Cooking herbs

Basil (Ocimum basilcum)

Basil belongs to the mint family, being largely used in the spice industry and for the production of essential oils.
There are about 150 different types of basil plants worldwide e.g. mediterranean, purple, chocolate, garlic and cinnamon.

The word basil comes from the Greek, and it means "King". The plant itself is known in Greece as the " Herb of the Kings".
Basil's botanical name is Ocimum basilicum, originating from the Greek word for "fragrant or scent."  In Rome,  basil was best known as "Basilescus". 

In ancient India, basil was considered a religious and sacred plant, whereas in Europe in the Middle Ages was viewed as a dangerous plant.
People believed back then, that scorpions would breed under pots containing basil, and the aroma was unhealthy for humans.
More superstitious people also believed, that only by smelling basil, the scent would enter one's brain and form there a deadly scorpion, ending up by killing the person.

But in other European countries, basil was used to seduce the love one and given to young women as a promise of long lasting love.
In southern European countries, people still believe that basil brings love, success and prosperity to ones life.

Finally, basil is also well know in the Italian and southern European cuisine, as a condiment for salads, fish and pastas.

As medicine, basil is recommended mainly to treat digestive problems, mood swings and depressions, uplifting and improving peoples general health.

Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis)

Reports mention, that both ancient Greek and Romans used bay leaf branches to crown athletes, gladiators and heroes of battle. Besides, terms like "Poet Laureate" and "Baccalaureate", are still commonly used in our society to " award" winners, or when a person is well succeed in completing his/her studies.

Bay leaves come from the bay Laurel tree. These can be used both fresh or dried, adding up an intense flavour to many dishes, specially of meat, sauces and pastas. And before serving a dish with bay, its important to remove the leaves aside. The longer the leaves stay in the food, the stronger the flavour gets.

Bay leaves are commonly used in Southern European countries to flavour meat, BBQ's and stews. Bay leaves are also largely used for culinary purposes in India, Africa and the Middle East.

Caraway Seeds (Carum carvi)

Caraway seeds are an anise flavoured type of seed, very much used to condiment food in Asia. Caraway seeds belong to the parsley family, having many uses in the kitchen and to flavour food.

Native from this continent, these seeds are well known in Europe since remote times.
In the Middle Ages, they were mainly used to flavour bread and meat. It was then believed, that these seeds aided digestive problems and could soothe the stomach.

Presently, Holland is considered the world's largest caraway producer and exporter.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are a sort of onion-like thin stems, and were brought to the West from China by Marco Polo. Chives botanical name comes from the Greek word for "Reed-like leek".

Ancient Romans also believed, that chives was of great use to ward off disease, relieving both respiratory, throat, digestive and urinary problems.

And Dutch farmers have been known since ever, by using Chives to flavour milk and as a fodder to feed the cows.

In culinary, chives can be used directly in food, both fresh or dried, tasting like mild onion-garlic. Chives can also be used to garnish aperitifs and dishes, ranging from salads to sandwiches, sauces, fish, soup and meat.

If added up towards the end of the cooking, chives give a special touch to any dish. And chives together with chervil, tarragon and parsley make the famous French "spice" known as "Fine Herbes".

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander, is known since ancient times as the "Love Potion herb", and viewed by many as a strong aphrodisiac. 
Ancient Egyptian papyruses, already made reference to the use of this herb in the famous "Tales of the Arabian Nights".
Likewise, Egyptians used coriander for their death ceremonies and as a medicinal plant.

Later on the Romans used coriander to flavour food and preserve their meat. Roman practices were brought to other European countries, and are now part of many local cuisines.

Coriander was introduced in America in the XVII century, being brought to this continent by the first European colonists.

Coriander has an intense and unique aroma, and can flavour both fish or meat dishes. The leaves are often called cilantro, and are believed to have strong medicinal properties, specially aiding stomach and digestive problems.

Coriander can also be used in the kitchen both fresh or dried, added up during or towards the end of the cooking. Finally, this herb is largely used in the Moroccan, southern European, Indian and Thai cuisine.

Cumins (Cuminum cyminum)

This small bush, is known since ancient times both in the Mediterranean region, southern European countries and Egypt.

And the old testament mentions, the use of Cumin's to flavour food, whereas in ancient Rome cumin's were highly valued as a spice.
This herb can be best used dried and gives a special touch to fish and meat dishes.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

In ancient times, dill was known as the "cure plant" for everything. The word dill comes from an old Norse word, meaning "to soothe or lull".

In ancient times people believed, that dill could calm crying babies and put them to sleep. And dill was also believed to have sedative effects, treating well baby colic's.

Meanwhile, ancient Greek used dill to treat hiccups and for general mouth hygiene. Likewise, Romans used to give it to solders and war heroes, upon their return from victorious battles.

This plant was largely used by soldiers in the Middle Ages, and viewed by many as a wonderful herb to heal wounds of battle.

And European witches, used dill in magic potions and for witchcraft rituals. Back then this herb was also considered important to ward off bad spirits, protecting against black magic and witchcraft.

In the kitchen, dill can be used both fresh or dried, being well known in the North-American cuisine, specially in the making of pickles. Dill is also well known as a cooling remedy to treat both digestive, intestinal problems and promote perspiration.  

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This is one of the best known plants in the world, used since remote times to heal and treat many health ailments.

Garlic was largely used in ancient Egypt by the pharaohs, given to slaves to keep them healthy, and to treat intestinal parasites.
Garlic belongs to the family of the onions, chives and leeks. It has an intense flavour and can be used both fresh or dried. Garlic is also a wonderful medicinal plant, and very complete in the kitchen. It can be used almost in every dish, cooked or freshly chopped.

The southern European and Mediterranean kitchen, uses larges amounts of garlic to condiment food, bring a special flavour and aroma to many traditional fish and meat dishes.

Although used dried in many northern European countries, fresh garlic is far healthier, aiding to treat digestive problems, colds, hear and tooth aches, infections, clearing the blood and heart of animal fat. Besides, garlic helps fighting high cholesterol levels in the body, reducing in the process high blood pressure, aiding to treat arteriosclerosis and respiratory problems e.g. bronchitis, flu's and colds.

Curiously, many gurus and "enlighten" Indian and Tibetan masters, believe that both onions and garlic's are not suitable for meditation, interfering with ones self development.

Lemon Balm or Melissa

In ancient times, this herb was largely used both by Greek and Romans in temples dedicated to the Goddess Diana. Ancient Arabs believed as well, that this plant could treat most heart conditions.

In southern European countries, lemon balm or melissa is used mainly to treat digestive problems. This herb makes a wonderful tea, and can still be used to garnish many dishes and coktails.

Mint (Mentha piperita)

Mint is known by man since ever, mainly by it's freshness and wonderful digestive properties. There are about 600 different varieties of mint in the world, being "spearmint and peppermint" the most common.

The word mint means " hospitality". Back in ancient Rome, mint was used to whiten teeth, treat wasp stings and as a mouse repellent. Likewise, Romans used to rub mint in dishes, scenting all sorts of plates and food.

The Latin name for Mint is " Mentha," name given to a famous nymph who was turned into a mint plant by Proserpine, wife of Pluto. In result of this, it was believed that anyone stepping on this plant would smell the nymphs sweet perfume.

This plant can be used both dried or fresh, garnishing practically any food or dish. Likewise, it has a fresh unique flavour and can be easily added up to natural juices, garnishing both cakes and desserts.

Finally, mint has many uses in medicine, helping to fight difficult digestions, intestinal gases and respiratory problems by promoting general blood circulation.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano belongs to the mint, marjoram and thyme family. In ancient Egypt, it was used to disinfect and flavour food, whilst in Greece (best known by " Rigani" or "joy of the mountains"), was believed to be Aphrodite's favourite herb, being perceived as the "love-herb".

Besides being largely used in greek homes and weddings, oregano was also placed on top of the graves in order to bring peace, happiness and reassurance of eternal life to the dead.

In the Middle Ages, people believed that chewing this herb would help treating a wide range of diseases, from rheumatism to mouth ulcers, digestive and respiratory problems.

Currently, this plant is best known in Italian pizzas and tomato-based food. Oregano is also largely used in the southern European countries to condiment meat, fish, stews and can be used both fresh or dried.

After the II World War, oregano was brought to the USA by american soldiers and Italian emigrants, becoming one of the most popular herbs worldwide.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

There are several different types of parsley worldwide, being the most common the Italian and Hamburg types.

Parsley in known since remote times, and was a famous herb in ancient Greece and Rome. Greek used parsley at the "Isthmian Games" to crown their winners. And Hippocrates (father of modern medicine), believed that parsley had wonderful healing properties in the treatment of kidney pains, rheumatism and overall digestive problems. This herb also symbolised death for ancient Greek, and was often put on top of their tombs.

Interesting enough, in Rome parsley was eaten as a sort of a salad, being considered a wonderful herb to fight drunkenness, to use in occult ceremonies and to garnish food.

It was also believed in Rome, that all parsley seeds before germinating had to go down to hell and back seven times. This would explain why parsley grows so slowly, and the seeds are so difficult to germinate.

Ancient Romans also believed, that fields where parsley grew were evil and unsuitable for agriculture.
Likewise, Hebrews believed that parsley symbolised rebirth, being commonly used during Passover ceremonies.

As a plant, parsley is known by having a slightly peppery flavour, and can be used both dried or fresh. Besides being a wonderful medicinal plant, is largely used worldwide to garnish and scent food.

Parsley is also known as a home made remedy, rich in vitamins, minerals (vitamin A, C, Iron, copper and iodine), being often recommend to treat digestive problems, cancer, kidney and bladder problems.

Finally, most people also believe that parsley is very effective as an insect repellent. And in southern European countries, its used simple or with lemon juice to clean peoples hands of fish odours.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary its a refreshing sort of mint plant, with needle like leaves and can be used both dried or fresh. In Latin, Rosemary means "Ros Maris" or "Dew of the Sea". This plant is a member of the mint family and native to the Mediterranean region.

Rosemary is also considered one of the most powerful herbs existing in the planet, and used throughout the centuries by many world cultures. Some researchers inclusively believe, that its use goes far back to 500 B.C.

According to the legend, the Virgin Mary fleeing from Herod's soldiers hung her cloak on a Rosemary bush. Next day, the bush had lovely white flowers and had turned blue. This would explain until today its colour, flowers and appearance.

Likewise, records show that both ancient Greek and Romans believed, that this plant was of great to aid to treat cases of lack of memory. It was specially useful for students and elderly people, helping the reinforcement of memory and refreshment of the brain activity. This would explain as well, why ancient Greek students wore rosemary in their hair during examinations.

Additionally, rosemary was still used in social ceremonies back in ancient Greece e.g. weddings, funerals, social events, games etc. And greek brides wear it to show love and fidelity to their grooms.

But, rosemary is best known worldwide as a calming herb, aiding in rheumatic and arthritic treatments. Besides reliving general body pains, this powerful plant helps treating muscles aches, strains, colds, fevers and respiratory problems. Its also a great plant in what regards improving general blood circulation and fighting baldness.

Some people also believe, that having this plant in the garden is a synonym of a happy, harmonious household and dominated by a woman.

In southern European countries, people believe rosemary helps to ward off bad entities and evil from one's home.

Rosemary is also largely used worldwide in herbal infusions, aromatherapy, cosmetics, cooking and by the pharmaceutical industry.

Saffron (Crocus Sativus Linneaus)

Native herb from Asia, saffron was brought to Europe during the crusades. Saffron comes from the Arab words "Assfar" and "Za'fran", both meaning yellow.

In ancient times, saffron was used both by Assyrians and Egyptians for medicinal purposes. Whereas Greek and Romans used saffron to scent baths, public places and dye clothes. Ancient Greek also believed, that Zeus had a bed of saffron and was a very wealthy God.
This idea was also shared by the Romans, who believed saffron was a symbol of richness and power. Wealthy Romans used to sprinkle their marriage beds with saffron, believing it had powerful aphrodisiac properties.

Back in India, saffron was used to distinguish wealthy castes. Still today in India, this yellow-orange colour symbolizes beauty, and is the official colour of Buddhist robes.
Saffron is also used to dye clothes, being largely used both by the perfume and pharmaceutical industries.

This herb is used mainly as a powder, and considered to be the most expensive spice in the world. In order to make a small quantities of saffron powder, large amounts of plants are needed (flower stigmas), reason why saffron is viewed by many as an expensive spice.

Saffron, is also believed to aid treating a wide variety of health ailments, such as nervous problems, heart diseases, digestive problems, lack of appetite, exhaustion, fatigue and nosebleeds.

Finally, saffron is largely used in the southern European countries and Mediterranean cuisine. This herb and spice is mainly imported from Portugal, Spain and France and its used both to colour rice and seafood dishes.

Note:

Be aware that when purchasing saffron, this spice is often easy to adulterate with other spices. The real saffron has an intense orange colour and distinct scent.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

This herb is mainly used to flavour medicinal remedies, and best known by having a slight lemon flavour. Sage belongs to the mint family and its considered a highly stimulating herb. Used since remote times as a sacred ceremonial herb, was believed to help treating health problems. Both Greeks and Romans used sage to cure snakebites, and to "achieve immortality".

In ancient times, it was also believed that sage could treat  poor memory cases. Both Greek and Romans believed, that sage could reinforce the working of the brain, bringing additional wisdom and longevity to people.

But, in the Middle Ages sage was considered a sacred and healing herb, helping in the treatment of sight problems, flues, fever, stomach and intestinal problems. Many religious orders used to grow sage, using it to flavour food, make remedies and to burn in religious ceremonies.

Back in China in the XVII century, Sage was perceived as a commodity and very expensive herb.

In many worldwide cultures, sage is believed to help clean the blood from toxins, alleviating rheumatic pains, aching limbs, treating bleeding gums, liver problems, epilepsy, colds, sore throats, fever, mouth ulcers and wounds.

Finally, sage is an herb used also for religious purposes and believed to ward off bad spirits. In culinary terms, sage leaves can be used fresh or dried, giving a wonderful flavour to many food dishes.

Tarragon ( Artemisis dracunculus)

This spice is known worldwide mainly thanks to the French cuisine. The latin word for Tarragon is " Dracunlucus" , meaning " little dragon". In France tarragon is best known as "Herbe au Dragon".

Likewise, ancient Greek used tarragon to cure mainly mouth problems, whilst in the Middle Ages this plant was best known in the treatment of snake bites.

In ancient times, this herb was placed in the shoes of travellers to help fighting fatigue. Many people believed still, that tarragon could aid in the treatment of several health ailments, specially animal bites and mad dog attacks.

Still in the Middle Ages, was only used for medicinal purposes and not as a food condiment.
Presently, tarragon is greatly used to flavour fish dishes, vinegars, pickles, sauces and mustards.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

There are several different types of thyme plants, but the most common are the lemon, French and English thyme. This herb belongs to the family of the mints and has an interesting touch of lemon.

The use of thyme goes far back in time to the Sumerians, who used this plant as a natural antiseptic. Likewise, ancient Egyptians used this thyme mainly in the mummification process, whilst Greeks believed this plant symbolized strength, vitality, bravery and courage.

Thyme was also perceived by ancient Greek, has a medicinal plant, very useful in the treatment of skin problems.  Whereas in Rome, thyme was used as an oil to invigorate soldiers, making them stronger and fitter in battle. Sage and Thyme, were commonly added up to baths in ancient Greece and Rome, and known by acting as a natural antiseptic.

Some cultures worldwide also used Thyme to preserve clothes, sheets and blankets. Thyme is also viewed in many countries as a powerful flee  and insect repellent.

Thus thyme can also be used dried or fresh. This herb is believed to reinforce the immune system, reducing body fats, aiding digestion, treating colds, depressions and muscular pain. Besides, its a wonderful herb to treat flatulence and general wounds.

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