Add Dimension to Your Spring Meals
I may not have a green thumb (yet!), but the fresh mint that pops up in front of my house in the Spring always inspires me to plant fresh herbs of all kinds. Fresh herbs not only add wonderful dimensions of flavor to your food but they are truly health promoting as well.
For example, did you know…
Mint – may relieve indigestion, improves IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), hides bad breath (why most toothpaste is some flavored with a variety of mint), might improve cognitive function and assists with symptoms of the common cold.
Cilantro – lowers blood sugar levels, helps rid the body of heavy metals, prevents urinary tract infections, supports healthy menstrual function, may easy anxiety and could prevent food poisoning (by consuming with a meal).
Parsley – may reduce your cancer risk by helping to modulate your immune system, protects your blood vessels, helps reduce inflammation, and it also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and cramps.
Basil – in the mint family acts and as a natural adaptogen (helps the body adapt to stress and normalizes body processes), contains antibacterial properties, may help to fight cancer, contains compounds that fight the effects of aging and the essential oils in basil is what is responsible for reducing inflammation.
Oregano – also in the mint family, may help to reduce the length and severity of a viral infection. We use oregano oil at the first onset of cold or flu symptoms. It is high in antioxidants, and it may help to treat osteoporosis, cancer and diabetes. Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic, it is used for toothaches and it may protect against MRSA.
Dill – may help to lower cholesterol, will soothe the stomach and help with excessive gas and bloating, is a very good breath freshener, may help reduce menstrual cramps, helps to reduce depression, and may act as a natural bug repellent.
How to Use them
It’s hard to go wrong when using herbs, just remember this rule of thumb; add sturdy herbs, such as thyme, rosemary and oregano at the start of cooking. Add delicate herbs like parsley, basil, dill and cilantro at the end of cooking. This is true whether the herbs are fresh or dried.
There are many ways to use herbs in your diet. Add them to drinks (mint, cilantro, basil and rosemary, or lavender to smoothies, tea, spa water), blend into sauces, place on top of meats and fish and mix into green salads (try parsley, basil, dill, mint, tarragon, chervil, cilantro or chives).
Here are few of my favorite recipes for adding these herbs.
I have made a commitment this spring to start a small herb garden so my mint won’t get too lonely. If I fail, I reach for my backup in the freezer – these fresh frozen herb cubes from Dorot Gardens are wonderful! They are available at most grocery stores.
Given the health benefits of herbs, I always include them in my seasonal detox program. I’m busy finalizing a few new recipes in the guide and I hope you will join me!
Registration is open through April 22nd. What better time than right now, to spring into wellness! If you join me, you’ll also be invited to the Spring Detox Potluck on May 2nd.