Herbs And Spices That Start With W (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

Herbs and spices are frequently thought to be used only for cooking, baking, or as medicine. Did you know that some of the fragrances in the perfumes you love to use are made with herbs and spices? Let’s not judge. We learn every day, right?

Below are some herbs and spices with their unique properties and how you can benefit from them through different ways and means.

Herbs that start with W (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)

Herbs are gotten from the leaves of plants. Below are some herbs starting with w that we have gathered just for you.

1. White fig leaves (Ficus vasculosa)
2. Wild yellow kandis (Garcinia parvifolia)
3. Warren’s mangosteen (Garcinia warrenii)
4. White oak (Grevillea baileyana)
5. White cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
6. White crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia tomentosa)
7. Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
8. Wood avens, herb bennet (Geum urbanum)
9. Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
10. Wormwood, absinthe (Artemisia absinthium)
11. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
12. Water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)
13. Wild mint (Mentha arvensis)
14. Winter Tarragon (Targetes lucida)

Read on to learn about some of them.

1. WHITE FIG LEAVES

White fig is scientifically called Ficus vasculosa. It has been revered for many years, offered as presents during occasions or worn by revelers as an adornment when dried to celebrate ceremonies and festivals. The white fig originates from Pakistan ( which was formerly called Western Asia), Iran, and Afghanistan. The plant is not found everywhere in the world. This is because it has a fragile nature and could be damaged during transportation. However, it can be seen in small farms and local markets.

Uses of white fig leaves

The leaves are used as traditional medicine to treat ringworm. White fig leaves are also used in beauty products to treat wrinkles and acne.

Health benefits of white fig leaves

1. White figs are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health.
2. Dried fig leaves reduce triglycerides in the blood that cause heart failure.
3. They provided a lot of iron, vitamins B6, A, and C, calcium, and potassium.
4. Prebiotics in white figs improve gut functionality.
5. White fig leaves are given to diabetic patients to reduce the rate of injected insulin use.

Where can you buy white fig leaves?

Amazon, Ty Ty Nursery, Etsy, Walmart, and eBay all sell white fig leaves.

2. WINTERGREEN

Wintergreen is scientifically known as Gaultheria procumbens, but it is also commonly called deer berries, boxberry, checkerberry, and teaberry. The name “Wintergreen” was given to this aromatic plant because of its tendency to stay evergreen even during winter. The Wintergreen plant is native to southern Canada and the northern United States. It thrives in sandier soils, especially in mountainous regions.

Uses of wintergreen

Wintergreen is used in making flavors for beverages, candies, mints, chewing gum, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. The extracted oil is used as an ingredient in some vegetable oils because of its methyl salicylate.

Health benefits of wintergreen

1. Wintergreen leaf is used as an herb in the treatment of menstrual cramps, arthritis, nerve pain, ovarian pain, headaches, etc.
2. The extracted oil is taken in a small quantity to improve digestion.
3. A plant-based chemical known as aspirin found in Wintergreen may reduce swelling, pain, and fever.
4. When wintergreen oil is applied to the skin, it acts as a counterirritant to ease muscle pain.
5. Traditionally, the leaves are usually applied as a skin wash for rheumatism and back pain.

Where can you buy wintergreen?

You can purchase Wintergreen leaves or the essential oil from Amazon, Walmart Supercenter, Indiamart, OliveNation, or any other preferred store or local market.

3. WOOD AVENS

Wood avens is Scientifically called Geum urbanum, it is commonly known as Colewort, St. Benedict’s herb, or bennet. This herb is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe, central Asia, and Eurasia (the temperate regions). However, it now goes through hybridization with Geum canadense in North America. Wood avens thrives in shady areas like near hedgerows and woodland edges.

Uses of wood avens

1. Australians use the leaves in making their medicines for the treatment of infections, gout,rheumatism and fever.
2. It is an ingredient used in most skin-care and beauty products.
3. Wood avens are used as a substitute for cloves. It is dried and placed in cupboards to repel insects like moths, ants, etc.
4. Extracts from wood avens are used as an antidote for dog bites and poison.

Health benefits of wood avens

1. Ointments made with the wood avens leaves are used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
2. The herb juice detoxifies the body and gets rid of toxins in the liver.
3. Traditionally, the roots are used for maintaining healthy skin and getting rid of acne and wrinkles.
4. The powdered roots of Wood Avens are a ready substitute for quinine.
5. Wood avens are taken for the treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge and symptoms of PMS.

Where can you buy wood avens?

Wood avens can be purchased from Amazon, Etsy, or any local market or vendor of your choice.

4. WOODRUFF

Woodruff is Scientifically called Galium odoratum, it is commonly called sweet-scented bedstraw or sweet woodruff. The flowering plant belongs to the Rubiaceae and is native to Spain, Europe, Russia, and Ireland. It is also sparingly found in Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, Japan, China, Canada, the United States, and western Siberia. It is usually planted for its nice-smelling foliage and flowers.

Uses of woodruff

1. Woodruff is used as a flavor in cakes, wines, jellies, jams, beer syrup, candies, etc. This is because of an odoriferous agent known as coumarin.
2. When dried, the plant is used as a moth repellent.
3. Extracts from woodruff are used as fragrances in body mists and perfumes.
4. The leaves are used in making traditional medicines.

Health benefits of woodruff

1. Woodruff is taken to treat and prevent liver, stomach, and pulmonary diseases.
2. It improves cardiovascular health, purifies the blood, strengthens the veins and aids circulation.
3. It may be taken by patients with hysteria, insomnia, restlessness, and agitation.
4. Application of woodruff extracts may heal skin diseases such as hemorrhoids, swelling, inflammation, and wounds.

Where can you buy woodruff?

Amazon, Etsy, Garden Goods Direct, Great Garden Plants, Botanica Planet are stores that sell Woodruff.

5. WORMWOOD

Wormwood is scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium and commonly called absinthe, madderwort, absinthium, mugwort, wermud, wermout, green ginger, wormod etc. It belongs to the family of asteraceae and is native to Eurasia, the northern United States, Canada, and North America.

This herb is a perennial plant with fibrous roots. It thrives on rocky slopes, uncultivated ground, the edges of fields and footpaths. In the United Kingdom, it is regarded as an archaeophyte and less of a true native. This makes it distinct in that part of the world.

Uses of wormwood

1. A plant-based compound in woodworm is used as a flavor in wines and spirits.
2. Medicines made from it are taken for dyspepsia.
3. In Morocco, it is taken with a tea known as sheeba.
4. Farmhouse brewing in Denmark uses wormwood to add a bitter taste to beverages.
5. The clippings and cuttings from Wormwood are placed in birds’ nests as a lice, flea, and mice repellent.

Health benefits of wormwood

1. The essential oil from the bitter herb is consumed to improve digestion and reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Wormwood can be used as an anti-parasite.
3. Artemisinin, a plant-based compound in woodworm, reduces the rate at which the body produces cytokines and also assists the immune system.
4. The medical herb helps in the production of saliva, proteins or enzymes that assist digestion, and a boost of appetite.

Where can you buy wormwood?

You can purchase dried wormwood or its essential oil from Amazon, Alandia, Drizly, HERBCo, or any other local store you prefer.

6. WILD THYME

Thymus serpyllum is a flowering plant species belonging to the lamiaceae family, like mint. This plant is an aromatic herb with oval leaves appearing in pairs along its stem, and a compactly packed head of pinky flowers. Other names for this herb are Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme. The plant is native to northern Africa and Europe.

Uses of wild thyme

One of the main uses of this herb is for medicinal purposes thanks to the flowering part of the plant. It is mainly used to treat breathing difficulties. They may also be used to make herbal tea.

Health benefits of wild thyme

1. Wild thyme contains antibacterial properties and may be beneficial for the treatment of certain skin conditions like acne.
2. They assist in the improvement of proper blood circulation in the body.
3. This herb is beneficial for the treatment of intestinal gas and colic.
4. They reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Where can you buy wild thyme?

The good thing is there is a wild thyme herb shop, but you may also get it from the WholeFoods Market, Walmart Supercenter, and online stores like Amazon and Etsy.

7. WATER HYSSOP

Bacopa monnieri is a creeping herb. This perennial belongs to the plantaginaceae family and is native to the wetlands of the southern and eastern parts of India, including both North and South America. Other common names for this plant are water hyssop, brahmi, thyme-leaved gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort.

Uses of water hyssop

One of the uses of this plant is in the aquarium due to its ability to thrive under water. They also have medicinal uses, like improving memory and reducing anxiety.

Health benefits of water hyssop

1. They contain active compounds like bacoside, which have shown antioxidant effects, most specifically in the brain.
2. Test tube research and animal research has shown that water hyssop contains potential anti-inflammatory characteristics and may support cytokines and pro-inflammatory enzymes.
3. This herbal plant may also assist in reducing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
4. B. monnieri also helps to reduce anxiety and stress as well as elevate your mood.

Where can you buy water hyssop?

This herb is available on Amazon, Etsy, and basically any herbal store or farm.

8. WILD MINT

Like other mints, Mentha arvensis is a flowering plant cultivar belonging to the lamiaceae family. The plant is native to the temperate regions of Western and central Asia, Europe, the East towards the Himalayan range, and Eastern Siberia and North America.

Uses of wild mint

Wild mint leaves can be used for tea production, which in turn can be used for the treatment of colds. Extracts from mints and menthol-related chemicals may be used as additives to drinks, food, and cough medicine.

The health benefits of wild mint

1. Wild mint is a very good source of vitamin A and antioxidants needed by the body.
2. Mint extract, like its oil, helps to improve irritable bowel movement symptoms in patients .
3. This herbal plant also assists in proper brain functionality.
4. Application of mint oil is very effective in the treatment and prevention of nipple cracks and pain associated with breastfeeding.
5. They may aid in provision of relief to cold and flu symptoms.

Where can you buy wild mint?

Mint plants or extracts are rather popular and are available in the WholeFoods Market, Walmart Supercenter, Etsy, Amazon, etc.

9. WINTER TARRAGON

Targetes lucida is a perennial herb whose leaves have a similar smell to the Tarragon plant. This perennial is indigenous to Mexico and Central America.

Uses of winter tarragon

The major use of this plant is as a flavoring. They are basically used for their flavor and fragrance, and they also possess medicinal uses.

Health benefits of winter tarragon

1. They have low calories and carbs and also contain beneficial nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron, etc.
2. This herbal plant helps to increase insulin activity, thus reducing blood sugar levels.
3. They aid in lowering leptin levels, thereby increasing appetite.
4. Winter Tarragon may be introduced to treat pain related to osteoarthritis.

Where can you buy winter tarragon?

This herb is available on Jerkas herbal farm, on Amazon, Thegrowers-exchange, etc.

Spices that start with W (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)

Okay, today we are taking a really deep look at some spices that start with W, their uses, health benefits, and even near or far places where you can add them to your collection. So just relax while we serve you content.

Some of the spices we are going to be looking at include;

1. Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum)
2. Water-pepper (Persicaria hydropiper)
3. Wattleseed (Australian Acacia)
4. White peppers (Piper nigrum)
5. Wild betel (Piper sarmentosum)

Let’s look at these spices with their uses, health benefits, and where you can order them from, either your local store or online.

1. WASABI

Wasabia japonica or E. japonicum, as it is scientifically named, belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Wasabi is a paste made from ground rhizomes with a taste similar to that of a hot mustard or horseradish instead of chili pepper. Wasabi is a perennial plant native to Japan and has been farmed there for a long period of time, grown basically in flooded fields or soil-based mediums.

Uses of wasabi

They are basically used in sushi and other Japanese cuisines as a pungent condiment. Wasabi is a rhizome and ought to be finely grated before being used as a dried powder. Oftentimes they may also serve as ready to use paste in tubes just like the regular toothpaste. Fresh leaves from the wasabi plant may also be consumed in their raw state.

Health benefits of wasabi.

1. Compounds like isothiocyanates present in wasabi have antibacterial effects against food-borne diseases and the bacterium, H pylori.
2. Although conducted in test tubes on animal cells, the ICTs present in wasabi have also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Extract from the wasabi leaf tends to promote fat loss.
4. The isothiocyanates (ICTs) have been researched for their ability to inhibit the production of acrylamide as well as inhibit or kill several other cancer cells.
5. These compounds may also be beneficial for bone health and neurodegenerative brain conditions.

Where can you buy wasabi?

Wasabi plant, powder, or leaf extract are available at Wasabi Evansville, the WholeFoods Market, Asian market, Amazon, Makesushi, etc.

2. WATER PEPPER

Persicaria hydropiper is a member of the polygonaceae family. Water pepper is a common but inconspicuous species found mainly at the edge of rivers. The plant is a semi-erect annual and one way to identify this plant is by its taste, which is described by many as not very pleasant, biting, burning, hot, peppery when chewed, bitter and pungent.

Uses of water pepper

Well, the immature leaves and still growing tips of this plant may be added to meals while cooking. It is a freshwater plant and needs to be cooked. It is often used as a pepper substitute. They may also be used to prepare water pepper sauce .

Health benefits of water pepper

1. Water pepper possesses anti-inflammatory and astringent characteristics.
2. They aid in reducing internal bleeding, most likely during heavy menstrual flow, uterine bleeding, internal hemorrhoids, etc.
3. This plant also contains certain properties that aid the treatment of prostatic swellings, bleeding gums, festering wounds etc.
4. Polygonum hydropiper also helps weight loss.

Where can you buy water peppers?

They are available on Amazon, Afrimash, Caribbeangardenseed, etc.

3. WATTLESEED

When talking about wattleseed, we are referring to seeds from any of the 120 species of the Australian Acacia. Flour of the Acacia seed is now well known in Australia because of it low toxicity, hardiness, and relatively high nutritional value. They grow mainly in dry terrain in Australia.

Uses of wattleseed seed

This plant has long been a source of food, eaten cooked or made into flour for the production of bush bread, as well as added to ice cream, chocolate, and utilized by chefs to enhance sauces and dairy desserts. One of the major reasons why it is used for this purpose is because of its chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee flavor characteristics.

Health benefits of wattleseed

1. Wattleseed has proven to be an important meal for people looking out for their glucose level as it has little or no interference with the body’s glycemic index.
2. The plant is rich in calcium, making it beneficial for healthy bones and muscle strength.
3. They also have a good amount of hemoglobin, which is necessary for the chemical processes in the body.
4. Iron is also present in wattleseed. Iron is important for ensuring that there is appropriate functioning of hemoglobin.
5. Wattleseed contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and infections. Selenium is present, which is necessary for the formation of DNA.

Where can you buy wattleseed?

The superfood is available on Amazon, Desertcart, Kakaduplumco, Bushfoodshop, etc.

4. WHITE PEPPER

Piper nigrum is a flowering vine belonging to the Piperaceae family and is often farmed for its fruits, known as peppercorns. White pepper, as a matter of fact, is obtained from the fruit of the pepper plant, which is basically the dried fruit of that plant.

The major variance between white pepper and black pepper is when the berries are picked since they come from the same berries. While the white pepper berries are left to ripen, those of black pepper are picked unripe, then dried.

Uses of white pepper.

Basically, white pepper is added to our meals for extra heat, spiciness, but mild. They also have their own particular flavor that they bring to the table and are used for soups, hot sauces, stews, etc.

Health benefits of white pepper

1. One of the important benefits of white pepper is its pain-relieving property.
2. White pepper contains piperine, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Capsaicin is present in white pepper, which helps to burn fat, thus reducing weight loss.
4. Piper nigrum contains flavonoids and vitamin C, which help to regulate blood pressure.
5. These peppers also possess antioxidant properties thanks to the vitamin C and flavonoids present.

Where can you buy white pepper?

This is rather common in the WholeFood Market, Walmart Supercenter, or from Amazon, Spicejungle, Alibaba, etc.

5. WILD BETEL

Piper betle is a flowering vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, consisting of the pepper and kava. Betel is an evergreen deciduous perennial native to southeastern Asia.

Uses of wild betel.

One of the major reasons for growing this plant is because of its leaves, which are used as a flavoring in chewing betel nuts.

Health benefits of wild betel

1. The leaves of this plant have a relatively high water content.
2. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The supply of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, carotene, and calcium to the body.
3. In India, it is believed that chewing betel leaves aids digestion.
4. This plant helps to reduce body fat, thus improving weight loss.

Where can you buy wild betel?

They are available on eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

That’s the end of our own list. I guess there aren’t very many spice names that start with the letter W. If you do find more, you can add to your own list and upgrade.

In summary,

The herbs and spices listed, their uses and health benefits are strictly based on experiments and experiences gotten from different sources. People suffering from serious health challenges should consult medical advice before consuming or using any new herbs and spices mentioned.

It was fun to list the different herbs and spices starting with the letter W. Please tell us what you know about these herbs and spices. Have you used anyone yet? Share your experience with us.