The Healing Herbs

Also known as Aloe Vera /Aloe Barbadensis.Liliaceae Family.Parts used: Gel, leaves. Medicinal Uses:Aloe Vera works primarily in two main areas. The first includes surfaces and membranes, such as the skin and the lining of the sinuses, nose, throat, stomach and bowel, together with the linings of the lungs and genital tract.  Secondly, it works on the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from attack by external aggressors such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as i…

Melissa Officinalis.Common names; balm, bee balm, cure all,dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, sweet balm.Lamiaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves. Culinary Uses:Lemon Balm smells like sweet lemons and goes with most foods complemented by a lemon flavor. Use in teas, salads, cordials, fruit dishes, chilled summer drinks and with chicken and fish. Chopped lemon balm can season sausage or fillings, and can also be added to semi-soft butter, to be spread over bread.

Angelica Archangelica.Also known as Masterwort, Archangel and Garden Angelica.Umbelliferae family.Parts used: Leaves, stems, seeds, roots. Culinary Uses:Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. With a liquorice-like flavour,they can be used as a flavouring in mixed salads. The stalks andyoung shoots can also be eaten cooked or raw.

Origanum / Origanum Marjorana.Also Know as Wild Marjoram, Mountain MintLamiaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves, flowers.Origanum is a genus of more than 30 species from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Confusingly, the names Marjoram and Oregano are often used interchangeably. Wild Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) is more often used in herbal medicine. Culinary Uses:The Greeks called these fragrant leaved herbs, “The brightness of the mountain.” The strong, warm, aromatic taste perm…

Ocinium Basilicum / Ocinum Sanctum.Also known as St Joseph’s Wort and Witches herb.Lamiaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves, flowers. Culinary Uses:Basil flavours tomatoes, garlic and aubergines and makes pesto sauce. It flavours ratatouille, pizzas and pasta sauces. It does not dry well and should be added at the end of the cooking process.

Mentha.Also known as Garden Mint,Spearmint and Lamb Mint.Lamiaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves. Culinary Uses:Fresh Mint can overwhelm other flavours and so does not complement other herbs. It is a classic flavouring with roast lamb and goes well with potatoes, peas, salads and yoghurt based dishes. It makes a wonderful herb tea and helps the digestion after meals.

Borago Officinalis.Also known as Starflower.Boraginaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves, flowers. Culinary Uses:Add the young leaves of this herb plant to salads and soups orchop into cream cheese or dips. Borage flowers can be candiedand eaten and can be added to salads, summer drinks and icecubes. Whether you make a tea out of the dried herb, use candiedflowers for cake decorations, add the medicinal leaves to yoursalad, or prefer the healing benefits of borage oil, this fragrantand beautiful …

Petroselinum Crispum.Also know as Rock Parsley, Common Parsley.Apiaceae Family.Parts used: Leaves, stalks, roots, seeds. Culinary Uses:Parsley is widely used in Middle Eastern, European, and American cooking. Curly leaf Parsley is often used as a garnish. In central and eastern Europe and in western Asia, many dishes are served with fresh green chopped Parsley sprinkled on top.