Garden Herbs – Culinary, Medicinal or Both?

I love to read historical fiction. One aspect that has always fascinated me is when the characters turn to herbs for medical treatment. Of course, they did not have the medical miracles in terms of drugs, equipment and other therapies that we have today. I sometimes think that modern medicine has pushed herbs so far to the side that people are not aware of some of their medicinal qualities. That is the subject of this Cooking Tip.

I have written about the culinary use of fresh herbs and provided more detailed tips on some specific herbs. Those tips were all about using these herbs in the kitchen.

This discussion will only touch on a few of the most common herbs. There are infinitely more out there that I do not include. This post is also not intended to be medical advice, only a general discussion. It’s crucial to exercise particular caution, especially with pregnant women, those with serious illnesses, children and anyone on prescription medication. Your safety is paramount, so please consult your medical professional before instituting any herbal remedies.

This blog post does not provide a comprehensive guide on how to use these herbs. They can be prepared in various forms, such as tea, infused oils, vinegars, tinctures, salves, lotions, creams, ointments, and poultices. For detailed instructions, I recommend referring to publications by trained herbalists. Additionally, this discussion focuses on mild health concerns. For more serious ailments, it’s best to consult your physician.

We all know herbs are delicious and do wonders in our kitchen. But why do some think there is a place for herbs outside of the culinary world? The answer lies in their long-standing history. Herbs have been used in a medicinal way for health and wellness for thousands of years. Also, there is scientific research on many herbs, although much more needs to be done.

In general, herbs are said to be helpful in a variety of ways. They provide significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some herbs are felt to strengthen certain bodily systems, such as the digestive and immune systems. They can possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Some herbs are sedating, while others are stimulating.

You might say that may be true, but that was before all the advancements of modern medicine. Why would I want to use them now? I like the approach of one herbalist who stated that rather than thinking of herbs as a substitute for a prescription drug or therapy, consider them a complement to that treatment. Let’s take a look at some of these herbs in alphabetical order.

Basil

Basil has antibacterial qualities and contains vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron.
Basil essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat mild depression and ease overworked muscles. It should only be applied externally and should always be diluted before applying to the skin. Basil essential oil should never be used internally.
Basil infusions may help with dyspepsia, gas, bloating and nausea. Some say just chewing on a leaf may ease indigestion or gas.
Basil tea is thought to reduce symptoms associated with a cold or flu and be a pain reliever.
Making a poultice of crushed leaves can treat insect bites and skin irritation.

Bay

An infusion made with bay leaves may help to stimulate appetite and settle one’s stomach.
The infusion may also be applied to the scalp to relieve dandruff.
The essential oil can be used during a massage to relieve sprains and joint pains.
Add a decoction to bath water to tone skin and relieve aches.

Bee Balm

This herb is also known as horse mint, Oswego tea and wild bergamot.
As a soak, it may be helpful for athletes’ foot and nail fungus.
It has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may ease respiratory symptoms from the cold and flu.
It is also suggested for indigestion and nausea.

Borage

A Roman author and philosopher who lived AD 23-79 claimed it worked as an antidepressant. Experts today feel it can calm anxiety and mild nervous disorders.
It can be used to treat eczema, premenstrual symptoms, and fever.
It has expectorant qualities and, thus, can help alleviate cough.
Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in treating bug bites, bee stings, bruises, and rashes.

Calendula

During the Civil war, this herb was used as an antiseptic and to stop bleeding and speed the healing of wounds.
It can relieve the itching from bug bites and possibly help with painful skin conditions caused by radiation treatment. It is felt to have skin-healing properties.

Catnip/Catmint

As a mild sedative, this herb may help with sleep and reduce anxiety.
It is also said to ease stomach cramping, promote digestion and stop diarrhea.
Poultices may reduce inflammation and swelling.

Chamomile

Known to contain antioxidants as well as possessing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
A chamomile mouthwash is used to treat mouth ulcerations and oral pain.
It has skin-healing qualities, helping with conditions like chicken pox, eczema, and psoriasis. In these cases, it is usually added to a bath or lotion.
Chamomile tea is considered a mild sedative that can aid in treating insomnia.

Chives

Although this herb is not considered medicinal, it contains large amounts of vitamins A & C and healthful minerals.
It could be a mild aid to digestion and help with sore throats.

Dandelion

We may think of this as a weed, but it is known to have antibacterial and immune-boosting qualities.
It may help build bone strength due to high amounts of certain minerals.
It may also help to fight urinary tract infections.

Echinacea

We have all seen reports of how this herb can help us fight off colds or flu and reduce the severity of symptoms.
It also possesses anti-itch and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Garlic

Garlic is thought to help the viruses that cause colds and flu as well as being an expectorant.
In addition, it may have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
A garlic-containing hair rinse can ease dandruff. The recommendation is to apply at night and rinse out in the morning to remove the odor.

Ginger

The most known medicinal quality of ginger is as an anti-nausea agent. It is often recommended for travel sickness.
Besides nausea, it may have pain relief qualities. A compress made with hot ginger tea is said to be helpful for painful joints.
A compress of cool tea may ease minor burns and rashes.

Lavender

We have all probably seen lavender-containing sleep sachets and bath oils. That is due to its anti-anxiety, muscle relaxing and sedative properties.
It is thought to help alleviate nervousness, mild depression and insomnia.
It also possesses pain-relieving properties and is used as a headache treatment.

Lemon Balm

This is another aromatic herb that helps calm nerves, improve mood and aid sleep. It is felt to be one of the most effective herbs in reducing mild depression.
As a pain reliever, it can reduce menstrual cramps and headaches.
As for gastrointestinal effects, it may increase appetite and aid indigestion.
Just as with other aromatic herbs, it is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Mint

It was used in medieval times to treat bad breath, dandruff, and other ailments.
Possesses natural antibiotic properties.
Aids in eradicating bad breath.
It is said to help alleviate nausea, indigestion, and gas. It is also thought to have an anti-spasmodic effect, helping with cramps.
The menthol content can help with sore throat and acts as a decongestant. Putting mint essential oil in a pan of hot water and inhaling the steam may help relieve congestion.
It has a mild sedative effect, making it helpful with mild anxiety and nervousness.

Oregano

This herb is considered an infection fighter due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its significant antioxidant levels.
Tea made from the leaves and flowers may help coughs, colds, flu, indigestion, menstrual and muscular pain.
The leaves can also be used as a hot compress for skin conditions and joint pain.

Parsley

Good source of iron, calcium, vitamins A & C and possesses antimicrobial properties.
Applied topically, it could help reduce facial dark spots and soothe chapped skin, bug bites, and bruises.
It may give gastrointestinal support and alleviate nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gas.
It is said to promote estrogen secretion, leading to reduced menstrual pain.
Chewing on the leaves can sweeten the breath.

Tarragon

Medicinal uses of this herb are limited, but it is felt to improve digestive health.
It is rich in minerals such as manganese, iron, potassium and beneficial carotenoids.
In Chinese medicine, it is recommended to reduce inflammation.
The French will make a tarragon tea to reduce insomnia.

Thyme

It has antibacterial qualities.
The essential oil has been used for muscle aches and skin irritations.
When combined with honey, it could be effective for treating coughs and sore throats.

These are just a few herbs that may have some medicinal value. Whether or not they do and their efficacy level is certainly deserving of more scientific research. We should also be reaching for them to use in our kitchens. They may do more than just add flavor and interest to our dishes.

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Published by culinaryjourneysllc