A number of widely used herbs have appreciable amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace can be thought of almost as nutritional supplements. Many others have excellent digestive qualities, helping the body cope with oily, fatty or gas-producing foods. For these reasons, as well as the extra pleasure given by their flavour, one of the earliest and best uses of herbs to help maintain health is in ones' food.

Leafy Herbs - Basil, Bay, Coriander Leaves, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel, Thyme.

These plants are essential ingredients in many culinary traditions, for their flavour and digestive properties. Most of these leafy herbs aid digestion, stimulating the production of enzymes that help break down fatty foods and aid absorption.

Read About them...

Aromatic Seeds - Aniseed, Caraway, Cardamom, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Star Anise.

These aromatic seeds are all to some extent carminative, that is they help almost immediately to reduce the build-up of excessive wind in the digestive tract, and to release any trapped gas. They have traditionally ben used with foods that are notorious in creating wind.

Read About them...

Fruits and Bulbs - Chilli Peppers, Garlic, Juniper, Peppercons.

The general effect of these fruits is to speed up metabolism or to act as an antiseptic. Chilli peppers and peppercons are both highly stimulating to the circulation; the effect of creating temporary heat in the stomach is to encourage gastric secreations. Traditionally this meant these herbs could be used in foods that might otherwise be toxic, the herbs providing protection as well as flavour.

Read About them...

Roots and Bark - Cinnamon, Ginger, Horseradish.

These are all circulatory stimulants, creating an inner warmth and vigour that can be very useful in colder climates. By speeding up the metabolism, blood moves arounf the body better and keeps our energy levels higher. In the digestive system, the transient heat that is created helps both with digestion and in reducing trapped wind. Generally the increased circulation helps the immune system to work better, and these herbs can be used in foods over the cold months of the year to increase the body's natural resistance to colds.

Read About them...