Basil | Ocimum basilicum

uses: Basil leaves are typically found in pasta dishes, as they are a great pairing with tomatoes. It can also be used to make salads or breads. Basil is often used when it is fresh, but can also be bought dried.

benefits: Basil leaves have many medicinal uses. When digested, they can treat gastrointestinal distress (nausea, stomachaches). Externally, they are used to alleviate acne and other skin problems.



Dill | Anethum graveolens

uses: As a leaf, dill is used to add spice to salads, though it loses its flavor once cooked so it is best eaten raw. In seed form, dill can be used to make soup or bread. An essential oil can be extracted from the herb to flavor a multitude of foods.

benefits: Essential oil from a dill seed has been used for thousands of years to relieve intestinal pain and alleviate digestive problems in children. Chewing the dill seed also eliminates bad breath.



Coriander | Coriandrum sativumvum

uses: Coriander leaves are used to flavor soups and salads, though if eaten in large quantities, coriander can have a narcotic effect. The coriander root is turned into powder and used as a condiment.

benefits: Eating coriander seeds aids in digesting food and also eliminates bad breath when eaten after garlic. Coriander also eases maladies such as colic.



Marjoram | Origanum majorana

uses: As a close relative of oregano, marjoram is a sweet herb that is used in cooking many vegetable and bean dishes. It can also be incorporated into salad dressings.

benefits: Marjoram is used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments, specifically muscle pain, arthritis and sprains. It can also alleviate headaches, insomnia and bronchitis. Pregnant women should not consume marjoram in large quantities.



Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis

uses: Rosemary leaves are very bitter, while the flowers are more delicate and used in soups and vegetable dishes. Rosemary has a strong taste and can also be used to make a pungent tea.

benefits: Rosemary is typically used as a tonic, treating mental nervousness, depression and headaches. Rosmarol, which is extracted from rosemary leaves, can also be used as an antioxidant (which some researchers have found can prevent certain types of cancer).

By Caitlin McGarry

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