Healthy Diet Plans >>  Therapeutic Value of Different Foods >>  Spices and Herbs >>  Culinary herbs

Culinary herbs

Culinary herbs are the herbs used in seasoning, garnishing, and flavoring foods. These herbs are of variable types. Culinary herbs can be annual, biannual, or perennial, depending upon their growth cycles. They can either be used in dried form, like sage and oregano, or they can be used while fresh, like parsley and celery.

Culinary herbs impart immense health benefits.

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Some of the common culinary herbs along with their benefits are listed below:
• Basil: Basil is rich in flavonoids and several volatile oils. It helps in retaining and maintaining the cellular structure of the body, and is anti microbial and anti inflammatory in action.
• Oregano: Oregano is a popular seasoning agent which is rich in anti-oxidants. It slows down the pace of ageing and also protects you from cancer. Oregano is also helpful in alleviating respiratory diseases, including bronchitis.
• Parsley: Parsley is a commonly used garnishing and flavoring herb. It helps in strengthening the immune system of the body, thereby reducing the incidences of illness. It also serves to enhance mental alertness and is a powerful breath freshener as well.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a flavoring agent as well as a food preservative. It boosts the nervous system and also clears respiratory congestion. It also serves as an anti-depressant.
• Sage: Sage is a very useful culinary herb, which is meant for all of your senses. It boosts the nervous system and also enhances memory and concentration. It also helps combat microbial infection.
• Thyme: Thyme has astringent like properties and as such, it serves to purge your digestive system, thereby boosting the health of your entire gastro-intestinal tract.
• Curry leaf: Curry leaves can be used as a seasoning agent for food. They are a boon for diabetics. Curry leaves also ameliorate your digestive system and cure skin problems.
• Mint: Mint is a popular flavoring agent. It enhances your metabolic process and thereby keeps your stomach and digestive system healthy. It is also a relaxant and relaxes your muscles.
• Chives: Chives is an important component of Japanese medicinal therapy. The herb is used as a seasoning agent for its mild flavor and aroma. It is instrumental in relieving blood pressure and cholesterol and also prevents cancer. It is also beneficial for your digestive system.
• Peppermint: Peppering is a flavoring and seasoning agent which inhibits the growth of bacteria and also cures stomach problems.

These are just a few of the commonly used culinary herbs that are used all over the world. There are many other varieties of culinary herbs and their use will depend on the region you live in and the local cuisine.

Submitted on April 14, 2011
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