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Do Herbs have any benefits? Can they even make an impact on my health?

By Karin Roos · Oct 28, 2024
Do Herbs have any benefits? Can they even make an impact on my health? picture

I have always had an absolute passion for herbs and the possibilities they hold for better health. My journey with Herbs started with my herb garden in primary school and getting my first Herb book written by my hero, Margaret Roberts for my birthday. 

For many years I read about herbs, and I made a few vinegars, sprays (mostly to help my mom repel ants in our kitchen) and teas that my dad was willing to try with me. But as the years passed, I lost focus with stressful jobs and wanting to be "successful". This website and where I find myself right now have come after my emotional breakdown. When life gets to a point where you don't know where to turn, ending it all does sound inviting (I would dream of the silent, dark peace). I realised I needed to do something. 

I have a desire to make real change and help others. My jobs previously were running around, managing teams and ensuring others' dreams come true and I would tell myself by helping them I would feel fulfilled and rewarded. But as I left each one for "A BETTER" opportunity and hope of making a real difference I came to realise that I need to follow my dream and MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE. So here I am healing myself and hoping to help others too. 

 I was anxious, stressed, emotional, desperate and broken.  It all came to a head that Friday morning in June while crying (OK, UGLY SOBBING and BLUBBERING) in a holistic doctor's office. 

The doctor asked me about my life, what I ate, what meds I was on etc. My diet was a disaster, NOTHING green ever came across my lips anymore, I lived on coffee, chocolates, and anything processed with lots of comforting fats and sugars. I was not sleeping well, couldn't exist without my daily dose of antidepressants and was feeling exhausted. He explained how the body works and how chemicals are released in the brain and that we are made of a body, mind and spirit. These 3 work together to make up who we are and influence how we feel. So obviously my body was a disaster, overweight and unhealthy.  My mind was filled with negative self-talk, doubt, insecurities and self-hatred. Spiritually I was nowhere either. More on these revelations in my upcoming blogs.

I started with what I could control taking baby steps and expecting nothing really to change, I started eating better and included broccoli, avocado, hummus, baby marrow etc. into my daily meals. I enjoyed the change in the taste of the foods and made it my mission to begin exploring foods. I started to feel slightly better. Then I started incorporating some movement into my day. On my walks, I started noticing the plants and would wonder what they were. I downloaded an app and began to notice how many herbs were growing on sidewalks and gardens. And so, after many years, I began to find my passion for medicinal plants again. I would pick some lavender and wonder how to use it or have a headache and think what I could use instead of an aspirin. 

I am in no way done with my journey and am taking courses reading books and doing plenty of Google searches to learn about these amazing plants. All my recipes and products are based on the courses I have studied and the books I have read, and I use them all myself to heal my own body. I really want you to get the benefits of these too. 

Herbal Medicines can heal so many ailments without the side effects of conventional medicine. Below is some of the information I have learnt so far. There is much still to learn, and I hope you will walk this journey with me to your healing and eventual optimum health. 

1. Culinary Uses

  • Flavour Enhancement: Herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are used to flavour foods, adding aromatic and taste dimensions to dishes.
  • Cooking Methods: Herbs can be used fresh, dried, or ground, and added at different stages of cooking to enhance flavour.
  • Culinary Varieties: Some herbs are specific to certain cuisines, such as cilantro in Mexican dishes or lemongrass in Thai cuisine.

2. Medicinal Uses

  • Traditional Medicine: Herbs have been used for centuries in systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and folk remedies for healing.
  • Active Compounds: They often contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils that have health benefits (e.g., echinacea for immunity, chamomile for relaxation).
  • Herbal Supplements: Many herbs are sold as supplements for their medicinal properties, including ginseng for energy and turmeric for inflammation.

3. Aromatic Uses

  • Essential Oils: Herbs such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary are used to extract essential oils for aromatherapy, perfumes, and natural cleaning products.
  • Scent in Home Products: Herb scents can be found in candles, air fresheners, and incense.

4. Cultural and Ritual Significance

  • Cultural Traditions: Herbs play a role in various cultural practices, such as sage in Native American smudging ceremonies or basil in religious rituals in Italy.
  • Symbolic Meanings: Some herbs have symbolic meanings, like rosemary for remembrance or bay leaves for victory.

5. Gardening and Horticulture

  • Home Gardening: Herbs are popular in-home gardens for their ease of cultivation, aromatic properties, and multiple uses.
  • Companion Planting: Some herbs, like marigolds and mint, are used in gardening to repel pests and support the growth of neighbouring plants.
  • Landscape Design: Certain herbs are used in landscaping for their aesthetic appeal and aromatic foliage.

6. Cosmetic and Beauty Uses

  • Skin Care: Herbs like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile are used in skin care for their soothing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Hair Care: Some herbs, such as rosemary and hibiscus, are used in hair care products to promote growth or improve scalp health.
  • Natural Dyes: Herbs like henna are used as natural dyes for hair and skin.

7. Nutritional Value

  • Rich in Nutrients: Many herbs are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (e.g., parsley is high in vitamin K, and nettle is rich in iron).
  • Detoxification: Certain herbs like dandelion and milk thistle are used for their detoxifying properties.

8. Environmental and Ecological Uses

  • Pollinator Support: Many herbs, such as lavender and thyme, attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
  • Erosion Control: Some herbs help with soil stabilization and preventing erosion (e.g., thyme on slopes).

9. Herbs in Preservation and Crafting

  • Natural Preservatives: Herbs like rosemary and thyme contain natural preservatives that can prolong the shelf life of food.
  • Crafts and Decorations: Herbs are used in wreaths, potpourri, and sachets for decorative purposes.

So here we begin our journey to regaining our power, health and purpose. In this space ONLY WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU WILL DO, whether it is what you eat and drink, what you think or where you find your life's purpose. I aim to place it all here and help us all get better and stronger. 

Chat soon

Your Friend

Karin

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