A Brief History
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Tens of thousands of years ago, our ancestors were using herbs and spices to heal the sick, mend the injured, and promote every day good health. The shamans and “witch doctors” of the various tribes were experts in all herbs and combinations thereof. These doctors of pre-history had amazing talents and were revered as healers and medicine men of the ancient world.
As civilization grew, however, new discoveries in medicine pushed herbal remedies aside. During the Renaissance age, herbal cures were mostly known as potions and only used by barbarians. At the height of the Inquisition, for instance, so-called “witches” were burned at the stake for using these methods of medicine. Thankfully, this practice was discontinued. However, even during the 1800's, doctors still felt they were better educated and knew more than the commoners that continued to use herbs as their main form of medicine.
It has only been very recently that herbal medicine has made a comeback. Many people have been finding, and doctors have been verifying, that herbs used daily in the diet have a very large influence on our health.
WORD OF CAUTION - Herbs are by far the cheapest, most effective way to maintain our well-being. However, there is much to know before one can call themselves an herbalist. There are so many combinations and reactions, that it is necessary to be extensively trained in their use. Today, herbalists are as respected in the community as the doctors that also reside there.
Simply because herbs are natural substances, doesn’t mean they are not powerful medicine. Even our present day aspirin is derived from a substance found in willow bark tea. Since herbs have the ability to react with any of your present medications, all treatments should be monitored by your herbalist and your doctor.
BENEFITS - The benefits of various herbs and spices have been known for thousands of years and are just now making their way into mainstream medicine. As people become more knowledgeable and informed, the use of herbs will continue to grow. They are easily found in most supermarkets in the fresh and dried sections.
There are many good books written on this subject. Through personal experience, however, the easiest place to find nearly all the information you need is available through the Internet.
The attached list will outline a small sample of the how-to’s and benefits of using herbs in your everyday diet. Use them, experiment, try different combinations and spice blends (I keep a few bottles of various blends close at hand for grill seasoning). Only through continued practice will you become comfortable with their tastes and the quantity required.
Name Description Benefits Uses
Basil sweet, mildly pungent, aromatic tomatoes, pizza, vegetables, sauces digestion, appetite,
colds & sinus,
upset stomachCayenne pepper extremely hot, pungent add a pinch to sauces, soups, meat circulation, digestion,
headachesCilantro a.k.a. coriander lemony, full bodied Asian, Mexican,
Mediterranean dishesbreast & liver cancers,
rheumatism, digestion,
sore throatGarlic sweet, strong taste & aroma nearly everywhere,
one of the most common flavoringsanti-toxin,
immune booster,
lowers blood pressureGinger sweet, hot, aromatic Asian food, fish, meats, desserts bowel disorders, nausea,
headaches, sore throat,
cold & fluOregano distinctive, strong flavor Italian food, tomato
meat sauces, pork & lambanti-bacterial,
painkillerParsley fresh flavor and aroma soups, sauces,
herb blends,
adds fresh tastediuretic,
breath freshenerThyme pungent, mint-like soups, sauces, meat, fish, poultry healing, anti-bacterial,
cough expectorantRosemary bitter,
strong balsam-like flavor,
overpoweringmeats, fish, stuffings digestion, appetite,
blood pressure,
migrainesMint refreshing aroma,
pungent, hotMiddle Eastern,
lamb, desserts,
garnish, teanausea, sore throats