If you’re looking for an herb that’s known for its culinary benefits, look no further than Thyme. The herb’s aromatic scent is known to calm nerves and soothe the mind. And because it’s a natural antibacterial, it’s also excellent for skin health. Here are four ways to use Thyme in cooking. Crush herbs first and add to the cooking liquid during the last 45 minutes of the cooking time.
Oregano
Oregano, or wild marjoram, is a Mediterranean herb that originated in the Greek mountains. Its name, meaning “mountain joy”, is a nod to its earthy flavor and many uses for the herb in cooking. Its flavor is also a popular ingredient in Mexican and Italian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes in both the Mediterranean and the Americas. It is commonly used in dry form, although fresh oregano can overpower a dish.
Oregano has an aromatic flavor and is best used fresh or dried. While its flavour doesn’t diminish when it’s dried, some people think the taste improves. In addition, cooking slowly and thoroughly gives dried oregano a more pronounced flavour. It also works well in tomato sauces. Other similar herbs include marjoram and basil. Basil and thyme also have a similar flavor, though marjoram is less pungent.
Lavender
Growing lavender is surprisingly easy. The lavender herb prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. If the soil remains too wet or lacks proper drainage, the lavender plant’s life is shortened. Although lavender does not mind cold temperatures, it is more prone to dampness, and in warm weather it will also need lots of air circulation. Typically, lavender plants grow eight to 36 inches tall. In a pot, lavender plants will need about three to four inches of water each day.
The medicinal properties of lavender come from its volatile oils, and it is highly aromatic. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in sun and stony habitats. However, it is widely grown in southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a densely branched, short shrub up to 60 cm tall, with leafy, woody branches and thorny shoots. The foliage is gray, and the lavender flower itself is small and violet. It is arranged in spirals of six to 10 flowers atop a short stalk.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal herb was first mentioned in the first century AD by the Roman naturalist Pliny and Greek physician Dioscorides. In the 17th century, the English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper published his description of pennyroyal’s medicinal properties. It was used by early European settlers to treat a variety of female disorders, from delayed menses to cramps. As a natural remedy, pennyroyal is available in various forms, including oil, fluid extract, and oil. The leaves and stems are separated and stored in dark glass containers.
Some people may experience abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can be serious side effects. Pennyroyal can also cause problems with the liver, heart, and nervous system. People who consume pennyroyal can also experience high blood pressure, dermatitis, and an increased pulse rate. Small amounts of pennyroyal oil may cause delirium, confusion, seizures, and auditory hallucinations. If you are using pennyroyal as a supplement, consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new regimen or changing your current regimen.
Thyme
Adding thyme to your diet can boost your overall health. It boosts immunity and helps form white blood cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it in a steam tent to fight colds and improve wound healing. It can even help with dyspraxia in children. It is easy to find and incorporate into your daily routine. But beware of the potential side effects. Learn more about thyme’s uses and side effects.
Thyme is an excellent herbal tea. It is great for making herbal breads and adding to a variety of other dishes. It also enhances lentils and split peas. You can also add dried thyme leaves to a salad. Fresh thyme leaves can be used in cooking as well as decorating desserts. To keep thyme fresh, plant it in the fall. Make sure to choose a sunny spot with proper drainage.
Parsley
Growing parsley can be an easy way to preserve fresh herbs year-round. Young parsley can be dried in a sunny location for two to three days. It’s important to keep the parsley seed heads dry to prevent mold and fungi. You can also dry parsley in a food dehydrator, though be sure to avoid high heat to preserve the quality of the herbs. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to use dried parsley within two to three years.
Parsley is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C. It also contains flavonoid “apigenin” which is a powerful antioxidant. It also lowers the level of homocysteine in the blood, which may be a contributing factor in cardiovascular diseases. In addition, parsley contains myristicin and apiole, which are potent stimulants and hallucinogens. In high doses, they’re toxic. Parsley is also a good source of Vitamins A, C, and E, all of which can boost the antioxidant function of the body.