10 Herbs Your Diet is Craving

Herbs are plant-based substances a person can use to flavor their food and enhance the aroma. You can buy them or plant them in a kitchen garden or pots inside your home because they are versatile. They are also full of anti-oxidants and nutrients. They may also help alleviate the symptoms of some medical conditions and help prevent the development of chronic diseases.

The following herbs may just be the wow factor your kitchen garden needs. At Shop Nanjala we stock: –

1. Basil

 

Basil is commonly used because of its unique great taste. It has several beneficial antioxidants. Researchers who studied sweet basil found that it could help control blood pressure and that its fragrance eased stress and relieved anxiety.

It’s a versatile and can be used in many dishes like pesto, salad dressings, salads, pizzas and sandwiches.

2. Thyme

Thyme is native to the Mediterranean and has many nutrients, including:

• Antioxidants
• Minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and selenium
• Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K

Some available research suggests that thyme essential oils may have anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Thyme is used to flavor meat dishes and soups.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary is a pleasant-smelling herb that’s a staple in many kitchens. It is a source of the potent rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant in various plants. Rosmarinic acid is

• Antibacterial
• Anticancer (may prevent cancer cells from growing)
• Anti-inflammatory
• A possible pain reliever
• Antiviral

It is suggested that sipping rosemary tea may benefit those with anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that rosemary supplements may also help treat depression. It is used to make relaxing teas and to flavour meat dishes.

4. Oregano

Oregano is a herb in the mint family with a robust, earthy flavor. It contains powerful antioxidants. Traditionally, it is used in the Mediterranean cultures as medicine for symptoms like indigestion, coughs, diarrhea, and bronchitis.

Use fresh oregano in salads and pasta dishes, and use dried oregano in sauces, dressings, and roast chicken.

5. Sage

Sage has an earthy taste and grows in many areas around the world. It has a variety of uses in various cuisines and traditional medicine systems. It has several antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, camphor, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin which give it powerful therapeutic properties. Research suggests that sage supplements may have cognitive-enhancing like improving brain function and memory, especially in healthy people of all ages as well as people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research needs to be conducted.  You can incorporate it into your diet via soups, cereals and vegetables.

6. Parsley

Parsley is an aromatic herb rich in nutrients like vitamin C. Eating antioxidant-rich foods, like parsley may help prevent cellular damage that could cause diseases. Research suggests that consuming parsley may help protect against cognitive decline and heart disease.

Fresh parsley has a bright, slightly peppery taste that works well sprinkled on almost any savory dish to add a pop of color and flavor.

7. Coriander

Coriander has a distinctive flavor and aroma that changes the taste of certain foods. You can consume the leave or seeds. Coriander typically refers to the seeds, while the leaves are also called cilantro.

Coriander leaves have been found to contain flavonoids, essential phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. According to one review, the flavonoids in coriander inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), leading to more relaxed arteries and, as a result, lowered blood pressure. As promising as these results are, human research on coriander for high blood pressure (hypertension) is severely lacking. More research is needed in this area.

You can add it to your diet via smoothies, soups and salads.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint has long been used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. A 2024 study found that peppermint oil can improve pain management in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has also been found that peppermint oil was superior to placebos for the treatment of IBS. Peppermint also helps reduce abdominal bloating. There are also some studies showing that peppermint in aromatherapy can help fight nausea. However, more research is needed.

9. Lavender

Although it is edible, people use it mostly for its fragrance. Its scent   can relieve anxiety, improve sleep and melt away irritability and stress, according to several studies. You can use it under your pillow to help calm the nervous system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate thus lulling you to sleep.

10. Dill

Dill is used in both pickling and cooking. You can consume the seeds as well as the leaves. It is said to reduce the risk of heart disease. The seeds are used to get rid of bad breath.

Please Note

One may have a possible allergy or intolerance to an herb or spice. Any food has the potential to become an allergen at any time. Certain herbs might also be associated with medication interactions.

References

https://www.health.com/best-herbs-for-health-benefits-11820831

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7059186/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/coriander-11829214

https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/114/6/1936/6369090

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13030-024-00302-y