Herbs

Medicinal plants are a good source of life. These are examples of herbs that can be found everywhere. we can use this plant to be consumed every day.

Fresh Herbs

Medicinal plants is basically a plant that is planted in the yard, garden or plot of land which is used as a nutritious crop as a drug in order to meet the demand for drugs. Medicinal plants also serve as the utilization of the environment around the home and garden. In this era more and more people are aware of what the benefits of a medicinal plant itself.

Medicinal Herbs

Healing Herbs

If we talk of herbal medicine then we would drift into the minds of traditional medicines, herbs carry, store that provides packaging for herbal medicine a headache or a cold. No one is because herbs are in the category of traditional medicine.

In other Asian countries, especially China, Korea and India for the rural population, herbal medicine into the first choice for treatment, developed countries were to switch the current trend is mainly traditional herbal kepengobatan showed significant symptom improvement.

Cooking Herbs

These herbs simmering in that soup that you love so much, are natures antibiotics and have been used for centuries by many cultures. They fight bacteria and viruses alike.

For instance Thyme contains thymol, wonderful antiseptic that is actually in your mouth wash under the sink.  Thymol puts a hurting on those little bugs in the air and in the body. Rosemary has been used for beauty cremes and is also an antispasmodic; which is great for IBS.  Parsley not only gives your fresh breath (they don’t put that on your plate just for decoration). It can detoxify the body due to it’s concentrated chlorophyll.  The aroma from sage can make everything all better.  It also has been used to help thin the blood in Japan.

 There are many ways to dry fresh herbs.  One way is to first wash the herbs well. Dry between two paper towels. Then tie a rubber band around the stems and hang upside down for about 5-7 days until they are completely dry and brittle. Remove leaves from stems and crumble the leaves into a container, or remove leaves from stems and put into a little food processor and process until tiny. Use in omlettes, salad dressing, and sauces.

Once you plant your herbs, they will grow quickly. Most herbs like full sun, and don't forget to water daily,Also, remember to cut the herbs frequently, otherwise they will flower and go to seed.

To grow herbs in a container, purchase plant containers that have holes on the bottom, fill with potting soil, and then add a little herb plant. begin with small plants that you buy at places like Whole Foods, local farm stands, or even some supermarkets. In the left upper corner is my container of  thriving parsley and thyme.

 

To save containers, you can planted sage, thyme, and a tomato plant in the same container.This  also saves space and makes watering faster. Herbs like to grow in small spaces and all three are thriving. See below

 

Once you plant your herbs, you can enjoy them all spring, summer, and fall. There is nothing like the taste of freshly clipped herbs added toa salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled on fish. There is no end to how you can use fresh herbs. In addition, fresh herbs provide vitamins and antioxidants that boost the immune system

 

 

Here are some recipes

 Lemonade with Fresh Mint is a refreshing beverage that everyone can enjoy.

10-12 fresh mint leaves
4-5 fresh lemons, halved and seeded
3 drops of orange blossom water ( middle eastern store) optional
1/2 cup agave nectar to sweeten
10 -12 cups of water
lots of ice
Fill large pitcher with water. Add agave nectar, juice of 4-5 fresh lemons, mint leaves, orange blossom and water. Mix well, let sit about 15 minutes add ice and serve. ( you don't eat the mint leaves, but leave them in the pitcher as long as there is still liquid and the flavor will continue to improve.)

***Agave Nectar Is lower on the glycemic index than sugar and other sweeteners. It dissolves quickly in liquid, so it is a perfect substitute for sugar.It can be purchased in any health food store and some supermarkets in the health food section.

*** Orange Blossom is an extract . You can get it in some specialty stores or Middle Eastern markets.

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil and parsley makes a wonderful appetiser or side dish to a meal. 

 

 

Ingredients:
3 large tomatoes, sliced thin and evenly
1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced evenly
12 large basil leaves,  washed and patted dry
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar  
Salt and pepper to taste

On a flat serving dish arrange tomatoes,  mozzarella cheese, and basil alternatively in a circle to fill the plate
Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
Serve a room temperature.

Fresh Basil Pesto

2 cloves of fresh garlic
1 and 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves ( packed)
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup  grated Parmesan cheese grated


Using a food processor, quickly process garlic until it is minced. Add fresh basil and pine nuts and pulse well.  With processor running slowly add olive oil until smooth. Put pesto into a bowl and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. If mixture is dry, add a little more olive oil.  Stays fresh for about 3 days or can be frozen for 4-6 weeks.