Have you ever imagined the Earth without herbs and spices? Well, it can be compared to a meal without salt. Tasteless, right?
The use of herbs and spices began in Egypt. Then it started spreading to the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Sri Lanka, China, and Indonesia. It has led to the discovery and exploitation of a new age.
As early as 3500 BC, the ancient Egyptians used herbs and spices to give an additional aroma, flavor, and zest to their meals and appetites. It all started when human civilization was just beginning. Land was cleared for buildings, and people discovered the edible and inedible parts of plants.
I’m sure you may already have an idea of the benefits of these herbs and spices. However, did you know that there are some species and names that you are probably not even aware of? Let’s dive into them!
Herbs and spices that start with U (uses, health, and where you can buy them)
Let’s take a look at a comprehensive list containing herbs that start with the letter U. If that’s what you are searching for, we’ll say you have come to the right place, so all you need to do is sit back, get a cup of whatever you drink, and relax while we serve you the best.
Some of the herbs that we will be looking at are:
- Ubi Kayu
- Ugli Fruit Tree
- Umbrella tree leaves (Schefflera actinophylla)
- Urad Dal
- Uva Ursi
- Uziza leaves
- Urtica Dioica
- Urtica incisa
- Uda Seed
- Umbrella sedge
- Uncaria tomentosa
Now let’s take an intensive look into these herbs, their uses, potential health benefits, and where we can buy them.
1. UMBRELLA TREE LEAVES
Herbs are now obtained from trees that were previously only used as decorations, such as the Schefflera actinophylla, in the modern herbal world. It is a flowering plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. When talking about leaves, the umbrella tree is one plant that has abundant leaves; as a matter of fact, you may get about six leaves on each of the stems, with a characteristic glossy-green color that may change to yellow at some point.
Uses of the umbrella tree
The umbrella tree is a very useful tree, both to us and to our surroundings at large. They may be used for landscaping or purifying the air in our homes by filtering out pollutants like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. The umbrella tree also serves decorative purposes in our homes’ larger gardens.
Health benefits of umbrella tree leaves
The umbrella tree may lack specific nutrients, but its ability to protect our health cannot be underestimated. Some of these benefits include:
- When it comes to body detoxification, the umbrella tree leaves are a very good option as they carry out this purpose rather effectively. Detoxification will be important to relieve us from certain illnesses like headaches or even more serious ones.
- The umbrella tree is very effective in the treatment of body temperature; hence, we can say it helps with fever.
- Intake of umbrella tree leaves, which are available in many natural foods, helps to tackle insomnia.
- Umbrella tree leaves can be made into supplements and used to aid the flow of blood or circulation.
- Schefflera helps with burns and irritation on the skin.
Where can you buy umbrella tree leaves?
These leaves, plants, or products are available on Amazon’s online stores, on Etsy.com, on PlantVine.com, etc., so if you are looking to make a purchase, just visit or search.
2. UVA URSI
This is basically an herb extract obtained from bearberry. This plant is a small evergreen shrub from the North American regions belonging to the family Ericaceae. Uva ursi is a Latin name, which translates to grapes in English. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi shrubs produce small orange berries that attract bears.
Uses of uva ursi
This shrub has long been used in Native American medicine for several purposes, like as a mild urinary antiseptic to relieve conditions like cystitis, urethritis, and dysuria.
Health benefits of uva ursi
- They contain antibacterial agents that may be suitable for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
- Uva Ursi can help protect against E. coli, thereby protecting against urinary tract infection in females.
- This is also popular for its diuretic properties. That is the body’s ability to flush out liquids, thus taking care of bladder disease-causing germs.
- This herb possesses tannins and astringent effects, aiding in shrinkage and toughening the mucous membranes.
Where can you buy uva ursi?
Purchase these herbs at The Herb Shoppe in Portland, Walmart Supercenter, Monterey Bay Herb Co., HERBCo.com, etc.
3. UGLI FRUIT TREE
Citrus reticulata, x Citrus paradisi, is actually a tangerine but a crossed species. In this cross, tangerine, orange, and grapefruit are all involved to achieve these results. It is native to Jamaica, where it was seen growing after natural hybridization. It has now been farmed there ever since.
Uses of ugli fruit trees
The ugli tree produces fruits, which may be eaten raw like grapes or tangerines. It may also be used in the preparation of several dishes, juices, etc.
Health benefits of ugli.
- They have proven to be a potentially rich source of vitamins and minerals to supply to the body.
- Ugli fruits have a low calorie level, so they may aid in weight loss.
- This tree is an antioxidant storehouse, packed with flavonoids, which may also play an anti-inflammatory role.
- They also help combat free radicals in the body, thus reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Where can you buy ugli fruit?
If you want to buy this fruit or tree’s produce, visit Walmart Supercenter, Kennewick Red Apple Market, specialty produce stores, etc.
4. UZIZA LEAVES
The scientific name for Uziza leaves is Piper guineense. It is a West African plant cultivar. And the interesting part is that you can get spice from the leaves of this plant. The spices obtained may be Ashanti pepper, false cubeb, Guinea cubeb, kale, etc. The plant shares similarities with the cubeb, like black pepper and long pepper. Cough-relieving plants belong to the Piperaceae family.
Uses of uziza leaves
They are most often used in African dishes to introduce or heighten spiciness and a pungent aroma to the meal. They may also be used as preservatives.
Health benefits of uziza
- The uziza leaf is a good cough-relieving supplement.
- Adding uziza to your meals gives them an additive roughage level as they contain dietary fibre thus keeping constipation at bay.
- Uziza leaves contain flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body.
- They also possess powerful antibacterial properties that help prevent diarrhea in the body.
- When added to other local herbal medicines to treat infertility
Where can you buy uziza?
They are readily available on Amazon, AfricanFoodSupermarket.com, or other online stores in the United States.
5. URTICA DIOICA
Urtica species are generally flowering plants belonging to the Urticaceae family. Several species are characterized by stinging hairs, which may be called stinging nettles or nettles. They grow mainly as herbaceous plants and very rarely as shrubs.
Uses of urtica dioica
They may be used in soups or omelets as additive ingredients. They may also be used traditionally to make nettle tea, ale, juice, or cheese preservation.
Health benefits of urtica dioica
- They are a rich source of vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols and pigments, which may also serve as potential antioxidants.
- Nettles, as they are commonly called, also possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them good for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, although more studies are required.
- This plant also helps to reduce the size of the prostate as well as treat enlarged prostate conditions.
- This herbaceous plant may also assist in reducing blood sugar levels.
- Due to their antioxidant effect, they are beneficial to the health of the liver.
Where can you buy urtica dioica?
Looking to buy this herbaceous plant? Pay a visit to Alpineherbs.ca, Herbco.com, Amazon.com, etc.
6. URTICA INCISA
The scrub nettle, or tall nettle, is a perennial herb, grown mainly in streams and rainforests of the eastern and southern parts of Australia. They also belong to the Urticaceae family. The flowers possess a green color, which grows all year round, especially from winter to early summer.
Uses of urtica incisa
The part mostly used for this plant is the leaves, often as an herb. They are used to stop internal bleeding, excessive menstruation, anemia, pimples, eczema, arthritis pain, etc.
Health benefits of u. Incisa
- Nettles aid in body detoxification as they contain a huge variety of nutrients. ensuring that toxins in the body are removed.
- Hence, they help to relieve pain during pregnancy; hence, they are prescribed for women who undergo extreme pain during childbirth.
- Urtica incisa is rich in vitamin C and iron, thus enabling the growth of red blood cells.
- These herbs also help to reduce pain during menstruation, so they are good for feminine health.
Where can you buy urtica incisa?
This species is not commercially marketable but may be ordered from online stores like Amazon.
7. UDA SEED
Xylopia aethiopica is the scientific name for uda seed. It is an aromatic herb or spice belonging to the Annonaceae family. Uda seed, or negro pepper, is sometimes referred to as selim grain.
Uses of uda seed
Uda Seed is most commonly used in foods for flavoring in certain parts of the world like Nigeria, Ghana, and Brazil, among others.
Health benefits of uda seed.
- Uda Seed contains anti-inflammatory properties such as beta-caryophyllene.
- They also contain antioxidants, which take care of free radicals and oxidative stress in the body.
- This herbal plant is also a good remedy for certain skin conditions.
- It is believed to be helpful for menstrual problems.
- The leaves of Uda plants are very helpful for gastrointestinal health.
Where can you buy uda seed?
Uda seed is available on Amazon, at Walmart Supercenters, on eBay, on Etsy, and at any grocery store available near you.
8. UNCARIA TOMENTOSA
Cat’s claw, as it is commonly known, is a woody vine predominant in South and Central America. The plant has a claw-shaped thorn, hence the name.
Uses of a cat’s claw
The root bark of the plant has often been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several conditions as a herb and is often sold as a dietary supplement.
The health benefit of uncaria tomentosa
- They help to fight infections more effectively, and bacteria that are not good for your immune system.
- Intake of an extract from cat claw helps to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- This plant herb may also help to get rid of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Where can you buy cat claw?
Visit discountnutritionshop.com, Iherb.com, Petsmart store, Walmart.com to buy this herb.
9. UMBRELLA SEDGE
Cyperus alternifolius is a large genus of plants that grows predominantly in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.
Uses of umbrella sedge
C. esculentus is a species of umbrella sedge that is often consumed as a vegetable. Several plant species have different uses, and not all of them are edible. The root of this plant may also be used for herbal tea purposes.
Health benefits of umbrella sedge.
Some of the health benefits of this plant are not scientifically backed up. They are observations from people that have used them.
- They may help tackle indigestion.
- The plant may be a potential remedy for skin ulcers and injury.
- Sedge plant and weight loss
Where can you buy umbrella sedge?
You can purchase umbrella sedge from Amazon, Walmart Supercenter, order on Instacart.com, or from any other preferred store or market.
Spices that start with U (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)
Spices are gotten from the barks, seeds, or roots of the plant. You will be intrigued when learning about the different spices starting with U, their special tastes, flavors, uses, and health benefits.
Although there are not many spices starting with the letter U, below is a list of the ones we could gather.
- Upside-down Tree (Adansonia digitata)
- Uluh-Uluh (Discospermum malaccense)
- Urfa Biber pepper flakes (Capsicum annuum)
- Ukrainian Village Bell Pepper Blend
Read on to know about these different U spices and do not forget to choose your favorite.
1. UPSIDE-DOWN TREE
The upside-down tree, or baobab, is scientifically called Adansonia digitata. It is also called the Tree of Life. This is because the life-giving tree, mostly found in the deserts of Africa, has been used as a source of shelter, water, and nutrition for both animals and human beings. In Sudan, it is treated just like a human being or personal belonging. The Baobab tree got its name from its structure, which looks like it is growing upside-down.
Uses of an upside-down tree
In Africa, it is used to make traditional medicines and food. Kenyans from the Akamba tribe collect the seed pulp from the tree and use it in beer as a fermenting agent.
Health benefits of upside-down tree
- The upside-down tree contains high dietary fiber, which aids the digestive system and prevents dysentery, constipation, and pile.
- Vitamin C is replenished in the body through the consumption of baobab.
- Africans take advantage of the Omega-3 fatty acid by using it in the treatment of vitamin C deficiency, malaria, fever, and gastric problems.
- Sugar flow and release in the bloodstream is slowed down by soluble fibers found in baobab. This reduces the risk of having seizures and diabetes.
- Baobab tree is rich in magnesium and potassium.
Where can you buy upside-down tree?
You can purchase upside-down tree or baobab powder from Atacora, Walmart Supercenter, Amazon, Etsy, and Alibaba.
2. ULUH-ULUH
Uluh-uluh is scientifically known as Discospermum malaccense and is also called Gading-Gading. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Uluh-uluh is found in terrestrial habitats (mountain secondary rainforest and primary rainforest). It is native to Singapore. The gading-gading requires a well-drained, moist, and fertile loam soil to grow well.
Uses of uluh-uluh
The leaves are used as a good replacement for coffee in Peninsular Malaysia. The evergreen tree produces hard wood that is used as fuel.
Health benefits of uluh-uluh
- Uluh-uluh is recommended for cardiovascular health, bone mass, digestion, and teeth.
- It has anti-aging properties. This makes it beneficial for treating skin acne, rashes, and hyperpigmentation.
- Gading-gading is rich in vitamins and minerals, which include nicotinic acid, folic acid, vitamin C, and biotin.
Where can you buy uluh-uluh?
Purchase Uluh-uluh from Amazon or Walmart’s Supercenter.
3. URFA BIBER PEPPER FLAKES
The scientific name for urfa biber pepper flakes is Capsicum annuum; it is also called isot pepper or pul biber. Urfa biber pepper belongs to the nightshade or Solanaceae family. The name “Urfa” was derived from a town in southern Turkey where it originates (biber is the Turkish meaning of pepper). However, it was introduced in the 15th century by explorers from Portugal and Spain.
Urfa biber pepper is widely used fresh, although the spice is usually found in its dried and ground form. Urfa biber pepper flakes are best cultivated in sandy soils and on steep, rolling hills.
Uses of urfa biber pepper flakes
Urfa Biber pepper flakes are mainly used as a flavoring spice in food.
Health benefits of urfa biber pepper flakes
- Urfa Biber pepper flakes are a rich source of potassium, B-complex, and vitamins A and C.
- The spice is also rich in capsaicin. Capsaicin is the plant-based compound that makes the brain feel heat and tingling when eaten.
- Capsaicin has also proven to aid the secretion of endorphins, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Where can you buy urfa biber pepper flakes?
Urfa Biber pepper flakes can be purchased at Walmart’s Supercenter, Spice Your Life, Start Spices, Amazon, The Spice House, Spice Jungle, and eBay.
In conclusion
Now you know the different herbs and spices that start with r. Have you picked your favorite yet? Tell us about it then. If you also know some other unique herbs and spices that you feel we left out, please leave a comment so that we can update the list.