Herbs : Benefits and Nutrition.. s#1

Healthy herbs have long held an important place in our wellness. Prized since ancient times, and today we even more depend on them to purify our body, mind, and soul!

Medical research is only just discovering the immense power of herbs. They have been used to provide remedies for ailments for thousands of years and their health properties are written about in journals dating back to 3000 BC. As well as providing specific remedies for certain complaints, they also contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like all fruit and vegetables. These are known to prolong health and prevent ageing and serious diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

In this post, I will try to describe and accumulate benefits and uses of various herbs used in cooking and medicines at one page.
Sources used : All across net 


Lets start with Basil : 

Health benefits of basil Basil is recognized for its soothing and sedative properties and is useful to calm the nervous system and aid digestion. As well as this, basil is said to: Treat respiratory and chest problems such as bronchitis or coughs. Relieve cold and flu symptoms. Inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. Protects cells from oxidation and damage. Act as an anti-inflammatory and relieve rheumatic and arthritic conditions. Prevent the progression of the above illnesses. Improve blood flow through the body by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels. Prevent heart disease and failure. Act as a digestive. Ease stomach cramps and pains. Treat nervousness, anxiety, depression, exhaustion and tiredness. Relieve migraines. Increase the production of breast milk. Repel insects. Treat insect bites. Cure insomnia.

Ideas for cooking with basil

Basil goes well with any type of tomato dish, whether it is hot or cold and it is also the main ingredient of the Italian pesto sauce.

Other ideas for using basil in the kitchen are:
1. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top of Pizza
2. Add to tomato-based pasta sauces just before serving
3. Add to soups for that tangy flavor
4. Add while making Paneer into curdling milk and obtain herby paneer. 
5. Add to stir fried veggies 
6. Add fresh leaves to salad, specially the one with mozzarella cheese
7. Add in Indian tea while boiling it, specially during winters or in cold regions. 
8. Add to chapati dough along with mint for herbal chapati or paranthas.
9. Experiment with varieties of Pesto with basil and other vegetables or nuts.                                 


The other Herb taken is Mint : 

Mint was a beloved herb since ancient times because of its aroma and taste and medicinal properties. It not only benefits the digestive tract, respiratory, liver, gall bladder, it also has a strong effect on the nervous system. 


Other Benefits are :
1. Mint is rich in aroma which is effective in indigestion and inflammation. Its is a good appetizer. The smell of mint activates the salivary glands that produce digestive enzymes. This helps us in digestion.
2. Its beneficial for Asthma patients giving relief in blocking and allergy. 
3. In case of headache, smelling mint oil or crushed fresh mint leaves provides relief in nausea. Mint oil can also be applied over head for the same.
4. For external use, refreshes skin, rejuvenates, increases subcutaneous flow is useful to poor peripheral circulation. Mint juice is great when used as face masks. In addition to the skin, infections, rashes, and acne can also be cured by it. Mint can also heal mosquito bites.
5. Mint leaves helps overcome bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, no wonder your mouth breathes fresh when you use it regularly.
6. Researches indicate that some enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer. It also reduces the growth of fungus and bacteria in the body if included regularly in the meal. 

Notes:
1. Peppermint is not for children under 7 years;
2. Not to be taken while sarcian and nursing;
3.To be avoided in case of following a homeopathic treatment.


Uses :
1. Use to flavour sauces and jellies, especially lamb, soups and stews. Also use with potatoes, peas, tomatoes, avocado or salmon.
2. Add crushed mint leaves to tabbouleh for a healthy side dish of tomato, garlic and bulgar. Include mint and rosemary when you mix up your favorite blend of pesto.
3. Follow the advice of ancient healers by using mint plants in place of commercial room deodorizers. See if you get the side benefit these wise sages promise: leave mint plants and leaves around the house to combat ants, fleas and mice; especially if allergies and other ailments require you to use natural rather than chemical pesticides.
4. Add mint leaves to soups or make tea with honey. Serve the mint leaf tea or soup half an hour before the main meal for optimal appetite stimulation.
5. Add to chapati dough along with other herbs to make herbal rotis or paranthas.