Herbs, Spices and Teas

Herbs are basically the leafy green part of a particular plant. They are often used fresh and in dried forms and have a more herbal touch than spices. Consuming herbs may help prevent, and manage heart disease cancer and diabetes. Gingko, Ginseng, Chamomile, Echinacea are some that would be consider as "Healing Herbs"

Spices do more than add a dash of heat or flavor to your meals. Spices and herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom have been used for thousands of years for health purposes. Folk remedies and traditional medicine like naturopathy, and herbal medicine have long used these kitchen staples to treat ailments, boost immunity, and maintain general health

Using tea for healing and good health is not uncommon in those who are familiar of the benefits. Simple Lemon and honey tea have been used for centuries to aide with throat discomfort from colds. Below you will find a list of common teas and their benefits. 

Basil is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. It is not only a popular folk remedy for ailments like nausea and bug bites but also widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions. Basil leaves are used in a variety of culinary dishes. In addition to the flavour, the culinary herb is said to preserve and enhance the properties of food. From healthy gut to stronger immunity, benefits of basil leaves are quite a lot.

Bay leaf can come from a variety of different trees. One of the more widely known sources is the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). There are several varieties each variety of bay leaf has a slightly different taste. Because the leaves have sharp points that can cut the mouth, cause choking, or even slice into the digestive tract, Bay leaves are best when added to simmering sauces or included in a braising liquid, and then removed before serving. The health benefits of Bay leaves are such that it helps in improving digestive health, treats respiratory conditions, improves hair health and has anti-inflammatory activity.

Dill is an annual herb in the celery family Apiaceae. It has a distinctive flavor that's a cross between celery and fennel. As herb and spice, dill is commonly used to elevate the flavor of various dishes. The feathery green is often added to salads or soups, or used as a garnish. Dill Weed health benefits includes relieving flatulence, stopping hiccups, freshening breath and keeping mouth clean, promoting digestion, curing diarrhea, and reducing menstrual cramps. 

Fennel is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves it belongs to the same family as carrots and dill. Fennel is an aromatic vegetable with a sweet taste similar to licorice. Fennel is a spice and a medicinal plant with a long tradition. It may decrease inflammation, relieve menstrual pain, may help with stomach/gut disorders, and may even improve mood, and a number of other disorders and diseases.

Lemongrass is an herb with a lemony scent. Its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus and it belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. The strong, refreshing flavour of lemongrass is enough reason to try it out in teas and cocktails. But it’s even better to know how good it is for your health, Lemongrass is rich in folic acid, folate, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C. Lemongrass reportedly has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has traditionally been used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. 

Mint/Mentha is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae. Mint is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to mankind. It is a leafy plant that's perhaps best known for its association with fresh breath due to the cool sensation it creates in the mouth. Mint leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste, and are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. 

Oregano is a popular herb and its scientific name is Origanum vulgare. It is closely related to other herbs, including mint, thyme, marjoram, and basil. Oregano is a signature flavor of many Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes. It is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the home garden or in pots. The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. Its taste ranges from bitter, zesty, and astringent to sweet and mild. The flavor depends on the climate it grows in. Oregano may have potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Oregano may have potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it has been used for thousands of years in folk medicines to treat upset stomach, respiratory complaints and bacterial infections

Parsley is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.  This beautiful, bright green herb is often found on either the edge of the plate as a garnish, or chopped and sprinkled over things. Parsley is not only delicious, but packed with nutrients, such as vitamins A, K, and C. And it holds a central place in many of the world's great cuisines. Some people use parsley for conditions such as bladder infections, kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, skin conditions, and many others. 

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with small needle-like leaves that give a rich piney aroma when rubbed or cooked. Its scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis and it belongs to the Lamiaceae family, with other herbs, such as thyme, oregano, lavender, and basil. Rosemary seems to increase blood circulation when applied to the scalp, which might help hair follicles grow. Rosemary extract might also help protect the skin from sun damage.  People commonly use rosemary for memory, indigestion, fatigue, hair loss, and many other purposes. 

Sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae. Sage is an herb commonly found in the spice racks of many North Americans. Sage is usually dried and used to add flavor to entrees, such as Thanksgiving stuffing. Traditional use of sage in medicine goes back thousands of years. It was initially used for the treatment of snakebite, protecting against evil, boosting female fertility, as well as other uses. Sage is very high in vitamin K, and it also contains vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper. 

Allspice is the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. Despite being a single spice, it tastes like cloves, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined this is why it was named allspice

Anise comes from the carrot family Apiaceae, just like parsnip, celery, coriander, and fennel. The flavor and aroma of its seeds have similarities with some other spices and herbs, such as fennel, licorice, and tarragon.

 Caraway is used extensively as a flavouring in Europe and west Asia. A frequent addition to spice cabinets, caraway seeds are actually the dried fruit of the caraway plant. Nevertheless, they're commonly referred to as seeds in the culinary world. Many North Americans may only recognize the sharp, savoury taste of caraway from the use its seeds in rye bread.

 Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family originating in India. it has an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint.

Celery is a plant that grows throughout the world. The stem is often eaten raw or as a cooked vegetable. The seed is used as a spice. The tiny brown seeds have a slightly bitter, celery-like flavor and aroma.

 Dried chiles are used throughout the world because drying is the best way to preserve peppers for year-round use. They can range from mild peppers to very hot chiles, there's a dried chile pepper that you will enjoy.

Cinnamon comes from the bark of various species of cinnamon trees. You can also buy cinnamon as sticks, ground or cinnamon tea. Cinnamon oil is also popular as a flavoring for candy or hard cider.

Cloves come from the flower buds of an evergreen tree that is native to the North Moluccas Islands in Indonesia. The name “clove” derives from the Latin word for nail, clavus (because of its shape). Cloves are pronounced as a natural remedy to treat several health issues, and it is also a perfect spice that can increase the taste of your food, soup, salad, or stews

Coriander is a plant. Both the leaves and seeds of coriander are used as food and medicine. The fresh leaves are an ingredient in many foods, such as chutneys and salsa, guacamole, salads and as a widely used garnish for soup, fish, and meat.

 Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant. Modern studies have confirmed some of the health benefits cumin is traditionally known for, including promoting digestion and reducing food-borne infections.

Dill seed is the fruit of the dill plant, from which we also get the herb, dill weed, which are the feathery leaves. People have used dill for digestion problems, liver problems, urinary tract disorders, infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Fenugreek is an herb similar to clover. The seeds taste similar to maple syrup and are used in foods and medicine. Fenugreek extracts are also used in soaps and cosmetics.

Garlic is a member of the allium family, it is an herb related to onion, leeks, and chives. Garlic is easy to grow and requires very little space in the garden. Garlic is shown to boost the immune system thanks to antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger is a plant native to Asia. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The ginger spice comes from the roots of the plant. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. Ginger contains chemicals that might reduce nausea and swelling.

The black pepper fruit grows from a woody vine known as pepper plant. The fruit appears in the form of small deep brown to blackberries which are plucked and dried. Once dried, the fruit is referred to as a peppercorn.  It has one of the longest histories as a sought-after spice, due to its ability to flavor foods, act as a preservative, and add heat to a dish. 

Saffron is one of the spices that has been known since ancient times for its color, taste, and medicinal properties. Saffron is made from the handpicked stigmas of flowers, which must be carefully gathered and dried. It takes approximately 4,500 flowers to make one ounce of saffron, making this rare herb even more costly than its weight in gold.

Sumac is a versatile seasoning that adds a bright red color and a tartness, similar to lemon juice, to a dish. Sumac berries grow on the Rhus Coriaria shrub. The berries grow in clusters almost like cones, once the berries are fully ripe, they are harvested, dried, and ground. Sumac is famous for its distinct flavor, which is somewhat similar to lemon but not quite as tart.

Turmeric is the dried root of the plant Curcuma longa. It’s closely related to ginger, and has a similar strong taste. Turmeric is likely best known as a pungent and bright yellow spice in Indian cuisine. Turmeric is the main ingredient in most Indian curry powders.

 Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods, which grows in the form of a dark brown bean pod that is long and skinny. Vanilla is enjoyed throughout the world. The beans are used to add real vanilla flavor to sauce, frosting, syrup, ice cream, beverages, and a variety of desserts.

 Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. Mustard seeds are one of the most popular spices merchandised in the world today. The seeds can be pressed to make mustard oil and the leaves are also eaten as mustard greens. Mustard seeds have high oil content which is used for cooking several Indian dishes, especially curries.

Lemons are known to improve your immunity, support the health of your heart and brain, prevent anemia, and reduce the risk of cancer. Lemon is nature’s antiseptic. Lemon tea has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics that aid in the healing of infections and illnesses.

Echinacea tea is popularly used to boost the immune system in order to ward off the common cold and influenza. Echinacea tea has capability to block viral infections. It destroy the virus, and works as a natural way to prevent disease. 

Chamomile contains antioxidants that may promote sleepiness, drinking chamomile tea has been shown to improve overall sleep quality. Chamomile is also commonly used for improving many different other health conditions like, anxiety and depression, seasonal allergies inflammation, muscle spasms and PMS symptoms.

Fresh ginger tea have been used across the globe as natural remedies for symptoms like nausea for thousands of years. It has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an irritated colon.

Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol.  There are many studies to support that Green tea extract can help you lose weight. The polyphenols, catechins, and especially EGCG can increase your metabolism levels. 

The main components of peppermint tea include essential oils – menthol, Mentone, and limonene. These compounds are the reason for the cooling property of menthol and the minty scent that the plant tea has which has lead it being a common ingredient to aid in helping to camouflage the bad breath. Aside from its rich flavor, this beverage contains numerous health benefits.

Matcha is 100% powdered green tea that gives you clean energy without excessive caffeine. The process during growing  where the farmer covers the plant for 20-30 days before harvest to avoid sunlight, increases chlorophyll production, boosts the amino acid content, and gives the plant a darker green hue. This is where is takes on it super powers. Matcha tea has many naturally occurring antioxidants. These work together to protect against a host of illnesses and common health problems

The difference between black and green tea solely depends on the processing of the tea leaves.  Black and green tea leaves come from the same plant, but black tea achieves its unique properties from a four-stage production process which includes fermentation. Black tea contains  between 2% to 4% caffeine. This affects thinking and alertness, increases urine output, and may reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Timing of the harvest and processing are also key to the uniqueness of this tea. Harvested in the early spring, before the fresh buds are fully open with minimal processing to reduce oxidation and preserve the delicate flavours is where white get its unique characteristics. White tea contains nutrients and possible antimicrobial qualities that may help protect the body against many chronic diseases. It may contain tannins, fluoride, and flavonoids such as catechins and polyphenols. These compounds are responsible for the various benefits this tea provides.

Turmeric tea is a warm and typically a soothing blend of ground turmeric, lemon juice, and honey. It provides anti-inflammatory compounds that provide a range of health benefits. A cup of turmeric tea may be just what you need to lend a hand and strengthen your immune system. Research indicates that turmeric is a strong immunomodulatory agent which can stimulate the immune system. By making turmeric tea part of your ritual, you can reap all the goodness and enjoy the golden glow that naturally comes from this delicate and dreamy tea.

Sage tea is a naturally caffinee-free drink. Sage tea can be enjoyed hot or iced anytime day or night, without causing the wakefulness that caffeinated drinks can induce. Sage leaves are rich in vitamins as well as other antioxidant compounds such as ellagic and rosmarinic acid, which, among other benefits, have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory components. Sage is considered safe to consume, however, given the presence of the compound thujone, which can be toxic under certain circumstances, it's best to limit your daily sage tea consumption to 3–6 cups max a day to avoid reaching potentially toxicological thresholds.

Lemongrass is generally considered safe to use in food including the amount typically used to make tea, however some people may be allergic to it.  It is rich in bioactive compounds and may promote weight lose, control blood presure and help treat common cold symptoms.

 Lemongrass is also used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. Overconsumption may cause lung problems and could be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, caution is advised. One or two cups of lemongrass tea a day is considered  safe.

Consumed in southern Africa for centuries, Rooibos Tea is gaining popularity as a delicious and healthy beverage also known as bush tea, red tea and reddish tea. Rooibos is usually grown in the a small mountainous area in the in South Africa. Rooibos tea is made using the long needle leaves of the plant, which are green when still growing on the plant and turn red during the fermentation process. Rooibos is commonly prepared  by steeping the dried fermented leaves in hot water, in the same manner as black tea. 

It’s a flavourful, caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea. 

This beautiful red-coloured tea is made from the dried calyx of the hibiscus plant. Hibiscus tea is made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water. It has a tart flavour similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Hibiscus tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help prevent damage and disease.