Herbs
Herbs are the plants with savoury or aromatic belongings whose leaves or seeds are used for medical purposes, flavouring and garnishing foods, or for fragrances; excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients. Herbs are plants containing a lot of uses which includes culinary, medicinal, and in some cases, spiritual. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Generally, herbs refer to the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant either dried or fresh., whereas spices are usually dried and produced from seeds, bark, roots and fruits. Generally, usage of the term "herb" differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs; in therapeutic or spiritual use.
Herbaceous Plants – What Are Herbaceous Plants
Herbaceous plants are the plants which can be defined as non-woody vascular stems. The stems reach their full height and produce flowers within one year, before dying back in the winter and then reappearing in the coming spring ready for a repeat performance. In winter, their above-ground growth dies back in the temperate zone, but they may still have underground plants parts like roots, bulbs, etc that survive. Herbaceous plants include grasses – like plants grouped as graminoids, forbes, and ferns. Graminoids are the plants with grass-like appearance, including the true grasses and rushes. Forbs are generally mentioned as herbaceous broad-leafed plants. Banana plants are considered as herbaceous plants because the stem does not contain woody tissue. Technically, every annual plant is herbaceous, because an annual is a non-woody plant.
Herbaceous Perennials
Herbaceous plants are the ones that have an annual, biennial, or perennial life cycle. Annuals take it a step forward and end up entirely at the end of their lone growing season, both above and below the ground. Herbaceous perennials and biennial plants may have stems that die at the end of their growing season but still may leave parts of the plants which survive from season to season.
As we read from the above discussion that herbaceous plants reappear in the springtime. The term 'perennial' essentially means that the plant will live for more than two years.
Types of Herbs
There are 27 types of herbs, a mega list as following:
Parsley(scientific name: Petroselinum Crispum)
Mint(scientific name: Mentha)
Dill(scientific name: Anethum Graveolens)
Basil(scientific name: Ocimum Basilicum)
Sage(scientific name: Salvia Officinalis)
Rosemary(scientific name: Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Thyme(scientific name: Thymus Vulgaris)
Cilantro/coriander(scientific name: Coriandrum Sativum)
Fennel(scientific name: Foeniculum Vulgare)
Chamomile(scientific name: Matricaria Chamomilla)
Tarragon(scientific name: Artemisia Dracunculus)
Lavender(scientific name: Lavandula)
Chives(scientific name: Allium Schoenoprasum)
Bay leaves(scientific name: Laurus Nobilis)
Culantro(scientific name: Eryngium Foetidum)
Chervil(scientific name: Anthriscus Cerefolium)
Winter savory(scientific name: Satureja Montana)
Peppermint(scientific name: Mentha * Piperita)
Stevia(scientific name: Stevia Rebaudiana)
Lemongrass(scientific name: Cymbopogon)
Oregano(scientific name: Origanum Vulgare)
Marjoram(scientific name: Origanum Majorana)
Lemon balm(scientific name: Melissa Officinalis)
Myrtle(scientific name: Myrtus)
Lemon verbena(scientific name: Aloysia Citrodora)
Cicely(scientific name: Myrrhis Odorata)
Spearmint(scientific name: Mentha Spicata)
So, these were the types of herbs.
Herbs Benefits List
Cinnamon lowers the blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect.
Sage can improve the functioning of the brain and memory.
Peppermint helps in relieving IBS pain and may reduce nausea.
Turmeric contains Curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Holy basil helps in fighting infections and boosts immunity.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which helps in reducing appetite and has anti-cancer properties.
Ginger helps in treating nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fenugreek improves blood sugar control.
Rosemary helps in preventing allergies and nasal congestion.
Garlic combats sickness and improves heart health.
Solved Examples
Question 1: List a few herbaceous plants examples.
Answer: Few herbaceous plants examples are:
Columbine
Montauk daisies
Larkspur
Hardy mums
Peonies
Salvia
Garden phlox
Mayapple
Leopard plant
Fun Facts
Ants get confused by peppermint as it is highly aromatic.
Catnips are not just for the cat. Pesky insects hate beautiful herbal bouquets.
Basil has had ritual uses since ancient times.
It's said that Marjoram can fight off the devils.
Oregano is a powerful substance in folklore.
Rosemary is best for strong memory and energy.
Many people miss out on the best part of garlic.
Allspice is not a combination of all spices; it is a dry berry.
FAQs on Herbs and Their Benefits
1. What exactly are herbs, and how do they differ from spices?
Herbs are the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant used for flavouring, food, or medicinal purposes. Examples include mint, basil, and parsley. Spices, on the other hand, are typically derived from other parts of the plant, such as the seed, bark, root, or fruit. For instance, cinnamon is a bark, and black pepper is a dried fruit. While both are used for flavour, the main difference lies in which part of the plant they come from.
2. What are the general health benefits of including herbs in your diet?
Herbs are rich in bioactive compounds that can offer several health benefits. Many herbs are known for their:
- Antioxidant properties: They help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: They can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
- Immune support: Certain herbs can help strengthen the immune system.
- Digestive aid: Herbs like mint and ginger are well-known for helping with digestion and soothing the stomach.
3. Which herb is often considered one of the most powerful for health, and why?
Turmeric is widely regarded as one of the most powerful herbs due to its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It works by neutralizing harmful free radicals and also boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes. Its benefits are studied for various conditions, from managing inflammation and pain to supporting brain health.
4. What are some common kitchen herbs and their primary benefits?
Many common kitchen herbs have significant health benefits. For example:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Known as an adaptogen, it helps the body manage stress and supports respiratory health.
- Mint (Pudina): Excellent for soothing indigestion and relieving headaches.
- Ginger (Adrak): A powerful anti-inflammatory and a great remedy for nausea.
- Garlic (Lahsun): Known for its immune-boosting and heart-protective properties.
5. What is the main difference between herbal medicines and synthetic drugs?
The primary difference lies in their origin and mechanism. Herbal medicines are derived from plants and contain a complex mix of natural compounds that often work together to support the body's healing processes. Synthetic drugs, in contrast, are typically manufactured through chemical processes and usually contain a single, highly concentrated active ingredient designed to target a specific biological pathway, often by blocking or suppressing it.
6. Since herbs are natural, does that mean they are always safe to use?
No, this is a common misconception. While many herbs are safe, 'natural' does not automatically mean 'harmless'. Some herbs can have powerful effects, cause side effects, or interact with prescription medications. It's important to use them in appropriate amounts and be aware of their properties. The right dosage is crucial, and what is safe for one person might not be for another, especially for pregnant women or people with existing health conditions.
7. How do the active compounds in herbs, like those in Tulsi or Ginger, actually work in the body?
Active compounds in herbs, also known as phytochemicals, interact with our body's biological systems. For example, gingerol in ginger helps reduce nausea by influencing receptors in the digestive system. Eugenol in Tulsi has antimicrobial properties that can fight certain infections. These compounds can act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation by blocking certain enzymes, or help modulate the immune system, providing their therapeutic effects.
