5 Healthiest Herbs have magical power. They flavor your dishes, brighten your balcony, and are beautiful to look at. Experts consider them superfoods!
5 Healthiest Herbs have magical power
Basil
The name basil comes from the Greek word “basileus,” meaning king. It has been the queen of herbs for thousands of years, with roots supposedly in ancient India, where it is still believed to guide the soul to paradise. In Egypt, basil was used for embalming. It became sacred not only for its intense aroma but also for its significant health benefits.
If you suffer from chronic cough, pour hot water over fresh or dried basil leaves and let them steep for five minutes. Sip twice a day. The well-known herbalist Anka Kopáčová from Vrbové recommends basil tea as one of the 5 Healthiest Herbs for headaches, but many people also rely on it for stress, insomnia, and mental health issues, especially depression. In these cases, it’s best to consult with experts.
Basil is an essential ingredient in Italian cuisine, pasta dishes, and as a final touch on pizza. It pairs well with anything containing tomatoes or tomato paste.
Parsley
Parsley has three times more vitamin C than oranges or cabbage and contains chlorophyll, often referred to as the blood of plants. Thanks to this combination, parsley tea, one of the 5 Healthiest Herbs, can boost a weakened immune system, cleanse the blood, lower blood pressure, and oxygenate the body. However, pregnant women should be cautious with parsley. Parsley was, for decades, one of the most commonly used garnishes. Today, chefs thankfully use it more sparingly. Curly parsley has a milder flavor and aroma.
Scientific research has found that parsley contains a compound called apigenin, which helps the body defend itself against breast cancer.
Herbalist’s Tip: If you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, irregular menstruation, or taking antibiotics for inflammation, make parsley tea: Pour 200 ml of boiling water over one teaspoon of parsley and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it twice daily for two weeks.
Oregano
Southern Europeans can’t imagine their tomato sauces, pizzas, or meat fillings for ravioli or lasagna without oregano… In Greece, oregano is added to olive oil, where feta cheese is marinated.
Oregano is a treasure among the 5 Healthiest Herbs, especially during the winter months, whether in the kitchen or for health. Feel free to add oregano to all your favorite dishes where you’d typically use marjoram – the two herbs are quite similar. Oregano has calming properties and aids digestion. If you’re dealing with a cough or a poolside fungal infection, brew some oregano tea.
Summer Savory
Summer savory got its name from satyrs, forest gods, and demons, because it supposedly has magical aphrodisiac effects. It stimulates adrenal gland activity and the production of sex hormones. However, it was most loved by ancient cooks for its spicy aroma and slightly peppery taste, reminiscent of thyme.
It is mentioned in a 3rd-century cookbook. There are two types of savory: perennial mountain savory and annual garden savory. It perfectly seasons fish, grilled meats, potato salads, soups, and even homemade mayonnaise, making it one of the 5 Healthiest Herbs.
Tarragon
In ancient Rome, tarragon was used to treat patients bitten by snakes or suffering from toothaches. Modern herbalists recommend tarragon for sleep problems, diabetes, heart and head pain, and most importantly, to aid digestion and restore appetite. It is certainly one of the 5 Healthiest Herbs.
Harvest fresh leaves by June; after that, the herb, known as “dragon wormwood,” starts to bloom – something allergy sufferers know well. Tarragon’s intense flavor and aroma make it a great addition to grilling marinades, and it can be added directly to the baking dish with meat, especially lamb and fish or roasted vegetables.
It also enhances soups, fresh salads, and sauces. Do you know Béarnaise sauce? It’s similar to Hollandaise, which you might pour over asparagus, but it includes three tablespoons of chopped tarragon.
Stir it in and serve with roasted meat or spread it on toasted baguettes, as the French, the biggest tarragon lovers, do.
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