Basil, mint, parsley and rosemary
Fresh herbs are a great alternative to salt in a meal. Dill, for example, goes very well with fish and a few basil leaves make any pasta a real treat. But did you know that herbs can also help your health? Promoting digestion or suppressing cough. Everything is possible, if you choose the right herbs.
Basil | Chives |
lemon balm | Dill |
Coriander | Coin |
Parsley | rosemary |
Sage | Thyme |
Basil
Typically Mediterranean. That’s the best way to describe basil. A combination of the freshness of lemon and the refined taste of jasmine. The herb comes into its own in Southern European (tomato) dishes such as pizza and pasta, or with salads, steamed vegetables and fish.
Basil promotes appetite and stimulates digestion. The oils in basil also work very well against stomach cramps and belching. The herb also has a bactericidal effect and can therefore also be used externally for insect bites or acne. Finally, basil also has an uplifting power.
Chives
Chives are related to the onion, leek, garlic and shallot and have a spicy taste. Chives are especially tasty with fresh eggs, salads, soups and sauces, but they are also used in fresh cheese, grilled fish and meat dishes.
Chives also promote the digestion, stimulates the appetite and has a positive effect on stomach complaints. With a hangover, the herb can provide some relief. In addition, chives are full of antioxidants.
lemon balm
The name says it all: lemon balm is characterized by a fresh lemon taste. The leaves of the lemon balm can be used in many dishes: salads, sauces and chicken and fish dishes. Lemon balm is also often used to make tea.
Lemon balm has a calming effect. It soothes headaches and nausea. In addition, it sometimes helps to dispel gloomy showers. In patients with dementia the herb appears to aid memory and slow down the dementia process.
Dill
The taste of dill is somewhat complex. It seems sweet and aniseed at first, but eventually the saltiness takes over. Dill goes very well with sour flavors such as lemon and vinegar and also goes well with fish and meat dishes with a strong taste.
Dill promotes digestion and appetite. In addition, the herb has an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. It reduces hiccups, abdominal pain, insomnia and flatulence.
Coriander
You either love it or you loathe it. There seems to be no middle ground with coriander. The taste is typical, fresh, aniseed with woody nuances and slightly bittersweet. The herb is widely used in Indian, Moroccan and Thai cuisine.
According to tradition, coriander promotes ‘immortality’. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, so that’s not really that crazy after all. In addition, the herb is useful for mild stomach and intestinal complaints and prevents bloating.
Coin
Mint comes in many varieties. The aroma is typical: spicy and at the same time refreshing. Peppermint is probably the most pronounced variety due to its high menthol content. Mint goes well with swell vegetables, such as fruit dishes. Of course, the herb is also not to be missed in a fresh mint tea or mojito.
Toothpastes They often contain mint for a reason: not only is it refreshing, but it is also said to whiten your teeth. Mint is also good for digestion and provides a fresh mind and a clear voice. Inhaling the oils from mint also counteracts nausea and improves concentration.
Parsley
The fresh, savory taste makes parsley indispensable in the kitchen. Like coriander, the spice has slightly woody nuances. Parsley is very suitable for mixing with other herbs. It is often used as a garnish, but you can also use parsley in all kinds of dishes.
Parsley is very high in vitamin C and minerals. In addition, the herb also stimulates digestion: it aids digestion and prevents flatulence. Parsley also works as a diuretic and can skin aging counteract.
rosemary
Rosemary is not only found in the kitchen, but also in bathroom products. It has a eucalyptus-like sweet taste and smell. Rosemary is traditionally used with oven baked potatoes, lamb and goat cheese. The herb also comes into its own in sweet dishes.
Bee cold and flu rosemary ensures that waste products are removed faster. Rosemary also promotes blood flow. According to the ancient Greeks and Romans, the herb is also a means of enhancing memory.
Sage
Sage also has a eucalyptus flavor, but is in a slightly rougher herb. Fresh sage has a hint of lemon, but it is lost when dried. Sage works well with pork, veal, poultry and soups and is also great with pumpkin, green vegetables or in cheese sauce.
The herb is an excellent remedy for hot flashes and excessive sweating. Sage can also provide relief for a cold or a tickle in the throat.
Thyme
The pronounced taste of thyme, spicy-sweet, is typically Mediterranean. It is a widely used spice in vegetables, fish, meat and sauces. Thyme comes into its own, especially with stewed meat and bean dishes, but also in sweet dishes.
Thyme contains thymol, a substance that is good for the respiratory tract. It suppresses cough and has an expectorant effect. In the past, thyme was sometimes called the antibiotic of the poor, because of its fungicidal and bactericidal effect.
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