. In native or traditional medicine, this drug is used for the treatment of colds, headaches, fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The health benefits of the patchouli herb
The patchouli herb is very powerful medically. Its compounds are effective in treating quite a number of problems, such as; treating skin issues like dermatitis, acne, or cracked skin; reducing the symptoms of different conditions like colds, head aches, and bad stomach. The herb is also said to have the ability to reduce depression, ease stress, and reduce anxiety while restoring calmness. Treating dandruff is also another health benefit the plant has.
Where to buy patchouli herb
The patchouli herb cannot be said to be a rare commodity and can also not be said to be common. You’re likely to get it in a grocery store, especially the extracted or processed ones. However, checking them out in gardens and from produce vendors is a nice option towards getting the herb. They can also be ordered online, just in case you exhaust your options.
Pau D’arco
The pau d’arco is an evergreen tree that reaches a height of fifty feet and ten feet in diameter. The tree’s wood is regarded as a hard wood and can be used for furniture. Its leaves are broad and it possesses light purple flowers that are used mostly in landscaping and decoration. The origins of the pau d’arco can be traced to South America, specifically Brazil. It is part of the Bignonia plant family and its botanical name is Avellanedae. The plant is also popularly known as “la porcho” and “ipe roxo.”
The uses of the pau d’arco herb
The herb has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is used to treat tumors, bacterial, fungal, and viral properties. It is also used as a form of tea by so many people, its bark is scrapped and tea is made from it. The tea from the pau d’arco is used to treat syphilis, malaria, and arthritis.
The health benefits of the pau d’arco herb
The herb is rich in compounds that are effective in treating conditions like pain, arthritis, prostate gland inflammation, fever, dysentery, and cancer. The herb may also help in treating infections, may inhibit inflammation, and may also help weight loss.
Where to buy pau d’arco herb
The pau d’arco herb is a popular plant on the American continent, especially in South America, so getting it wouldn’t be so hard if you’re based in the states. The processed versions of this herb can be found stacked in the herb section of grocery stores. Organic pau d’arco can be gotten from produce vendors and gardeners, and they can also be ordered online via Amazon.
Pennyroyal
The pennyroyal herb has leaves. Its flowers are purple in color, and they appear mostly during July and August. The herb is part of the Labiatae plant family and its botanical name is mentha pulegium. The plant is also popularly known by its other names, such as American pennyroyal, tickweed, and squaw mint. The origins of the pennyroyal herb can be traced to Europe and some parts of Asia.
How to use pennyroyal herb
The pennyroyal herb has been used for its medicinal prowess for centuries. It is widely known to be used as a stimulant for menstruation and to aid uterine contractions. They are also known to be used for the treatment of common colds, pneumonia, fatigue, pregnancy, abortion, and as an insect repellant.
The health benefits of pennyroyal herb
The pennyroyal herb is rich in compounds that are very vital to human health as they contain important nutrients and minerals that are effective in treating common colds and flu, fatigue, menstruation, and helping the uterus to contract. The herb is also vital in treating various skin diseases and insect bites. Some research has shown that the herb may also aid digestion, improve the digestive system, and reduce inflammation in the body.
Where to buy pennyroyal herb
The herb can be gotten or bought from produce vendors or gardeners that specialize in the cultivation of herbs, as the herb is mostly planted for medicinal purposes. You can also find different processed variations or products of this plant in grocery stores and supermarkets. However, it is important to know that the plant isn’t as rampant in all parts of the world, so you might not find it in grocery stores in your country. The best thing to do in such a situation is to order and import them online via Amazon.
Peppermint
The leaves of the peppermint herb are somewhat short but distinctly stalked. The leaves reach at least two inches or more in height, and the stems reach at least two to four feet and are often purple in color. The plant is from the labiatae plant family and its botanical name is mentha piperita. The herb is also popularly known by its other names, such as mentha nigricans and brandy mint. Peppermint’s origins can be traced to Europe and some parts of America.
The uses of the peppermint herb
For centuries, the peppermint herb has been known to be used for medicinal purposes. It is used for treating ailments like morning sickness, gastrointestinal tract problems, and nausea. Some studies have shown the plant to also be capable of treating indigestion, stomach pains, and ulcers. The herb is also considered to be used as a stimulant because of the stimulating properties available in its compound.
The health benefits of the peppermint herb
The peppermint herb contains compounds that have vital minerals and nutrients that make it capable of treating indigestion, aiding the digestive system, and improving breath. The plant may also aid weight loss, improve sleeping patterns, prevent or fight bacterial infections, may improve general energy levels, may reduce clogged sinuses, may help reduce tension and headaches, etc.
Where to buy peppermint herb
The peppermint herb can be found in grocery stores and supermarkets in its processed form and in different variations. However, if you’re looking for a fresh and organic peppermint, then your best option out there is to locate produce vendors who specialize in herbs, as the plant is mostly cultivated for medicinal purposes. Another means by which the plants can be gotten is by ordering them online via Amazon.
Periwinkle
The periwinkle herb is known to reach one or two feet, and its leaves are dark green. Its flowers bloom mostly in the summer. The plant is part of the apocynaceae plant family and its botanical name is Vinca major. The plant is also popularly known for its other names, such as greater periwinkle and early flowering periwinkle. The origins of this plant can be traced to southern Europe.
The uses of the periwinkle herb
The plant has been mainly used as a medicinal herb for centuries. It is used to treat digestive problems such as colitis and diarrhea. The plant is also used for treating bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throats. Many people also use the herb to stop excessive menstrual flow.
The health benefits of periwinkle herb
The periwinkle herb contains compounds that have rich properties essential for the treatment of ailments such as aiding brain health by assisting more blood flow to the brain, may cure and treat diabetes, sore throat, cancer, sore throat, reduce or lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation in the body, etc.
Where to buy perewinkles
If you live in southern Europe, where this plant is common, you can easily get them in grocery stores in their different processed variations, or you can get the fresh organic ones from local produce vendors and gardeners. However, this herb is not common in the United States and other parts of the world, so if you’ve tried every option available to you for getting the herb and you still cannot get it, the best option is to look for them on online shopping platforms and buy them from international vendors, then import them.