If you are looking for a way to spice up your dishes with some special herbs, you should be looking for the purple herbs. Most of them don’t just add spice to your food; most of them have medicinal and ornamental uses.
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. It is of the genus Lavandula. It is one of the prettiest aromatic herbs with its purple flowers. It has quite a unique scent.
Lavender, due to its attractive flowers, attracts bees for pollination.
Uses
- Lavender is commonly used as a fragrance.
- Oil can be extracted from it to create formulas for hair growth.
- The oil can also be used as an antiseptic.
- Dried lavender flowers can be used for cooking.
- The oil can also be used with salads.
Health benefits
- Could help with insomnia: Studies have shown that lavender oil could be helpful in causing better sleep patterns in individuals suffering from insomnia.
- Could help with skin issues: The oil from lavender can help to treat skin infections and inflammations.
- Could help with wound healing: The presence of antioxidants in lavender oil could help speed up the healing of wounds.
- Could help relieve asthma symptoms: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender could deal with allergies in the respiratory airways.
Where to buy lavender
You can buy lavender at these locations: Noble Garden Florist, Bethel Park Flowers.
Sage
Sage is botanically called Salvia officianilis. It is also known as common sage. It is a woody perennial with grayish leaves and purplish flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region.
It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Despite being from the Mediterranean region, it has extended its reach into other regions of the world.
It has a lot of purposes, including culinary and medicinal ones. It can also be used for ornamental purposes. The sage plant has a slight savory flavor.
Health Benefits
May Support Oral Health:
Due to sage’s antimicrobial properties, it can be used to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
In one study, a mouthwash containing sage was found to be highly effective at eliminating the cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans bacteria.
In a laboratory experiment using an essential oil derived from sage, a fungus called Candida albicans, which has been linked to the development of cavities, was eradicated and prevented from spreading in a laboratory experiment.
A review found sage to be effective in the treatment of mouth ulcers, dental abscesses, infected gums, and throat infections. Nevertheless, in order to make recommendations that are exhaustive, additional research on humans is required.
Loaded With Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are molecules that strengthen your body’s defenses by destroying harmful free radicals, which have been linked to many degenerative diseases.
Sage has more than 160 different polyphenols, which are antioxidant chemical compounds found in plants.
Sage contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, and rutin, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cancer and enhanced cognitive performance and memory.
Where to buy sage
You can buy sage at these locations: Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Rosemary.
Rosemary has the botanical name Salvia rosmarinus. It is a perennial shrub with pink, blue, or purple flowers and needle-like leaves. These leaves are fragrant and evergreen. It also sports purple,
Rosemary is also a member of the mint family, and like other members, it has a distinct aroma. This makes it very useful as an ornamental plant. The fragrance can give any room an ambience and brighten up the room with its bright flowers.
Health benefits
- Rich in compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
- Cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes are just some of the chronic diseases that can be aided in their development by oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which can be prevented by taking in antioxidants.
- They are present in a wide variety of plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs like rosemary.
- It may assist you in maintaining better control of your blood sugar levels.
- Thus, it is crucial for diabetics to exercise proper control over their blood sugar levels. As a result, it is absolutely essential for diabetics to practice appropriate management of their blood sugar levels.
- Compounds in rosemary tea have been studied and found to have hypoglycemic effects, meaning the herb may be useful in the management of diabetes.
Where to buy rosemary
You can buy rosemary at these locations: Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Catnip
This herb is in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has the botanical name Nepeta cataria. It also goes by catwort, catnip, and catmint. It is native to parts of Europe and parts of Asia.
One of the reasons they are so called is the attraction a large number of cats have towards them.
Uses
- Essential oils can be extracted from this herb.
- It is used as an ornamental plant.
- It can be used as a bug repellent.
- Can be made into a tincture that helps with stomach indigestion.
Health benefits
- Used as a sleeping aid: Nepetalactone , an active ingredient in catnip, is similar to another compound found in valerian, which has a sedative effect and helps with insomnia.
- Can help relieve stress: An infusion of catnip leaves in water can help relieve tension and stress after a stressful day.
- Cough remedy: Studies have shown that the active ingredients contained in catnips have bronchodilatory properties.
Where to buy catnips
You can buy catnip at these locations: Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Thyme
Thyme with the botanical name Thymus is also a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are also close relatives of oregano. They are aromatic perennials with bright purple flowers.
Thyme has a lot of purposes. It can be used for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
Thyme packs a nutritional punch. 100 grams of thyme yields:
- 101 calories
- 1.7 g of fat.
- 9 mg of sodium
- 609 mg of potassium
- 24 g of carbs
- 14 g of fiber
- 266% of the daily value of vitamin C
Uses
- Thyme can be used in stews to spice them up.
- Oil can be extracted from thyme to form tinctures.
- The spice can be used to marinate chicken and beef for roasting.
Health benefits
- Fights infections: Thyme contains substances that can fight against fungal and bacterial infections.
- Can help in fighting acne: In studies, essential oil from thyme can fight acne due to its antibacterial properties.
- It can lower blood pressure: Some substances in thyme can help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Cough remedies: Thyme extracts can be used to alleviate coughing and other respiratory allergies.
Where to buy Thyme?
You can buy thyme at these locations: Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers, Walmart
Chives
Chives with the botanical name Allium schoenoprasum, which belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Its leaves and flowers are edible.
Its close relatives are garlic and onions.
It has a lot of nutritional benefits. 100 grams of chives yields:
- 30 Calories
- 0.7 g of fat.
- 296 mg of potassium
- 2.5 g of fiber
Uses
- Chives are used in stir fries.
- The flowers are used to garnish salads.
- They can help repel unwanted bug life.
Health benefits
- Chives and an abundant amount of vitamin A: This vitamin promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness.
- Rich in antioxidants: Chives are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and vitamin K. Quercetin itself can reduce the risk of cancer occurring.
- Chives have a high fiber content. Fiber is important as it aids digestion.
Where to buy chives
Chives can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Anise hyssop
This perennial herb goes by names such as: lavender giant hyssop, fragrant giant hyssop. Its botanical name is Agastache foeniculum.
It is a plant that also belongs to the mint family of Lamiaceae.
Hyssop is native to parts of the Americas.
Uses
- It is used to garnish salads.
- The spice can be used to flavor soups and dishes.
- Can be infused in teas.
- The spice can be baked into pastries.
Health benefits
- It can be used to clear mucus in the airways. Cold infusions of anise hyssop can be drunk to relieve blocked nasal airways.
- Antiviral activities: Studies have shown that the essential oil from Anise hyssop can have an antiviral effect against viruses like Herpes.
- Wound healing: This herb can be made into a salve that is effective at treating wounds.
- Mood lifting qualities: The hyssop has antidepressant properties.
Where to buy Anise hyssop
Anise hyssop can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Oregano
Oregano is also a purple-flowered plant from the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has a history of originating from the Mediterranean region but has spread its tentacles across the northern hemisphere.
It is woody in nature and reaches up to 20–80 cm in height. It is a spice that has both culinary and ornamental uses.
uses
- It is used in some dishes to flavor meat.
- The dried leaves can be used in salads.
- The leaves can also be used to make tea infusions.
- Oil can be extracted from the leaves, which can be used in herbal products.
Health benefits.
- Rich in antioxidants: The essential oil of oregano has two active ingredients, carvacrol and thymol. These ingredients are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals.
- Fight bacteria: Oregano oil has some antibacterial properties. It has been proven to stop the growth of bacteria like Escherichia coli.
- Anti-cancer properties: The rich antioxidants in oregano can help fight those free radicals that can cause cancer.
Where to buy oregano
Oregano can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Spearmint
This is also called garden mint, mackerel mint, and lamb mint. It is Mentha spicata. It is native to Asia and some parts of Europe. Spearmint has a very unique and aromatic scent. It’s because of these properties that it finds use as a flavoring and fragrance in perfumes. The taste is a slightly sweet flavor that leaves a cool aftertaste in your mouth.
However, it contains less menthol than peppermint.
100 g of spearmint contains:
- 44 calories
- 0.7 g of Fat
- 458 mg of Potassium
- 7 g of fiber
- 22% of the daily value of vitamin C.
Uses
- Spearmint is used to garnish drinks.
- It can be used to give your smoothies a distinct flavor.
Health benefits
- Spearmint has carotenoids: it is rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A promotes good eyes.
- Rich in antioxidants: Spearmint contains some good antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Helps with indigestion: The essential oil derived from spearmint can be used to alleviate morning indigestion. Studies have shown that spearmint oil aids digestion.
Where to buy spearmint
Spearmint can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Peony
A peony is a flowering plant of the genus Paeonia. It is native to Europe and Asia. A peony is a perennial herbaceous plant that has deciduous shoots. The flowers are fragrant and contain lots of antioxidants.
For a period of a thousand years, the root of this plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Uses
- The petals of peony can be used to make tea infusions.
- The leaves can also be added to salads and drinks.
- They are also used to beautify and freshen the atmosphere in a room, as they have a very aromatic scent.
Health benefits
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Peony is used in traditional Chinese medicine to deal with swellings and joint pains.
- Can improve mood: Peony root has an active ingredient that helps to increase the expression of serotonin. Increases in serotonin cause happiness and a lightening of one’s mood.
- To prevent thrombosis: Peony roots contain a substance called paeoniflorin, which helps to thin blood, and prevents clotting from happening within the body.
Where to buy peony roots
You can buy peony roots at these locations: Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Wild indigo
Wild indigo is also known as blue false indigo. Its botanical name is Baptisia australis. It belongs to the family Fabaceae.
Uses
- The plant has been used to make dyes among Native American tribes.
- The roots can be used in teas to make purgatives.
- It can also be used as an ingredient in eyewash.
Health benefits
Immune System:
Wild indigo has significant effects on the immune system, especially when it comes to fighting infections. Historically, it has been used to treat infections of the mouth, gums, and throat due to the high concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components it contains.
These infections can be cleared up rapidly with less discomfort and no remaining harmful pathogens or bacteria. The peony’s modulatory effects on white blood cell proliferation have also been studied, and the results are promising for those interested in alternative medicine’s potential to boost the immune system.
Skin Health:
Ulcerations of the skin are not the most common manifestation of this condition, but they do happen and need to be treated when they do. The wild indigo herb, when applied topically, can help to alleviate the symptoms of this condition and treat the underlying cause as well.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, peony can be used to treat a variety of skin issues, including redness, age spots, wrinkles, and blemishes.
Gastrointestinal Health:
Those people who have suffered from an ulcer know that it can be extremely painful and difficult to treat, so a natural solution is obviously quite valuable. Since wild indigo has anti-inflammatory properties and specific antioxidant effects, it was traditionally used to treat gastric ulcers and prevent their progression.
Lymphatic System:
Certain organ systems of the body can be difficult to treat, and Wild Indigo cannot always do it alone. For lymphatic system problems like swollen lymph nodes (a sign of infection), this herb is often combined with others, like poke root and cleaver.
Again, Wild Indigo’s inherent antiseptic and antibacterial properties can help ward off the spread of infection and keep minor problems from becoming major ones.
Where to buy wild indigo
You can purchase wild indigo at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Christmas Basil
Christmas Basil is an annual herbaceous plant. It has large, glossy leaves with a distinct scent. People say the scent is of a fruity nature.
The botanical name of this plant is Ocimum basilicum.
Uses
The leaves of Christmas basil can be used to make tea infusions.
Health Benefits
- Pain Relief. Application of a topical preparation of wild indigo, which contains the herb’s analgesic properties, can relieve localized pain. In traditional medical practice, this sort of procedure was frequently carried out on the nipples of women who exhibited sensitivity in that region. This can also be used for those with wounds, post-surgery pain, and arthritic symptoms.
- Respiratory Health: It can act as an expectorant, helping you cough up the mucus and phlegm that are causing your sore throat and respiratory inflammation in the first place. This is especially helpful for people with bronchitis and the flu. Basil’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful for soothing irritated respiratory tracts and hastening recovery from respiratory infections.
Purple coneflower
Echinacea consists of a group of plants that are commonly called coneflowers. They are native to North and Eastern America. The name is derived from the Greek word(ekhinos), which refers to the spiny disk.
The purple coneflower has lots of uses, but the most popular amongst them is for medicine.
Health benefits
- Boost immunity: Purple coneflower has substances that have antiviral and antibacterial effects. Studies have shown that extracts from this flower can deal with herpes virus complications.
- In combination with cichoric acid, it can help prevent colon cancer.
- Echinacea has been proven to lower sugar levels. This can help with diabetes.
- May help reduce anxiety: Echinacea contains alkamides and rosmarinic acid that can help reduce anxiety.
Where to buy Echinacea
Echinacea can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Foxley
This plant goes by the botanical name Thymus pulegioides. This species of thyme is grown in large swathes of the world. It can withstand growth in both temperate and tropical regions.
It sports pink and purple flowers with cream and variegated leaves. It has a very aromatic scent that makes it a good plant for freshening up the room or livening up your garden.
Uses
- The foxley adds flavor to meat and fish.
- It can be used to garnish dishes.
Health Benefits
- Common Cold. Foxley’s significant effects on the flu and the common cold warrant their own category. If you suffer from a compromised immune system and experience frequent illness, Foxley herbal supplements could be beneficial.
- Improved Oral Health Bad breath, minor pain, and some bleeding while brushing are often the only signs of poor oral health, so many people go through life unaware that they are at risk. Diseases of the mouth, such as gingivitis and tooth and gum infections, respond well to Foxley’s healing properties.
Where to buy Foxley
Foxley can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal has two species, which are native to North America and Europe. The first species is Hedeoma pulegioides, which is native to the United States and Canada. The other one, Mentha pulegium, is native to parts of Europe.
Pennyroyal is a creeping herbaceous perennial which belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This plant has proven versatile all throughout history. It has been long used in medicine in ancient times for curing snake bites and also digestion issues.
Pennyroyal has health benefits.
- Cold relief: infusions made from pennyroyal can be used to relieve colds.
- Relieve abdominal cramps: The dried leaves of this herb can be used to relieve abdominal cramps.
Where to buy pennyroyal
You can purchase pennyroyal from these stores: Walmart, Costco, Amazon.
Bergamot
Bergamot belongs to the genus Monarda. It also goes by names such as bee balm and horsemint. The name bergamot gives off a smell that is similar to the leaves of the bergamot orange.
These species consist of both perennial and annual plants. The leaves give off an essential oil when crushed. This oil gives off a distinct fragrance and aroma.
Health benefits
- Multiple studies have shown that bergamot has the potential to lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. It has the potential to be a useful adjunct to cholesterol-lowering medications and may help to raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol as well. It may also help to increase “good” HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs.
- Bergamot-based aromatherapy blends have shown promise in treating depression in a variety of patient populations, including the elderly, those with terminal cancer, and pregnant women.
- According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, bergamot may help reduce joint pain in cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors. More research is needed.
Where to buy Bergamot
Bergamot can be purchased at any of these stores. Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Noble Garden florists, Bethel Park Flowers.
Coriander
Coriander is an annual plant, going by the botanical name of Coriandrum sativum. It’s sometimes referred to as Chinese parsley. Coriander is famous for its seeds and leaves, which are used in cooking.
The seeds are called coriander, and the stems and leaves are called cilantro.
As a result of its sour flavor, coriander is commonly used as a spice in culinary preparations.
Coriander contains the following nutrients. 100 g of coriander leaves yields:
- 31 calories
- 1.93g of carbs.
- 4.66 g of fiber
- 86.99 g of water.
- 0.70 g of Fat
- 3.52 g of protein.
- 135 mg of vitamin C.