Uncommon Medicinal Uses for Some Common Kitchen Herbs

Chances are, if you do any cooking in your home, you have a cupboard full of spices and herbs that add both flavor and depth to your recipes. While spices and herbs have been used for food preservation, as well as flavor enhancement, they also can be used in the treatment of illnesses. Believe it or not, the very herbs that you can easily find in your kitchen cupboard can do double duty. The following paragraphs offer a brief introduction to the other side of few spices taking up residence in your kitchen cupboard.

Herb # 1 Basil

Believe it or not, this staple of Italian and Mediterranean cooking offers much more for your stomach than a great woodsy taste. Basil goes by many different names, including Common basil, sweet basil, St. Josephwort, and in Sanskrit is called Tulsi. It is an annual plant, which originated in India, and through various trade routes made its way to the shores of the Mediterranean and kitchens of America. The branching root produces bushy stems which grow between one and two feet high, and the leaves often have a slight purplish hue. The flowers range in color from white to red, and blossoms are usually in bloom between June and September. Basil tends to favor sunny banks, and its aromatic scent is easy to identify.

Besides its uses in the kitchen, basil is generally associated with the stomach and the related organs. When properly prepared, it has been shown to help alleviate stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, as well as symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Since it is also an antispasmodic, it has sometimes been used for coughs. For some people, basil has also been shown to increase the appetite, and blood circulation. Externally, basil leaves have also been used to relieve itching from hives or insect bites.

In addition to the modern medicinal uses described above, basil was used in ancient times to help alleviate a number of different symptoms and sickness. Archeological and historical evidence indicates that ancient Egyptians used basil as medicine for snakebites, scorpion stings and afflictions of the eye. The fresh leaf just was also used to treat fungal infections on the skin. Ancient Greeks used basil in aromatic baths to strengthen the nerves.

Basil is best harvested before flowering. In most cases, basil is best used as an infusion. Steep one teaspoon of dried herb in 1/2 cup of water, and allow brewing for approximately three to five minutes. When drinking to help settle nausea or stomach indigestion, drink approximately 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups depending on your body weight and ability to metabolize. If drinking it to help alleviate a cough, the basil tea may be sweetened with honey.

A few words of caution, though, concerning basil should be provided. Like any other substance that can be taken internally, there are side effects. Basil essential oil should not be used externally or internally if you are pregnant, because the concentrated form of the chemicals in the basil could harm the fetus.

Herb #2 Endive

Also known as Chicory, or blue dandelion, this perennial or biennial plant usually stands two to four feet tall, as a large single taproot, and as a stiff, roughly hairy, angular, branching stem. The leaves are wavy and toothed, and exist close to the bottom of the plant, but terminate near the top. The flowers are usually light blue to violet blue, and exist in small clusters in the upper leaf axils. They usually open in the morning and flowers usually bloom from July to September. The exterior of the plant varies in color between pale green and yellow, and the interior of the plant contains a bitter, milky juice.

Endive or chicory is a common sight in the wild, especially along roadsides and in vacant lots, waste ground, and fields in both North America and Europe. It is also grown commercially in Michigan.

Medicinal Uses

The juice of the endive leaves and a tea made from the flowering plant has been shown to promote the production of bile, and help in the release of gallstones. It has also been shown to have diuretic properties and also is sometimes used as a mild laxative. It has been used, with limited success to treat afflictions of the liver and gall bladder. It should be noted, however, that in recent experiments, animals given the root extracts exhibited a slower and weaker heart rate, so if there is a history of heart irregularities in your family, you should only use endive in your favorite salad. Also, the root extracts made with an alcoholic base have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in experiments.

Dosages and Preparation Methods

The first step is to gather the rootstock between March and May, prior to the time when the plant blooms. This will allow more of the root to be utilized during the decoction process. To create a decoction of chicory, use approximately 1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of cold water, and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 5 minutes, and steep for an additional five minutes. Drink one to one 1/2 cups per day, until the desired effects are reached.

Herb # 3: Catnip

Surprised? Believe it or not, this aphrodisiac for the feline is filled with nutrients, and vitamins.

Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It has an erect, branching stem, which is hairy and can grow form three to five feet in height. The oblong pointed leaves have scalloped edges, and gray or whitish hairs on the lower side. The flowers are white with purple spots and grow in spikes. The flowers are small and hooded, and usually bloom sometime between June and September. It is usually found throughout much of temperate North America, and is native to Europe.

Catnip has been shown to have antispasmodic and sedative properties for humans. In fact, catnip tea has been traditionally used in England long before the introduction of oriental teas from the Far East. High in vitamins including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 B9 and B12, as well as C, it is a great and flavorful way to get the nutrients that you need. Catnip tea has also been shown to stimulate the appetite if served cold before meals, and aids in digestion if served hot after a meal. It also has been used for years as a soothing and relaxing nightcap. In fact, for people who can't handle chamomile, catnip is a great alternative.

When used as an enema, catnip tea has been shown to reduce fevers, and helps to relieve colic, and symptoms of colds and flu, including aches, and congestion. For some women, a strong cup of catnip tea has also been shown to help alleviate menstrual cramps.

Preparation Methods:

First, never, ever boil catnip. The best way to create catnip tea is to use the infusion method. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and pull from the flame. Add one teaspoon of catnip leaves and allow steeping for 3 to five minutes. Add sugar or honey as needed for taste.

A final note concerning using any herb or spice for medicinal uses: if you take any medication, even over the counter products, be sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor for any adverse reactions that the herbs or spices could create. It always pays to be careful, even with things commonly found in your spice cabinet.