Cooking with Herbs:
More Flavor Could Mean
Better Health

Down through the ages, maintaining good health and has been intertwined: herbal remedies were the first medicines, the original food preservatives, and they added their unique flavors to foods.

These aromatic and flavorful plants are still with us, and even though they are not as crucial to survival, they are quite helpful, and they certainly make food more fun!

Out with the old, and in with the...
Old (?)

Modern food storage and preserving techniques and pharmaceutical (chemical) medicines have pushed historical herb uses aside. But as Westerners are beginning to take more responsibility for their well-being, prevention becomes a desirable first defense.

Culinary herbs are easily added as dietary and lifestyle changes are made.

Even when taken as an herbal nutrition supplement (a much more potent method), plant-based medicines do not work anywhere nearly as fast as drugs.

And-- they are also easier on the system.

Offering a much milder action, cooking with herbs or using them as supplements will work gradually for a beneficial effect, usually over weeks and months.

Health food stores and farmers' markets are likely to have good selections, and the produce sections of big city supermarkets offer a treasure trove of varieties.

Check out the "ethnic" sections

Every culture has its own herbal remedies integrated into its traditional diet. What you believe to be a distinctive ethnic flavor has usually evolved because of some specific health need.

There are immune system boosters, digestive aids, anti-inflammatories, and even parasite infection is avoided (or cured) through the use of condiments.

Oregano in Greek and Italian food

Wasabe and pickled ginger with sushi

Chiles (hot peppers) in Thai, Vietnamese, and Mexican cuisine

Curry from India

These are ALL ingredients that can be beneficial to your health.

What a bonus that cooking with herbs offers such a wide variety of flavor experiences!

Benefits of Cayenne: Herb for High Blood Pressure
One of the primary benefits of cayenne (and chili peppers in general) is that it can lower high blood pressure while increasing blood circulation.

Cooling the Fire of Inflammation with Turmeric
In its native land, turmeric is prized by practitioners of Ayurveda (India's traditional health system) as a whole-body cleanser.

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