Herbs are essential kitchen sidekicks that add an extra oomph of flavor and a splash of color to your fave recipes. But don’t underestimate these leafy smell-good plants. For centuries, folks have used fresh herbs to rejuvenate the mind and body – soothing everyday aches, delivering glowing complexions, and even curing chronic illnesses. The bottom line? Sure, they’re pretty and tasty, but they’re also health dynamos.
We move with intention and we eat with intention. Why not season with intention? These five herbs are always in our fridge. Maybe they’ll find a place in yours.
Cilantro or Coriander
While some of us can’t get enough of the lacy green herb, others have an innate aversion to it, which has been linked to receptor genes for smell. Whether cilantro is the herb you love or love to hate – you can’t deny its healing powers.
This ancient medicinal herb is a nutrient treasure chest filled with essential oils, acids, minerals, and vitamins. Acids found in cilantro are wizards at warding off heart attacks and strokes by lowering levels of bad cholesterol that can clog arteries. Those same acids bump up good cholesterol levels, keeping us in A+ cardiovascular condition. And because it helps keep blood sugar levels steady, cilantro has earned the title of “anti-diabetic herb.”
Cilantro facemask anyone? Packed with skin-loving vitamin C, cilantro works wonders on your complexion and helps you maintain your radiant natural glow. This super-herb is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory plant ninja that helps soothe and clear up skin disorders.
On the food front, grab a bunch and cook up a south-of-the-border fiesta. Add a handful of cilantro to a bowl of guacamole or tuck it into tacos to bring out their zesty flavors. Cilantro for breakfast? Add cilantro to your morning smoothie. You might be surprised at its amped up freshness.
Mint
Mint is so much more than a bad breath buster. For centuries, it’s been used to kick-start enzymes in order to aid in digestion. A hot cup of mint tea soothes upset tummies, alleviates nausea, and helps moms-to-be survive bouts of morning sickness.
Feeling drained? So tired that you need toothpicks to keep your eyes open? Our go-to solution is exercise to release those feel-good endorphins, but mint may be the next best thing. A natural stimulant, mint can perk you up and boost your brainpower.
Say adieu to bad skin. Mint’s cooling sensation soothes stubborn breakouts and its anti-inflammatory qualities bring down swelling.
In cooking, celebrate mint’s versatility in savory and sweet dishes. It complements succulent lamb chops as naturally as it does creamy chocolate. Create imaginative salads (grilled zucchini, feta, and mint), creamy sauces (Greek tzatziki), and summery desserts (lime sorbet).
Basil
The ultimate summer herb tickles our taste buds with the promise of fresh caprese salads, crunchy bruschetta, and ice-clinking cocktails. But this little green, with its sweet-smelling perfume and distinctive Italian charm, has several healthy tricks up its s(leaves).
If you can’t get rid of a pesky cough or are looking for an herbal fix to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, basil can deliver. Because it works as a natural cleansing agent for your lungs, basil is a key ingredient in cough syrups.
Basil’s anti-anxiety properties are known to calm your nerves and help you to chill out. De-stress after a rough day with basil lemonade or a cooling, basil-infused Bloody Mary – it’s for health reasons, right?
Like PB&J or strawberries and cream, basil and juicy tomatoes are a match made in culinary heaven (think pasta sauces and creamy tomato soup). Hot kitchen tip: Add the leaves at the last minute, as cooking can diminish their flavor.
Parsley
Don’t write off this under-appreciated herb as just another garnish. It’s a health powerhouse that arms you with the essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants needed to upgrade your immune system and beat arthritis and infection.
Parsley is your anti-osteoporosis knight in shining green armor. It’s packed with bone building gems, such as calcium, vitamin K, and magnesium, and its buffet of anti-inflammatory nutrients delivers relief from joint pains and arthritis.
The unassuming little leaves pack a powerful health punch, especially when it comes to cancer. Rich in gutsy anti-cancer compounds, parsley can lower the risk of cancer and stunt the growth of tumors in some cases.
Give parsley a purpose! Make a tangy chimichurri to top off steaks (make a bucketful cos you’ll be drizzling it over tomatoes, ladling it onto grilled potatoes, and eating it by the spoonful). Add the stems to your veggie stock to enhance soups and sauces.
Lemongrass
Although it’s less of a looker than a vibrant bunch of basil or crisp curls of parsley, this simple stalk is loaded with goodness and has been used in Asian medicine for centuries.
Looking to detox naturally? Lemongrass cleans your body from the inside out by getting rid of substances that your body doesn’t need. As the cleansing effect helps to lower blood sugar levels, it's a mighty herb for diabetics.
Research has shown that antioxidants found in the citrusy stem can cause cancer cells to die without harming healthy tissue.
On the culinary front, mince it, slice it, or cook it whole. Use lemongrass to add flair to your curries, stir fries, soups, and spring rolls. For an intense flavor, add the lemongrass at the beginning of cooking. If you’re seeking a more delicate take on freshness, add right before serving.
Who knew that keeping healthy could taste so good? Add healing herbs to your shopping list or, better yet, transform your windowsill into a nutritional nirvana.
Don’t miss the second and third parts of the series: Top 10 healthy spices, How to jazz up your favorite protein with our top 10 Herbs and Spices recipes.
Big thanks to our contributing author Michele H - PS Nutrition Analyst.
Click here for Terms & Conditions