Did you know that dill was used by Hippocrates as an application on burns suffered by soldiers in ancient Rome? Dill is not just used for pickling or as an added herb to certain dishes, but has medicinal qualities as well. The green dill leaves have a sweet aroma and taste. When dried, the dill [...]

Coriander is widely used in meal preparations. However, it is also a powerful herb which has many health benefits. Commonly known as cilantro, the leafy herb used in most cuisines, the seeds taken from these leaves are known as coriander. Let’s review why coriander is truly an herb for the ages. Traditionally, coriander is a [...]

Native to Peru and Brazil, this climbing vine has been used in South American medicine for many years to treat infections, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, more and more studies are underway to determine its efficacy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and known cancers. Thus, the health benefits derived from cat’s claw is the subject [...]

Herb Gardening: Helpful Tips Would you like to have your own herb garden? Well you could with the proper information. Here are some helpful tips on herb gardening. Decide which herbs you want to grow. Perhaps you can begin with the most widely used: sage, rosemary and thyme. In addition, you can include dill, mint, [...]

While no one is quite sure about the origin of ginger, it was first grown by the Chinese. In 19th century England, ginger was placed on the pub counters so that patrons could add it to their drinks. Apparently, this was the introduction of ginger ale! Aside from this tidbit of information, ginger does have [...]

Certainly, if you have been watching the Food Channel, you no doubt have seen chefs use garlic in abundance. Let’s explore garlic; its history and health benefits. Garlic is a member of the lily family and, as a dried root, is native to central Asia. However it should be interesting to note it was widely [...]

If you have ever used fennel in your meal preparations, you immediately notice the licorice aroma. This is because fennel is a key component in licorice. This herb, though not widely used, is nonetheless quite popular among culinary experts. Most notably used in Italian cuisine, fennel has many health benefits which will be discussed herein. [...]

If you’ve never heard or used turmeric, it is a tropical root that has powerful health benefits. Native to India, it is very similar to its cousin ginger. It has been used in Indian and Chinese cultures for centuries. What medicinal properties does turmeric contain? To begin with, its main compound, curcumin, has the power [...]

Just take a look in kitchen cabinet and you’ll probably find a bottle of thyme. Or, you may have your own herb garden filled with herbs including thyme. Used for centuries, thyme traditionally flavors stews and is mixed in with roasted vegetables. It is a widely used and a popular herb. It is easy to [...]

You may not realize it, but you are using sage every day. It is the ingredient in deodorant products! What is sage? What are other health benefits of sage? Here are some answers. Sage is a plant with leaves which leave a lasting impression. Surely you have seen food TV shows extolling the virtues and [...]