Most herbs that people are familiar with are the ones in their spice cabinets. Otherwise known as culinary herbs. These herbs are just as beneficial as others when it comes to their medicinal properties.
In this article, we will go over some culinary herbs that are common among most households, and a few of their medicinal properties. For a further breakdown of each culinary herb’s medicinal properties, visit the corresponding articles.
Although these herbs are considered safe and are readily available at most stores, it does not hurt to contact a medical professional if you have any questions regarding the consumption of herbs. Whether consuming culinary herbs, or medicinal herbs, they may have an effect on any medications you are taking, or any predisposed medical conditions you may have.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
How is Basil Antidepressant?
Basil contains compounds such as eugenol and linalool, which have been found to have a calming effect on the body. Therefore, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In traditional uses, the aromatics of basil oil are how the compounds are introduced to the body. Touching fresh basil leaves to the skin will transfer the oils. Additionally, basil contains antioxidants that help to protect the brain from damage caused by stress.
Another way in which basil may act as an antidepressant is by modulating the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. For example, some animal studies have found that basil extracts can increase levels of serotonin.
How is Basil a Carminative?
Basil is considered to be a carminative herb, which means that it can help to relieve digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion. Carminatives work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can help to reduce bloating, gas, and cramping.
Basil contains several active compounds, including eugenol and linalool, which have been shown to have carminative properties. These compounds can help to stimulate the digestive system, improve the secretion of digestive enzymes, and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
How is Rosemary a Circulatory Stimulant?
Rosemary is known for its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. It can help to improve blood flow, increase blood pressure, and improve overall circulation throughout the body.
The circulatory stimulant properties of rosemary are attributed to its active compounds, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and caffeic acid. These compounds have been found to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which is a compound that helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. In addition, rosemary has been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to improved circulation.
How is Rosemary a Nervine?
Rosemary has traditionally been used as a nervine, which means that it can help to support the health and function of the nervous system.
Rosemary’s nervine properties are attributed to its active compounds, including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid. These compounds have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help to protect the nervous system from damage and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
How is Thyme Antitussive?
Thyme is known for its antitussive properties, meaning it has the ability to help alleviate coughing. Thyme contains a variety of active compounds that are believed to contribute to its antitussive effects, including thymol and carvacrol.
Studies have shown that thyme extracts and essential oils have potent antitussive activity, and can help to reduce coughing in people with acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections. Thyme’s antitussive properties may be useful in the treatment of a variety of respiratory conditions, including coughs, colds, and flu.
How is Thyme an Expectorant?
Thyme is known for its expectorant properties, which means it has the ability to help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Thyme contains a variety of active compounds, including thymol and carvacrol, that are believed to contribute to its expectorant effects.
When taken internally, thyme can help to stimulate the production of mucus in the respiratory tract, which can help to loosen and thin out thick mucus that can be difficult to cough up. Thyme’s expectorant properties may also help to soothe coughs and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
How is Sage an Astringent?
Sage has astringent properties, which means that it may help to tighten and tone the skin and other tissues in the body.
Sage contains compounds such as tannins and flavonoids that have been shown to have astringent effects. These compounds can help to constrict and tighten the skin and other tissues, reducing the appearance of pores and wrinkles and making the skin look firmer and smoother.
How does sage suppress perspiration?
Sage contains compounds called tannins, which have astringent properties. When applied topically or ingested, these tannins can cause contraction of the skin cells and sweat glands, which reduces the production of sweat.
Additionally, sage contains compounds called rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have been shown to have antiperspirant properties. These compounds are thought to work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the production of sweat.
How is Sage Oestogenic?
Sage is considered to be mildly estrogenic, meaning that it contains compounds that can mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen in the body. The main compounds in sage that are responsible for its estrogenic activity are called phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that have a similar structure to human estrogen.
Phytoestrogens in sage can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and exert estrogen-like effects. This may help to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, which can be caused by a decline in estrogen levels.
Why should I not take sage while breastfeeding?
Sage contains compounds called thujones, which are thought to be responsible for its medicinal properties. However, thujones are also known to decrease milk production and can be harmful to infants if consumed in large amounts.
While there is limited research on the effects of sage consumption during breastfeeding, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid consuming large amounts of sage or sage supplements. This is because thujones can pass into breast milk and may decrease milk supply, which can be harmful to the infant.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
How is Ginger an Antiemetic?
Ginger has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting, and modern research has confirmed its effectiveness as an antiemetic, which is a substance that helps to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
The exact mechanism by which ginger exerts its antiemetic effects is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to several factors:
- Ginger may act on the gastrointestinal system: Ginger has been shown to stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes, which may help to improve digestion and reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Ginger may affect the central nervous system: Ginger contains compounds that have been shown to have an effect on the brain and nervous system, and it is believed that these compounds may help to regulate the body’s response to nausea and vomiting.
- Ginger may have anti-inflammatory effects: As mentioned earlier, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is believed that these properties may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
- Ginger may have antioxidant effects: Ginger also contains antioxidants that may help to protect the body against the harmful effects of toxins and other substances that can cause nausea and vomiting.
How is Ginger a Circulatory Stimulant?
Ginger has been traditionally used as a circulatory stimulant, which means it can help to improve blood circulation throughout the body.
Ginger contains compounds such as gingerols and zingerone, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to various parts of the body. This can help to increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues, as well as enhance the removal of waste products.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
How is Garlic Anti-Thrombotic?
Garlic has been shown to have antithrombotic properties, meaning that it can help prevent blood clots from forming in the body. This is due to the presence of a compound called allicin, which is formed when garlic is crushed or chopped.
Allicin has been shown to have several effects on the body that may help prevent blood clots. For example, it can inhibit the activity of platelets, which are blood cells that play a key role in the formation of clots. Allicin can also inhibit the production of certain substances that promote clotting, such as thromboxane.
How is Garlic Antiparasitic?
Garlic contains several compounds that have been shown to have antiparasitic properties, including allicin, ajoene, and diallyl disulfide. These compounds can inhibit the growth of many types of parasites, including some that are resistant to traditional antiparasitic medications.
Research has shown that garlic can be effective against a variety of parasitic infections, including those caused by protozoan parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, as well as helminth parasites like pinworms and roundworms.
Garlic’s antiparasitic effects are thought to be due to its ability to interfere with the metabolism and reproduction of parasites, as well as its immune-boosting properties, which can help the body fight off parasitic infections.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
How is Cayenne an Analgesic?
Cayenne pepper contains an active compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to have analgesic properties. Capsaicin works by binding to and activating receptors called vanilloid receptors (VR1) in the skin and nerves, which can produce a sensation of warmth and reduce the perception of pain.
When capsaicin is applied topically to the skin, it can desensitize the nerve endings that transmit pain signals, leading to a decrease in pain perception. This is why capsaicin is often used in topical pain relief creams and gels for conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain.
How is Cayenne Diaphoretic?
Cayenne is a diaphoretic herb, which means that it can induce sweating in the body. This can help to lower body temperature and promote the elimination of toxins through the skin.
The active ingredient in cayenne that is responsible for its diaphoretic properties is capsaicin. When ingested, capsaicin stimulates the nerves in the skin, which can cause a sensation of heat and sweating. It also increases blood flow to the skin, which can further promote sweating.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
How is Peppermint Antispasmodic?
Peppermint is known to have antispasmodic properties, which means that it can help to relax and soothe muscles, particularly those in the digestive tract.
The active ingredient in peppermint that is responsible for its antispasmodic effects is menthol. Menthol has a calming effect on the smooth muscle cells that line the digestive tract, which can help to relieve spasms, cramps, and other forms of digestive discomfort.
Peppermint oil is often used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. In fact, research has shown that peppermint oil can be as effective as prescription antispasmodic medications in relieving symptoms of IBS.
How is Peppermint Analgesic?
Peppermint has analgesic or pain-relieving properties due to its active ingredient called menthol. Menthol is a natural compound found in the leaves of the peppermint plant, which provides a cooling sensation when applied topically or ingested.
When menthol is applied to the skin, it can activate cold receptors, which sends a signal to the brain that creates a cooling and numbing effect that can help alleviate pain. This can be particularly helpful for headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
How is Dill Diuretic?
Dill is known to have diuretic properties, which means that it can help to increase the production of urine in the body and promote the elimination of excess fluids and toxins.
Diuretics like dill are often used in traditional medicine to help alleviate conditions such as edema (swelling caused by excess fluid retention), high blood pressure, and urinary tract infections. They may also be used to help flush toxins out of the body and support overall kidney function.
How is Dill an Emmenagogue?
Dill is known to have emmenagogue properties, which means that it can stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus and may help to regulate menstrual cycles.
Emmenagogues like dill are often used in traditional medicine to help promote menstruation, particularly in cases where menstruation is irregular or absent.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
How is Turmeric Anti-inflammatory?
Turmeric has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate inflammation and pain in the body. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the production of various pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, including COX-2, TNF-alpha, and interleukin-6. By reducing inflammation, turmeric may be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory disorders.
How is Turmeric Anti-Cancer?
Turmeric has been found to have potential anticancer properties, although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which may help to protect cells from damage and prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Studies have found that curcumin can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes and pathways that are involved in the development and progression of cancer, including inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and metastasis (the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body).
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
How is Oregano Antimicrobial?
Oregano is known for its antimicrobial properties and has been used traditionally for centuries as a natural remedy for infections. It contains several compounds, including carvacrol and thymol, which have been found to have strong antimicrobial effects against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Studies have shown that oregano oil, in particular, can be effective against a variety of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Oregano oil has also been found to be effective against Candida albicans, a common fungal infection that can cause thrush and other health problems.
How is Oregano an Expectorant?
Oregano has been traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve respiratory symptoms such as coughing and congestion. The expectorant properties of oregano are believed to be due to its content of essential oils, including thymol and carvacrol.
These compounds may help to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of oregano may help to reduce the underlying respiratory infection that may be causing the cough and congestion.
Watch our YouTube Video on Kitchen or Culinary Herbs here.
Kitchen or culinary herbs are a great way to start your herbal journey. Cooking with these herbs, or taking them in supplement form will add their beneficial properties to your daily routine.