herbs by bansari31

Basil

Origin of the herb: Basil has many names such as sweet basil, Thai basil, French basil, garden basil and many more. This herb is used worldwide as a flavouring herb and for cooking. Basil history is over 4,000 years ago, resources show that it was grown in Egypt. In Egypt the herb was likely to be used in embalming and a maintaining/protecting herb as it was found in many mummies and tombs. Basil (known as Tulsi in India) also has a history in Indian medicines known as Ayurveda which was the medicine system in ancient India. Also, the stem of the Basil is considered as a sacred herb in India and known to be a powerful guardian and is still in fact planted around temples and laid next to the dead. In other countries such as Iran, Malaysia and Egypt basil itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s considered to be a love token and is also planted on graves. The word Basil comes from the Greek name Basileious which means king. Saint Basil was the fourth century senior member of the churchmen and one of the early Cristian church fathers. Culinary uses: The Basil has an extensive uses in cuisine (cooking) of many cultures. In many cooking preparations itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used in the fresh, frozen form or in soups as a dried powder form. It is also used to flavour omelettes and all different types of fish dishes. Also used in salads and sauces, also as a stuffing which is used in pasta dishes, pizza and often mixed with vegetables. Basil is used as a flavouring with carrots, eggplant, broccoli, used with squash, also beside cabbage. Basil goes the best with tomatoes and as an essential ingredient used in making tomato paste and all types of tomato sauces. The fresh leaves of the Basil can also be added to salads to increase herbal taste. -

For intense flavour it is mostly added the end of a cooking process

Specialised uses: Basil is used to prepare and make beneficial remedies such as: -

Basil tea can be used in treatment for patients with fever

Mainly used for treatment of different disorders of the digestive system

Disorders such as vomiting made from the sweet basil

Treatment for all types of cramps in the stomach

Physical tiredness

Fight of symptoms of depression

Treatment for remedies

To treat cases of whooping cough

For external application for skin disorders

Applying external ointment for relief from insect bites

Also used for craft Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients: -

4 tomatoes

4 cups tomato juice

14 leaves of fresh basil

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Â˝ cup butter

Salt and pepper

Method: 1. Peel and slice four tomatoes 2. Place the tomatoes and four cups of tomato juice in a stock pot over medium heat 3. Simmer for 30 mins 4. Then cream the tomato mixture along with the fourteen basil leaves using whipping cream 5. Put the pot over medium heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream 6.

Keep stirring until the butter is completely melted and then turn off the gas

7. Now season with salt and pepper 8. The soup is ready to be eaten

Mint

Origin of the herb: Mint is an important aromatic herb since the early beginning of civilization. Many different types of mint are widely grown and available. The word mint comes from Greek mythology character known as Menthe. The story behind the meaning of mint is once two strangers were walking passed an unknown village, the villagers avoided the strangers and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer them any water or food. Then, a couple came and provided them some food to eat. The couple rubbed the table with mint leaves to freshen it up and give it aroma. The strangers turned out to be the gods Hermes and Zeus in. For the friendliness the couple had displayed the gods as a reward turned their house into a temple. Since then mint has become a sign of helpfulness and friendliness in Greece. Culinary uses: The mint is a major aspect of cooking and is widely used. Mint is an herb which adds taste to dishes and also gives a fresh taste to drinks and food and is sometimes also used as a garnish. Mint is used in making iced/hot tea, tropical fruit juices and the stems of the mint are used to garnish the glasses the drink is served in. Mint is also used as an ingredient for making desserts such as brownies, cookies, frosting and homemade ice-cream. Mint also work with salads, cooked vegetables such as corn, peas and carrots. Generally the leaves are taken off before serving. Mint is also used in marinades, Indian chutneys and mint flavoured butter. Specialised uses: Mint is an excellent remedy for many things: -

Reducing symptoms related to digestion

Good for problems related to digestion

Stomach cramps

Vomiting

Upset stomach

Mint can also reduce hunger for a small amount of time but once it wears off the hunger returns stronger than usual. Also used for making products such as refreshing and cleansing face wash, ointments and more. Recipe: Lemon Mint Iced tea (for 1 glass) Ingredients: -

2 cups of water (or as much needed depending on the amount of people or tea you want to make)

Âž cup of white sugar

Regular sized tea bag

1 peppermint tea bag

Âź cup of frozen lemonade

Mint

Lemon (OPTIONAL)

Method: 1. Pour the amount of water you need in a saucepan over high heat 2. Then add in sugar and stir until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dissolved 3. Add the tea and peppermint tea bags and allow to steep for 30 minutes 4. Remove the tea bags and stir in the frozen lemonade 5. Serve tea over ice and add the mint as a garnish and to add flavouring 6. Can also use a thin slice of lemon and cut half way through the middle and put it in the edge of the glass to use as a decoration

Thyme

Origin of the herb: Thyme is an herb with penetrating fragrance and has been around for thousands of years. I is indigenous to the dry part of Europe. In the Roman era, it was believed that eating thyme during a meal protected you from poison and thyme was herb that the emperors of the time loved. Thyme also had a big role in courage, bravery and also strength in the ancient times as it was a traditional gift given to soldiers before going to war. Thyme was first found in Spain and other European countries bordering Mediterranean. It is now mostly developed and grown from most countries with temperate (pleasant and cool) climates. Culinary uses: The dry and fresh leaves of thyme can be used in stews, soups, custard and baked vegetables. The stems of the fresh thyme is used when roasting meals and poultry. Also used in making tea and enhancing meat and fish. Thyme is also added in cottage cheese. Specialised uses: Thyme oil is used in within soaps, perfumes, toothpastes and cosmetics. Bathing with thyme can help relieve joint pain and aches. Thyme can help with antifungal, getting rid of warts, ease stomach cramps, coughs, lung problems, treating whooping coughs, cold and flews and depression, also sore throats. Recipe: Lemon and Thyme Rice Ingredients: -

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup uncooked white rice

1 can chicken broth

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Method:

1. Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium-high heat and stir the rice 2. Cook rice (about 5-6 minute), stirring frequently until browned 3. Mix chicken broth, lemon juice and thyme into the rice 4. Cover and reduce heat to low and cook 20 minutes until the liquid (lemon juice) has been absorbed 5. Fluff with a for before serving 6. Lemon and thyme rice is ready to be eaten

Coriander/ cilantro

Origin of the herb: The history of cilantro crosses over many centuries and continents. Experts believe that corianders dates back to 5000 BC. Coriander is obtained from the Greek word koros meaning bug or insect. References to coriander can be found in Sanskrit writing. Coriander was grown in Egypt which can also be found Italy today. Coriander seeds are very precious to Egyptians as they are found in tombs of the 21 st dynasty. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that it had erotic (like a love potion/ stimulant) assets. The seeds of coriander (known as cilantro) were also used in Chinese cooking for more than 5,000 years. Culinary uses:

The leaves are considered as cilantro and the seeds are known as coriander. Coriander leaves are used in all sorts of cooking from Latin to Asian, Mexico and United States, India and many more. Coriander seeds have spicy and strong flavour and is used extensively in Indian, Middle Eastern and Asian cooking. It is an important aspect of making curry and most Indian recipes. It is also used in cooking to prevent food poisoning. The root of coriander is used in curry pastes and the leaves are added at the end of cooking as a flavouring and garnish. Specialised uses: Medical uses -

For curing digestion problems

Upset stomach

Loss of appetite

Diarrhoea

Toothaches

Joint pain

Infections caused by fungus and bacteria

Breast-feeding (to increase flow of milk)

Used in manufacturing as flavouring in medicines, tobacco and fragrance in cosmetics. Recipe: Aloo Gobi (traditional Indian dish) Ingredients: -

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ teaspoon cumin seed

coriander

1 small quartered and sliced onion

2 serrano chili peppers, minced

1 teaspoon ginger paste

2 teaspoons ground coriander

¼ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon garam masala

2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut

1 teaspoon salt

½ head cauliflower cut in florets

2 teaspoon lemon juice

Method:

1. Heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat in a large pot 2. Fry the cumin seeds for a few seconds until they turn into a golden brown colour and begin to pop 3. Reduce heat to medium, add the onion and cook till lightly browned 4. Add in serrano pepper and ginger and fry for one minute 5. Season with coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper and garam masala and cook for 30 seconds 6.

Add the potatoes and salt and then cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes

7. Then add cauliflower, cover and cook until the cauliflower steams into its own juices about for 20 mins 8. Stir in lemon juice, then the remaining one tablespoon of oil around the edges of the pot 9. Increase the heat to medium-high and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently to avoid mashing the cauliflower 10. Once stirred turn off the gas and prepare to eat

Rosemary

Origin of the herb: Rosemary is herb which has many other names such as Polar plant, Compass weed, garden rosemary, dew of the sea. The word is derived from Latin and means dew of the sea and also bitter rose. The herb is originated in the Mediterranean but today itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s found almost anywhere in the world. Rosemary has an interesting history, from weddings to burials and from farriers to witches. In the olden days, Rosemary was often dipped into scented water

and worn by bridals as it symbolized love, friendship and remembrance. Rosemary was also surprisingly used for crime prevention in the 14th century. Rosemary roots were boiled in wine vinegar and then was used to wash a thief’s feet. The lotion was believed to make a robber no longer cause any harm and steal things. There is an extensive amount history about rosemary. Culinary uses: Rosemary has been used in cooking over a thousand years. The spicy scent of rosemary is found and used in many dishes such as drinks and desserts. It is used in salads, fruits, sauces, beef and pork roasts, and many vegetables. Rosemary can be used in a variety of cooking preparations, such as seasoning lamb, fish, shellfish, poultry, egg dishes, sausages. Also added to jelly, fruit jams, cookies, honey, wine vinegar, olive oil. Specialised uses: Used for it aroma in soaps and other cosmetics. Also used in art in scented sachets, topiary and more. Medical uses: -

Improve memory

Relieve muscle pain

For hair growth

Increase urine flow

Treat digestion

Causes more sweat

Bring down fevers

Treat colds and flu

Whooping coughs

Migraines and other forms of headaches

Nervous tension, depression, anxiety, exhaustion

Enhances appetite

Increases flow of digestive juices

Help in flow and the movement of food and wastes through the body

Aids digestion of fat and more

Recipe: Rosemary Ranch Chicken kebabs Ingredients: -

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup ranch dressing

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground pepper

1 tablespoon with sugar (optional)

5 skinless/boneless chicken breast halves:

Method: 1. In a medium sized bowl place olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper and sugar and mix all ingredients thoroughly 2. Once all ingredients are mixed cut the chicken into small cubes 3. Then, place the chicken cut into small cubes in the bowl, and stir to coat with marinade 4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for thirty minutes 5. Pre heat the grill for medium - high heat 6. Thread the chicken onto skewers and dispose the marinade 7. Lightly oil the grill grate and grill the skewers for eight to twelve minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre and the juices run clear 8. Place the food in a plate and you are finished and ready to eat.

Environmentally friendly method to grow herbs: Self-sufficient indoor garden (called Lilo) used for growing herbs It provides everything necessary to grow herbs:

How it works:

Red light

Growing system: pods float on water

Aluminium, bamboo and

1. Plug in 2. Insert the herb pods of your choice 3. Add water from time to time

Bibliography: -

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Our herb garden 2016, Basil. http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/basil.html, (accessed on 23rd feb 2016)

Basil, http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_basil.htm, (accessed on 23rd feb 2016)

March 6 2016, Mint. http://www.veraveg.org/Veg%20History/Veg%20History%20Mint.html, (accessed on 23rd feb)

WiseGeek 2016, how can I use mint in cooking. http://www.wisegeek.org/how-can-i-use-mint-incooking.htm, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

Gardens Ablaze, Medical uses of Mint. http://gardensablaze.com/HerbMintMed.htm, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

Spotlight on Thyme. http://www.complete-herbal.com/details/thyme.html, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

RFI, Thyme â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thyme benefits. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-thyme.html, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

Mrs. M. Grieve 2014, Thyme wild. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thywil17.html, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

What is thyme, http://foodreference.about.com/od/Ingredients_Basics/a/What-Is-Thyme.htm, (accessed on 24th Feb 2016)

http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/glossary/g/Coriander.htm

Gourmet Garden 2014, Coriander (coriandrum sativum). http://www.gourmetgarden.com/en/herb/272/coriander (accessed on 27th Feb 2016)

Our herb garden 2016, Coriander. http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/coriander.html (accessed on 27th Feb 2016)

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Our herb garden 2016, Rosemary. http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/rosemary.html (accessed on 27th Feb 2016)

She knows, Baby names rosemary. http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/rosemary (accessed on 27th Feb 2016)

2016, Rosemary culinary and herbal uses. http://preparednessadvice.com/?s=rosemary#.VtuBhLuJiW8 (accessed on 27th Feb 2016)

https://pretapousser.co.uk/lilo-indoor-garden/lilo-indoor-herb-garden-98.html

Issuu.com/ bansari31 http://theworldaherbgarden/herbsfood.com