Natural herbs are commonly supposed to have two uses, culinary and medicinal. This is not strictly correct, however, as the definition of the difference between spices and herbs is that a herb has healing properties whereas spices do not. Therefore, cooking with natural herbs has significant health benefits. In this article, we will talk about some of the benefits.

Preparing Natural Herbs for Cooking

The first thing you should know is that in terms of flavor and healing properties, fresh, natural herbs are much better than the dried or frozen ones. If you can grow them yourself in your own herb garden, then that’s the best of all. Herbs should be thoroughly washed and dried before use. You should treat natural herbs as you would salad greens, especially if you are using a large quantity of them, you can wash them under running water and dry them in a salad spinner.

You should finely chop or mince the fresh natural herbs (unless it is stated otherwise in the recipe) and then it should be added to the meal shortly before it finishes cooking. You will lessen the flavor of herbs and remove its nutrients if you overcook it.

Medicinal Properties of Common Natural Herbs

Now we turn to the health benefits of some of the natural herbs most commonly used in cooking. Dill is one that is rich in fiber and calcium. It also helps in digestion and stimulates the appetite. The emperor Charlemagne would provide it during banquets for the guests who had eaten too much.

Parsley is known to be a natural contraceptive. It stimulates blood flow around the uterus, causing contractions that fool the body into believing that it is already pregnant. Fresh parsley should be avoided by women who want to get pregnant because of this, though it would be alright to take in small quantities of cooked parsley.

Rosemary contains vital antioxidants that can help to eliminate free radicals in the body, lowering the risk of cancer. It may also help relieve nasal congestion.

The oregano herb is a natural antiseptic and painkiller. The oil that can be taken from its leaves used to be used for treating pain and infections.

Basil, that other great standby of Mediterranean cookery, has antacid and anti-gas properties. You have to watch out when you use fresh basil in breakfast and lunch dishes as is is also a mild sedative. These sedative properties can be an advantage however during suppertime, as they will help you sleep when you are ready to go to bed.

These are just some of the health giving properties of natural culinary herbs, if you are planning to grow them in your garden, you can always look up on herb garden plants on the internet. Taking your medicine has never tasted so delicious!