Herbs: The Role of Medicinal Plants

Nowadays, more and more people are interested in growing herbs at home, as these plants are not only seasonings in the kitchen but also have numerous beneficial effects. In many cases, culinary herbs and medicinal herbs overlap, as most of them have healing properties. Most of these plants prefer warm weather and are water-demanding, so a suitable environment must be provided for them, whether it’s a balcony or a garden.

Fresh herbs can be continuously harvested; however, care should be taken to remove only a small amount so that the plant can regenerate. If we want to use the valuable parts of the plants during the winter months, it is recommended to dry the cut shoots, leaves, and flowers in a well-ventilated, clean, and dry place. The best time for harvesting is in the morning hours when the dew has already dried, as the active ingredient content is highest at this time.

Herbs not only play an important role in the kitchen but also have a beneficial effect on digestion. Thanks to their essential oil content, they enhance gastric juice secretion, aid digestion, and provide a pleasant taste experience to our dishes. Below, we present some herbs that also have healing properties.

Peppermint

The leaves of peppermint are particularly popular, as they have a bile-expelling effect in tea form and help soothe coughs in cases of colds. The preparation is extremely simple: steep 2-3 grams of peppermint leaves in 150 ml of water. It is important to note that peppermint contains natural menthol, which should be used cautiously in children over 4 years old, as it can cause laryngeal spasms. In summer, we can make a delicious and refreshing lemonade from fresh peppermint leaves.

Thyme

Tea made from thyme flowers can be useful in treating upper respiratory tract catarrh. We can consume an infusion made from 1-2 grams of thyme several times a day; however, it is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Thyme is popular not only for its healing properties but also as a spice in the kitchen, as it adds a unique flavor to dishes.

Marjoram

The leaves of marjoram, which can also be consumed as tea, have a particularly appetite-stimulating and stomach-strengthening effect. The taste and aroma of this herb enrich our dishes while also aiding digestion with its beneficial effects. Due to its versatility, it is worth incorporating marjoram regularly into our daily diet.

Sage

Tea made from sage leaves can effectively help treat mucosal and throat inflammation and can also be used for mild skin irritations. To prepare sage, steep 2.5 grams of leaves in 150 ml of water. It can also be useful during hot flashes, as an infusion made from 4-6 grams of sage leaves can reduce unpleasant symptoms.

Oregano

The leaves and flowers of oregano can be used against colds and coughs. Steep one tablespoon of oregano in 250 ml of water and consume it three times a day. Oregano is noteworthy not only for its healing properties but also for its flavor, as it is known as a seasoning in many dishes.

Lovage

The leaves of lovage are used as a spice, but its tea is sometimes used to relieve headaches. The root is known as a diuretic tea, with a usual dosage of 4-8 grams, along with plenty of fluid intake. Due to its versatility, it is worth exploring the possibilities that lovage offers.

Anise and Fennel

The fruits of anise and fennel are popular both as spices and herbs. To extract the active ingredients, first crush the fruits, then prepare an infusion to consume as a digestion-aiding tea. These herbs not only help with digestion but are also effective in soothing coughs, and their tea has milk-producing effects.

Parsley

The leaves and shoots of parsley are among the most important culinary herbs. In folk medicine, a diuretic and antispasmodic tea is made from it, although this effect has not yet been scientifically proven. Since parsley has a particularly rich flavor and aroma, it is worth using frequently in the kitchen.

Celery

The leaves, tubers, and stalks of celery are widely used in the kitchen, and in Eastern folk medicine, they are recommended for treating kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Interestingly, the extract of celery seeds can prevent certain bacteria from adhering to bladder cells, thus helping to prevent urinary tract problems.

Basil

Basil is a plant originating from India, whose flowering shoots are used as a spice, and its essential oil can be utilized in medicine. For digestive issues such as bloating and loss of appetite, it is recommended to prepare tea from 3 grams of dried basil daily. It is important to pay attention to moderation, as the essential oil may contain teratogenic substances.

Lavender

Although not a culinary herb, lavender is often planted as a medicinal herb and is an ingredient in syrups and teas. Due to its calming effect, lavender tea is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety. If planting lavender, it is worth choosing the French lavender variety, which is particularly popular in medicine.

The versatility of herbs and medicinal plants makes it worthwhile to explore and incorporate them into our daily lives, as they play a significant role not only in the kitchen but also in natural medicine.