Herbs

Do you know the importance of herbs in your day-to-day life? Most people are unaware of the fact that there herbs exist! The Gen Z kids only know about oregano has an herb because it being a pizza topping but there are an endless number of ingredients that qualify as herbs according to mentions in Ayurveda. These provide numerous health benefits apart from being aromatic and flavourful. Herbs are those that possess medicinal properties to heal any problem easily and effectively. These come handy in home remedies for treating multiple kinds of generic issues including cough, cold, fever infection, aches, to name but a few. If you want to know more about different types of herbs, their benefits and how to use them, scroll down to read the details.

What are Herbs?

Herbs are basically parts of a plant that are used for several things including cooking and at-home remedies. These can be used in both fresh and dried forms as per the need and availability of the herb. These possess great aromatic and medicinal properties that help in nourishing and treating the body in multiple ways. These are great to enhance flavour of any given dish just by adding a pinch of it. You can even use them for uplifting the aroma and refreshing the air. These have health-promoting properties that provide you with enormous health benefits upon consuming these herbs.

Also, let us tell you that herbs are not spices. There is a huge difference between the two. Spices are always used in dried forms whereas herbs can be used either way. These are beneficial for health and do not cause any side-effect.

Health benefits of herbs

We have listed down some of the best benefits of herbs that you should know about:

Consuming herbs are found to be effective in managing and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, etc.

Herbs are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbs like garlic and fenugreek lowers cholesterol and keep the levels in check upon regular consumption.

Certain herbs manage insulin activity to regular blood sugar which is great for diabetics.

Many herbs have anti-cancer properties or that they help in the prevention of different types of cancers. These herbs are garlic, onions, sage, leeks, oregano, etc.

Herbs are helpful in managing blood pressure in people with hypertension(high BP) or hypotension(low BP).

Some herbs have high antioxidant value in both fresh and dried forms. These promote age-related health issues and also act as anti-aging agents.

What are some of the best herbs?

There are countless herbs that you can find on mother Earth but we have listed down 10 herbs here that are easily found and are of great benefits.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is popularly called a spice but it is a potent herb as well. Cinnamon is great for regulating blood sugar. It is great for people with diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect. Cinnamon is also rich in antioxidants that help in fighting inflammation, decreasing bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Besides, cinnamon is also good for weight loss as it slows down the breakdown of carbs in the digestive tract. You must add cinnamon to your diet and also drink cinnamon tea or add a pinch of cinnamon powder to your beverages.

Turmeric

Another spice cum herb that is exceptionally great for overall health is turmeric. It contains curcumin compound that possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also has other medicinal compounds but curcumin is the most important of them all. Curcumin helps in preventing oxidative damage to the body which slows down aging process and prevents many chronic illnesses. Talking about anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, it helps in boosting the immune system. Several studies show consumption of turmeric can fight cognitive decline, improve brain function and cuts down the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Holy Basil or Tulsi

This is a staple plant in every Indian household. It has religious beliefs but at the same time, it is also an incredible herb with innumerable benefits. Holy basil or tulsi contains antioxidants which make this plant a potent immunity booster. Tulsi possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties making it useful for several day-to-day life problems. You can add tulsi leaves to your tea, consume tulsi water by boiling some leaves in water or chew tulsi leaves. In addition to this, applying a paste of tulsi leaves on the face helps in removing pimples, acne, etc. skin issues.

Aloe Vera

This gel plant has many benefits than you know. It is mostly used as a natural skin moisturising ingredient but it can be used in several home remedies too. People do not know that this is a herb that can be used for various remedies including skin and health problems. Aloe Vera is also great for boosting immunity which is very important these days. From hair growth stimulation to eczema prevention to acne relief, there is so much that this herb can do. You can consume aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice daily for greater benefits. Besides, applying aloe vera gel to your skin problems can also bring relief. If you are dealing with hair problems like dandruff, dry hair, hair fall, etc. apply aloe vera gel on your scalp.

Mint

There are many varieties of mint such as normal mint and peppermint. You can consume or use mint in many ways. Mint freshens breath and also soothes the stomach when you are troubled with gastric issues. Mint is beneficial for your body in many ways. From calming irritated skin to promoting digestive health to relieving gas, indigestion, etc. problems, there is so much that mint can do.

Parsley

Parsley is a mildly bitter herb that is majorly used to make your food flavourful. Do not mistake parsley to be coriander(that many people do because of nearly the same flavour and appearance). Many people use parsley simply to garnish food. Parsley is a herb that is used in both fresh and dried forms. It is very beneficial for the body as it improves digestive functions because it contains vitamins A and C that repair the body from within.

Fennel

Fennel is very tasty and aromatic and it is great for strengthening the digestive system. There are many ways of consuming fennels. Mostly, fennel seeds are used and consumed in myriad ways. Fennel water and fennel tea are found to be helpful in reducing obesity as well as controlling mood swings. Consuming fennel regularly after meals can improve digestion and prevent constipation.

Sage

Sage is a powerhouse of many medicinal properties. It can boost memory power and improve brain functions. It is also beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease as it enhances the functions of brain chemicals that cause memory loss and Alzheimer's. Apart from this, the aroma of sage helps in improving the mood.

Rosemary

Rosemary is also a herb whose oil is more popular and comes to use as rosemary leaves. Rosemary oil has great soothing and calming properties that help control mood swings. It also reduces headaches, stress and depression. If you frequently encounter morning sickness or nausea, you must try this herb.

Gingko

Ginkgo is beneficial for mental health, which helps in keeping the body healthy from the inside. It helps in the treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, eye health, inflammation, diabetes, bone health, anxiety and depression.

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-healthy-herbs-and-spices

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/herbs

https://www.gardeningchannel.com/list-of-herbs-from-a-to-z/