Herb Guide - Your Online Source for Information on Herbs
Basic Herb Guide
Designing an herb garden can be a confusing task without an herb guide to help you choose which plants to include. With so many herbs available, it is beneficial to know which plants would work best for you before buying the plants.
Herbs can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes, or may be used simply for visual appeal. A garden being cultivated for culinary purposes may include different plants than an herbal garden devoted to plants with medicinal value. Herbs that are used simply for their beauty may include plants from both groups. Deciding which type of herbal garden you want to grow will be the first step. Having an herb guide to differentiate from the various options of herbs and their uses should then be an easy step.
There are some familiar herbs included in a basic herb guide; plants which are most commonly included in gardens. Here are some everyday herbs used in kitchens across the country, and how they are used in cooking:
Rosemary…..beef, pork, chicken, lamb, vegetables, breads
Sage…..pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, bread stuffing
Mint …..alcoholic drinks, lamb, pastas, teas, seafood
Basil ……tomato sauces, pestos, tea, vegetables, flavored oils; pairs well with oregano
Chives …..vegetables, breads, beef, pork, chicken, lamb
Oregano…..tomato sauces, soups, flavored oils; pairs well with basil
Dill…..pickling, breads, soups, salads, sauces
Tarragon…...fish, chicken, sauces, vinegars
Cilantro…..salsa, marinades, Mexican dishes
Healthy eating habits begin with fresh ingredients, and using just picked or dried herbs that have come straight from your own garden is the ultimate fresh option.
No herb guide would be complete without mentioning those plants with medicinal value. Most herbs have long history as being used to ease or cure ailments in many cultures. With proven results, herbologists today still treat disorders with the following herbs:
Chamomile…..calms, fights infection, relieves stomach distress
Garlic…..reduces cholesterol, anti-viral, antibiotic
Ginseng…..boosts immune system, increases stamina
Dandelion…..anti-inflammatory, relieves premenstrual bloating
Feverfew…..prevents migraines
Mint…..specifically spearmint and peppermint; relieves indigestion, relaxation
Ginger…..soothes stomach upsets, motion sickness and may prevent blood clots
Licorice…..eases sore throats, relieves ulcer pain in SMALL amounts
All plants in the herb guide are welcome additions as attractive plants in a garden. Many of the herbs have aromatic leaves and flowers as well that makes them valuable members of flower gardens and landscapes. Fresh or dried, sprigs from these plants can be added to floral bouquets to add visual appeal as well as fragrance. Potpourris will often have one or more herbs included; their spicy scents lending a holiday feel to the scents they impart.
Herbs have a valuable place in everyday life, whether used for culinary, medicinal or simply ornamental purposes. While there are many more herbs than those that are mentioned here, this basic herb guide should help to spice up your herb garden.