Use of Herbs

The general definition of 'herb' is any plant that is used for its culinary, medicinal or fragrant properties. They have been used for thousands of years to enhance and enliven foods, treat and prevent illnesses and injuries and provide us with fragrances and other beauty preparations. Although herbs may be bought fresh or dried from supermarkets and health shops, they rarely have as fresh a flavour or aroma as those grown in your own garden.

Culinary Uses

Fresh herbs can transform a dish and lend personality to your cooking. In fact, it is almost impossible to think of some foods without their corresponding herb; what would tomatoes be without basil, lamb without rosemary, or new potatoes without mint?

When using fresh herbs in a recipe that calls for dried or powdered herbs, you will need to add a larger amount.

In general:
* 1 teaspoon powdered herb = 4 teaspoons fresh
* 1 teaspoon dried herb = 3 teaspoons fresh

Herbs may also be used as a garnish or edible decoration, such as borage, chives, elder and marigold. Even stalks can be used; rosemary branches may be used as a flavour-imparting skewer for kebabs or other meat dishes, whilst angelica stalks are often crystallised and used to decorate cakes or puddings.

Herbal teas are made from the fresh or dried leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds of herbs, and as they do not contain tannin or caffeine, they can provide a refreshing alternative to ordinary tea and coffee. A wide variety of plants may be used, such as peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm and anise.

Medicinal Uses

Herbs have been used for thousands of years and across the world as a source of home-grown treatments for all sorts of illnesses and injuries. For example, lavender may be used to treat burns, reduce bruising, prevent sleeplessness and also acts as an antiseptic agent. Chamomile may be used to treat a wide range of symptoms, including stomach cramps and indigestion, skin irritations such as rashes and burns, and allergies and respiratory problems including asthma, hay fever and sinusitis.

In general, it is inadvisable to use herbs for medicinal purposes without specialist knowledge or advice.