Chances are that if a friend started raving to you about their herbalist, your brain would switch off faster than it took to light a July 4th firecracker. Unless, like me, you live in Colorado, in which case they might be referring to a whole different kind of plant. But it turns out that while such hippie talk might be a bit out there even for the Whole Foods set, adding more herbs to your diet can yield some surprising and welcome health benefits. Here are a few easy-to-find options to add to soups, salads, stir fries and more:
Parsley
Sometimes people push parsley aside on their plates because it looks like a garnish (chef speak for window dressing) but you shouldn’t underestimate the potency of this herb. Parsley has double the iron content of spinach and is high in copper, which is vital in regulating the metabolism. Its folate content assists in red blood cell formulation and it’s one of the best natural sources of the flavonoid apigenin, which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects.
Sage
Some of the antioxidants found in sage, including rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, are potent combatants against the free radicals that can impair cell regeneration. The same rosmarinic acid can also ease gastric distress and bloating due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is also a good source of vitamin K, which is crucial in maintaining a healthy structural system. It also kicks certain “bad” bacterias, including E.coli, to the curb.
Holy Basil
You’re most likely familiar with sweet basil, which is one of the things that makes margherita pizza and pesto taste so freaking good. But perhaps its devout namesake (which is actually a member of the mint family) has flown under your culinary radar. Holy basil has been shown to help control blood sugar, reduce bad cholesterol levels and boost brain function. India’s “Queen of Herbs” is also an adaptogen, meaning that it gives your immune system a boost and, as the term suggests, helps you adapt to stress. If you want to combine the benefits of holy basil with those of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom, check out Tulsi’s Chai Masala tea.
Rosemary
In addition to tasting great, rosemary might help improve memory and increase mental focus, with reports of such benefits dating back to Ancient Greece. It can also take down halitosis (see: bad breath), and stimulate better blood flow. Its carsonic acid is also believed to protect the brain from the harmful effects of strokes and degeneration. Rosemary can also be used to soothe eczema and other skin irritations thanks to its soothing properties.
Thyme
Thyme is a natural expectorant due to its high concentration of terpenoids, making it beneficial for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Its urcolic acid might prevent cancer from developing, and thymol is a potent antioxidant. The herb has also been shown to reduce the impact of age-related deficiencies in the brain, while its anti-spasmodic qualities can bolster heart health.
