There are many popular herbs, each with their own unique uses and benefits. Some of the most popular herbs and their uses are as follows:
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – It is often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The spicier Thai basil is also used in Asian cuisines. It is commonly used in pestos, salads, pasta sauces, tomato sauces, marinades, and dressings.
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It has anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to treat digestive problems. Basil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, basil may help protect against cancer, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Italian and British cuisine uses sage. It is also used in some Middle Eastern cuisines. Most commonly sage is used in vegan cooking for stuffing, vegan sausages, making mock poultry flavors, used to enhance root vegetables and as a seasoning for roasted meat.
It has a long history that shows that in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, China and in the history of Native Americans sage being used for its health benefits. It has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help improve brain function. Sage is a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins, sage is known for its digestive and cognitive health benefits, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – used in Mediterranean, French, Italian and Spanish cuisines. It is sometimes used in Greek or Asian cuisines. It goes well with roasted vegetables. Rosemary is most often used in soups, stews, stuffings, casseroles, and potatoes. It has been used in salads, breads, and grains, too.
It has antioxidant properties and may help improve memory and concentration. Rosemary may help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mental clarity.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, French, and Italian cuisines. It can also be used in Spanish and Greek cooking. It compliments roasted vegetables, pizzas, pasta, soups, stews, and beans. It works well with cooked mushrooms. It is used in vegan cooking as one of the seasonings for mock chicken and fish recipes.
It has antibacterial properties and may help boost the immune system. Thyme is rich in antioxidants and may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – often used in Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, Mexican, and Latin American cuisine. It is used in pizza sauce, mock chicken dishes, mock egg dishes, mock fish dishes, stews, lasagna, on vegetables and potatoes.
It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and may help boost the immune system. Oregano is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as its ability to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) – There are several different types of mints. Mint is most popular in Middle Eastern, Asian, Spanish, Indian, Italian, and Greek cuisine. Commonly mint is used in teas, salads, desserts, side dishes, sauces, chutneys, and with chocolate and fruit.
It has antispasmodic properties and may help soothe digestive issues. In particular, Peppermint may help reduce nausea, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Italian, Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern and European cuisines all use parsley. It is used in salads, pastas, sauces, with vegetables, and as a garnish. A popular dish that uses a lot of parsley is Tabbouleh
It may work as a natural diuretic and may reduce bloating. Parsley may also help bone health.
Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) – also known as coriander, it is used in Mexican, Thai, Indian, Caribbean, Asian, African, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Cilantro is frequently used in pestos, guacamole, tacos, bean dips, salsas, chutneys, marinades, dressings, stir-fries, rice, and vegetables.
It has antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation. It may increase energy levels and reduce anxiety. It has been shown to help digestive upsets.
Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) – Scandinavian, Eastern European, Baltic, Russian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines use dill to enhance foods. Greek cuisine also uses dill and one of the well known favorites is Tzatziki Sauce. Different countries use dill in pickling, as well as in vegetables, soups, breads, sauces, dressings and salads.
It promotes digestion and may help regulate diabetes. Dill helps bone health and may boost the immune system.
