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HERBS AND SPICES
Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesicuosus)
A type of brown seaweed that is commonly found along the coasts of Europe and North America. It has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is known for its health benefits. Bladderwrack is rich in various nutrients including iodine, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains alginates, fucodians, and other bioactive compounds.
Medicinal Uses It is a remedy for thyroid disorders such as goiter and hypothyroidism because of its iodine content. It is also used as a diuretic to support kidney function and act as a digestive aid to relieve constipation. It can be applied topically to promote wound healing and soothe skin irritations.
Directions and Safety Precautions For Cooking: Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of bladderwrack powder and steep for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. Excessive iodine intake from bladderwrack may have adverse effects, particularly for individuals with thyroid conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with healthcare professionals before use.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus Benedictus)
Medicinal Uses: It is used as a digestive aid, promoting appetite and supporting healthy digestion. It relieves gastrointestinal discomfort like gas and bloating. It is also used as a diuretic increasing urine production and acting as a tonic to improve overall well-being. Blessed thistle is sometimes used to support lactation in breastfeeding women
Directions and Safety Precautions: Infusion: Steep 1-3 teaspoons of the dried herb in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes It may cause gastrointestinal side effects like indigestion or diarrhea in some individuals. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of its potential uterine-stimulating effects.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Medicinal Uses: Burdock is used as diuretic, blood purifier and general tonic. It also supports digestive health, promotes healthy skin and acts as a mild laxative. Burdock has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
Culinary Uses: The young leaves, stems and roots of burdock are edible and often used in soups, stir-fries and herbal teas
Directions and Safety Precautions: Infusion: Put 1 teaspoon of burdock into a cup of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day Burdock can interfere with iron absorption and should not be used if pregnant, lactating, diabetic, or have cardiovascular difficulties.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
A hot chili pepper that is widely used as a spice and medicinal herb
Health Benefits: It is used to aid digestion, stimulate appetite and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also used as a circulatory stimulant and to support overall cardiovascular health. Cayenne is a topical analgesic that can provide temporary relief from pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis, muscle aches, and nerve pain.
Culinary uses: Cayenne pepper can be used as a spice for seasoning, it can be used in marinades, sauces, soups, stews, and herbal teas.
Directions and Safety Precautions: Tincture: 0.25ml – 1ml Infusion: mix 0.5 -1 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper with hot water. Drink when needed. Small dosages during pregnancy. Avoid contact with eyes.
ALFALFA (Medicago Sativa)
Alfalfa is an herb that is a source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and Vitamins A, C, E, and K. It’s most commonly grown as food for livestock. It’s often used as a garnish and it prevents cholesterol absorption in the stomach. It is used for grazing hay, silage, green manure, and cover crops. It is also known as the “The Lucerne” in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Benefits:
Alfalfa is used for lowering blood pressure, reducing aortic plaques. Beneficial as tonic, lactation, migraine, malnutrition, menopause, eczema, aids blood clotting, uric acid, PMS, and diabetes. Increases breast milk production, treats arthritis and gets rid of kidney stones. Relieves asthma and allergies, and it also protects the heart. It’s high in vitamin B12, body alkanizer, and detoxifies.
Culinary Uses:
You can eat it raw as a garnish, can be blended into juice. Can be grinded/dried into a powder and also made into capsules.
Directions and Safety Precautions:
Infusion: 1-2 tsp, drink once a day
Not to be used during pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, or when blood thinning medications are used.
BASIL GROUND (Ocimum Basilicum)
Basil has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medical properties. It has been employed to aid digestion, relieve stomach cramps, and alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating. It has been used to soothe insect bites and skin.
Health Benefits:
Basil contains various compounds, including volatile oils such as eugenol, linalool, and eucalyptol, which contribute to its potential health benefits. Some studies suggest that basil may possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. It has also been investigated for potential effects on blood sugar levels and cholesterol management.
Culinary Uses:
For Cooking:
Basil is widely used in cooking, particularly in the Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It adds a distinct flavor and aroma to dishes and is commonly used in sauces, salads, pesto, and various other recipes.
For Drinking:
Infusion: Use 1 cup of boiled water with 1-2 tsp of dried leaves. Steep for 10-15 mins. Drink 2-3 times a day.
Do not drink for prolonged periods or when pregnant.
BAY LEAVES (Laurus Nobilis)
A bay leaf comes from a laurel tree and is used whole, dried, or ground in cooking. Bay leaves have a pungent taste and are quite stiff, no matter how long they have been cooked. However, bay leaves are generally not eaten whole.
Health Benefits: Soothes headaches and migraines. It has insecticidal properties. Are effective for the treatment of high blood sugar, migraine headaches, bacterial and fungal infections, and gastric ulcers. Crushed leaves can be put on burns and bruises to speed up healing.
Culinary Uses: For Cooking: Bay leaves are widely used in cooking for their distinct flavor and aroma. They are commonly added to soups, stews, and braised dishes and are known for enhancing the taste of various recipes. However, it’s important to note that bay leaves are not typically consumed directly as they can be sharp and indigestible. Instead, they are removed from dishes before serving.
For Drinking: Infusion: 1-2 tsp of crushed leaves in 250ml boiling water. Wait for 10-15 mins, strain, and drink 1-2 cups per day. Do not drink when pregnant or breastfeeding.
BLACK PEPPER (Piper Nigrum)
Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family of Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The fruit is a drupe that is about 5mm in diameter, fresh and fully mature, dark red, and contains a stone that encloses a single pepper seed.
Health benefits:
Black pepper prevents any sort of cancer, it’s good for digestion. Prevents constipation and treats skin problems. Helps in treating respiratory diseases, aids in weight loss, treats depression, and is very good for your hair.
Culinary Uses:
Use black pepper as an ingredient in recipes to add flavor and spices to meats, fish, vegetables, salad dressings, soups, stir-fries, pasta, and more. You can also add a dash of black pepper to scrambled eggs, avocado toast, fruit, and dipping sauces for a spicy kick.
Directions and Safety Precautions:
Taking black pepper in large amounts might increase the risk of bleeding in people with blood disorders.
