HomeHealth Benefits of Herbs

Health Benefits of Herbs

Alexanders are commonly known as Alisanders, horse parsley and smyrnium. It belongs to the kingdom Plantae, of the family Apiaceae, having the botanical name as SmyrniumOlusatrum.

Costmary is a useful perennial herb growing up to a height of three feet. Its leaves are broad, greenish-grey in colour, egg shaped with saw like boarders.

One of the very common spices present in the Indian kitchen it is hardly possible that you haven’t heard of this herb before. This herb is known to have a very strong odour and is also called as ‘Ugragandha’ in Sanskrit.

Akudjura is familiarly known as bush sultana, bush tomato, dessert raisins and Akatyerre. Botanical name of Akudjura is SolanumCentrale and belongs to kingdom Plantae.

Allspice belongs to the botanical family Myrtaceae and of the genus Pimenta. The allspice tree is said to be an evergreen shrub that can reach 10–18 m (33–59 ft) in height. Allspice can be a small, scrubby tree.

Aloe Vera is a very short-stemmed plant growing to a height of 60–100 cm. The leaves are thick and fleshy, colour ranging green to grey-green.

Amla is also commonly known with other names such as emblic, emblicmyrobalan myrobalan, Indian gooseberry and Malacca tree. Amla belongs to the family Phyllanthaeae.

Anise belongs to Apiaceae family and Plantae Kingdom. It is a flowering plant which is also called as Aniseed. Anise is an herbaceous herb which grows annually to a height of 3 ft (0.9 m) or more.

Aniseed Myrtle belongs to Kingdom Planatae and Myrtaceae family. It is also known as Ringwood or aniseed tree. It is an Australian Rainforest tree which is well known for the aromatic nature of its leaves and the benefits of its oil extracts.

Annatto is an herb which is commonly known as Achiote and aploppas. It belongs to the botanical family Bixaceae and is of the Genus Bixa. It is a shrub or can also be told as a small tree.

Galangal has got both culinary and medicinal value which is a rhizome that belongs to ginger family of Zingiberaceae. It is predominantly used in Indonesia and Malaysia as a flavouring agent and as a famous spice.

Apple Mint is also known as pineapple mint, woolly mint or round-leafed mint. It belongs to the scientific family Lamiaceae and kingdom Plantae. It is a perennial plant ad belongs to the genus of Mentha.

Ferula Assafoetide is commonly known as asafetida. The name is derived from a latin word which means stinking. It has a pungent smell but is can be used in the cooking preparation by combining it with one or two spices.

Asian ginseng or as some people call it the Chinese ginseng is one of the most highly regarded herbs in the Chinese system of medication.

Astragalus is a wide spread genus that has got about 3000 species of varieties of herbs and small shrubs. It belongs to the kingdom plantae and falls under the fabaceae family and Fabiodeae sub family.

Avocado, scientifically referred to as Persea Americana, belongs to the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The tree ranges to a height of 66 feet. The leaves of the tree are dark, broad and thick giving a helping it be a tree for shade.

Barberry has various other names such as common barberry and European barberry. The botanical name of barberry is berberis Vulgaris belonging to Berberidaceae family and Plantae kingdom.

Basil, known as Tulasi in Sanskrit, is Outof 35 different types of basil, holy basil or ocimum Sanctum L, is famous for its essential medicinal values.

Bay leaves can either be used as whole or they can be dried, powdered and made useful. The bay leaf oil is well known for its medicinal and health benefits and are widely used for various ailments.

Bee Balm is commonly known as crimson bee balm, scarlet bee balm, scarlet monarada, Oswego tea and bergamot. The botanical name of bee balm is Monaradadidyma which belongs to family Lamiaceae and of the type Herbaceous perennial.

Bilberries are low growing shrubs found mainly in the continent of Eurasia including places like Britain, Siberia and Barbary. These plants bear globular wax-like flowers which turn into fruits that are usually dark-blue in colour.

Bitter oranges are also known as Coolie oranges, sour oranges, Sadaphal and Gambhru Khatta in India and Seville oranges, Marmalade oranges otherwise.

Black cardamom is a perennial herb. Its botanical name is Amomum subulatum. It usually is grown in tropical areas and wild zones.

Black cohosh is a native of North America. The North American Indians have been using its roots and rhizomes as medicine for a long time now. It grows in woodland habitats.

Black mustard, scientifically known as Brassica nigra is an annually growing herb. Back mustard is commonly known as ‘mohri’ or ‘kalee sarso’ in India.

Black pepper called as the piper nigrum is a member of Pipracea family. This herb is known to be a common spice found in the Indian household and is normally grown in Kerala which is located in India.

Blue fenugreek is an herb widely used in Georgian dishes. It is known as Utksho Suneli in Georgia; forms a part of the mix of Khmeli Suneli. This herbaceous plant is also known as ‘Sweet Trefoil’.

An annual herb that bears beautiful flowers, Borage is also known as ‘Star Flower’. Its botanical name is Borage officinalis and it belongs to the family Boraginaceae.

Brassica juncea, commonly referred to as Brown mustard, Indian mustard, Leaf mustard and Chinese mustard is a variant species of mustard family.

INTRODUCTION

Burdock is a plant belonging to the category of Biennial Plants in the family, Asteraceae. It is also known by the name Arctium Lappa. The Arctium species generally flower from the month of July till October.

INTRODUCTION

Calamint (commonly called for Calamintha) is a perennial herb of the mint family. The name Calamintha is derived from the Greek word Kalos because of its excellent power to drive away Serpents.

INTRODUCTION

Calamus is a perennial herb that grows in wetlands. It belongs to the genus, Acorus and the Acoraceae Family. It is also known as Sweet root and Rat root to name a few. It is found all over the world.

INTRODUCTION

Calendula officinalis is commonly known as common marigold, pot marigold or English marigold. It belongs to the genus Calendula in the family Asteraceae.

INTRODUCTION

Cananga odorata also known as cananga is originated from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is also called locally as Ylang Ylang. It is a large tropical evergreen tree belonging to the family Annonaceae.

INTRODUCTION

Candlenut (also known by Aleurites Moluccanus) is a flowering tree in the genus Aleurites belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is also commonly known as Indian walnut or candleberry.

Capers, the name might be new to you, but we assure you that you have definitely consumed this vegetable in one form or other. These tangy, spicy vegetables are used to add an extra exotic touch to many dishes.

Caraway, is one of the most commonly used spices in savory dishes. This herb has a strong aroma and is majorly grown in Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Cardamom is a spice which is made from seeds of two plants from the genera Elettaria and Amomum, which are native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Indonesia.

Cassia, also known as Cinnamomum Cassia or Chinese Cinnamon, is cultivated in mainly in Southern China and Eastern Asia. The buds of this evergreen tree is used as spice.

Catnip has a common name as ‘Catmint’. It gets its name because the cats have an intense attraction towards them. This herb is short-lived and grows 50-100 cm long and wide.

Cats Claw is commonly known as Una de Gato and is used extensively in Peruvian medicine. This vine is native to South and Central American tropical rainforest.

Cayenne Pepper, popularly known as Guinea Spice or red hot chilli pepper, is grown in the tropical and temperate zones. It takes 100 days to mature and needs a warm climate.

Celery, scientifically known as Apium graveolens, is a vegetable coming from the family Apiaceae. The celery is an excellent source of nutrients and minerals. It has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

The word ‘Chamomile’ is derived from the French and Latin words and comes from a family known as Asteraceae. There are many species under the name Chamomile, which have slightly different properties and medicinal uses.

Cinnamon is obtained by cutting the stems of the cinnamon tree and extracting the inner bark by removing the woody parts from it. The smell and flavor of cinnamon is due to the compound called Cinnamaldehyde.

Primary use of clove

Cloves are primarily used in medicines, toothpastes and for adding flavour to food items.

Coriander is a common aromatic herb which is known by many. Called as Coriandrum sativum this herb is known to be found in the Mediterranean regions.

Coriander is an integral part of Indian dishes. They are regularly used for garnishing purposes and in salads or soups. They are a rich source of potassium, iron, vitamins A, K, and C, folic acid, magnesium and calcium that provide many health benefits.

Cowslip is a herb that grows growing throughout the temperate zones of Asia and Europe. It is used both in fresh and dry forms and consists of amazing medicinal properties.

Cumin seeds have been used for various purposes, both medicinal and culinary, since a very long time. Cuminum cyminum, most often known as ‘jeera’ in India is used for a variety of seasonings in Indian food.