Herbs Uses Page 3

Uses:

It is used as a non-nutritive sweetener and herbal supplement. A non-nutritive sweetener is one that contains little to no calories. Stevia is used as a healthful alternative to added sugar in many meals and beverages.

This purified stevia extract is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar in the same concentrate so it takes only a minuscule amount to sweeten foods. In the sense that stevia doesn't add calories, affect blood sugar or insulin levels, or contribute to dental cavities.

Uses:

Thyme is often included in seasoning blends for poultry and stuffing and is also commonly used in fish sauces, chowders, and soups. It goes well with lamb and veal as well as in eggs, custards, and croquettes. Thyme often is paired with tomatoes.

Health benefits:

Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders.

Uses:

Add caraway seeds to potato salad or coleslaw.

Add a pinch to any tomato-based sauce or soup.

Sprinkle over roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Mix into cheese dip.

Sprinkle onto baked apples to enhance the flavor.

Add to shortbread cookies or Irish sodabread cookies.

Health benefits:

caraway is taken by mouth for digestive problems including heartburn, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, and mild spasms of the stomach and intestines. Caraway oil is also taken by mouth to help people cough up phlegm, improve control of urination, kill bacteria in the body, and relieve constipation.

Uses:

Use parsley fresh or dried on grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, a cold green-bean salad, stews, soups, pasta, and hot or cold grain dishes. 

Health benefits:

Reduce your cancer risk. Eating parsley can reduce the risk of cancers such as breast, digestive tract, skin, and prostate. ...

Improve your immune function. Parsley may help to modulate the immune system. ...

Beat inflammation. ...

Fight disease. ...

Protect your blood vessels.

Uses:

Raspberry leaf tea.

The leaves contain calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals help to promote healthy digestion and strong bones. Also, raspberry leaf tea contains antioxidants known as polyphenols.

Raspberry leaf is thought to tone the muscles of your womb (uterus) so they work more efficiently when you're in labor. You can take raspberry leaves in tablet form as well as drinking them as tea. 

Uses:

Blackberry leaves tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried leaves.

Health benefits:

Blackberry leaves, roots, and fruit are used for treating diarrhea, fluid retention, diabetes, gout, and pain and swelling (inflammation); and for preventing cancer and heart disease. It is also used as a mouth rinse for mild mouth and throat irritation.

Uses:

Soak the seeds before you put them in smoothies or juices. ...

Sprinkle flaxseeds on your yogurt or cereal. ...

Add toasted flaxseed to salads and soups.

Health benefits:

Flaxseed is a rich source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber. The seeds contain protein, lignans, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3. The nutrients in flaxseed may help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. 

Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to have several health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure and improved regularity. What's more, flaxseed oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a replacement for other types of oils, added to foods or applied to your skin and hair.

Uses:

It is eaten cooked or raw. The leaves are used in soups, stocks, flavored vinegar, pickles, stews, and salads. In Italy, lovage is used with oregano and garlic for tomato sauces. The seeds are sprinkled over salads and mashed potatoes and are crushed for bread, pastries, biscuits, and cheeses.

 Lovage stalks, leaves, and seeds can all be used to impart its bright and fresh celery flavor. Add leaves to a mix of salad greens or let wilt in soups and stocks.

Health benefits:

Lovage has also been known as a medicinal herb for ailments including pain, inflammation, indigestion, joint pain, and headaches.

uses:

Medicine is made from the root. Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). Valerian is also used orally for anxiety and psychological stress.

Dried roots are prepared as teas or tinctures, and dried plant materials and extracts are put into capsules or incorporated into tablets 

Uses:

Lavender is an herb. The flower and the oil of lavender are used to make medicine. Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is also used for depression, dementia, pain after surgery, and many other conditions.

Massage diluted lavender oil onto your scalp.

You can dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. ...

Oil massaging anywhere from once per week to once per day works well. ...

You can also add oil to your very own homemade shampoo.