Benefits of Cooking with Natural Healing Herbs

Natural herbs are generally assumed to have two purposes, culinary and medicinal. This is true in a larger scale, but since the definition of the difference between herbs and spices and herbs is that a herb has healing quality whereas spices lack this quality of healing. Therefore, it follows that there are significant health benefits to cooking with natural healing herbs. In this article we will look at some of these benefits. 

Preparing for natural herbs for cooking

The first thing to be said is that fresh, better than natural herbs dried or frozen herbs every time, both in terms of taste and healing properties. It would be best for everyone if you grow them in your own herb garden by yourself. Herbs should be thoroughly washed and dried before use. If you use a large quantity of natural herbs, treat them as you would salad greens, wash them under running water and dry them in a salad spinner. 

 Fresh natural herbs should be finely chopped or minced (unless the recipe dictates otherwise) and added to the meal just before it finishes cooking. Cooking over natural herbs can reduce the taste and remove valuable nutrients. 

 Medicinal properties of common natural herbs 

Now we turn to the health benefits of some of the natural herbs commonly used in cooking. Dill is rich in dietary fiber and calcium. It is also an abdominal support and appetizer. Emperor Charlemagne used to give it to his banquet table for the guests who had eaten too much. 

Parsley is a natural contraceptive. It stimulates blood flow around the uterus, causing contractions to trick the body into believing it is already pregnant. For this reason, fresh parsley best avoided by women attempting to become pregnant, although small amounts of boiled parsley is probably OK. 

Rosemary contains important antioxidants which may help to eliminate free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of cancer. It may also help relieve nasal congestion. 

Oregano is a natural antiseptic and painkiller. The oil found in its leaves were historically used to treat pain and infections, is almost as strong as morphine. 

Basil, the other great standby in Mediterranean cooking, has antacids and anti-gas properties. It is also a mild sedative, so be wary of using fresh basil at breakfast and lunch dishes. At dinner time, on the other hand, these reassuring qualities have an advantage because they will help you to sleep when it's time to go to bed.