A plant purposely grown for its medical or therapeutic qualities or harvested from the wild is known as a healing herb. For years, people have used plants to treat illnesses, pain, and disease. Herbal treatments are made from various medicinal plants’ leaves, bark, stems, roots, seeds, and flowers. Herbs that are healing remain popular. Today, one-third of Americans use herbal treatments to address a range of illnesses and conditions. For example, herb consumption may aid in managing and preventing diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Additionally, it may lessen blood clots and have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects. Although research and studies have revealed that:

  1. Lemongrass, fenugreek, linseed, and garlic may all decrease cholesterol.
  2. For those with modestly increased blood pressure, garlic is helpful.
  3. Fenugreek can help regulate insulin production and blood sugar levels (linseed, flaxseed and cinnamon).
  4. Numerous herbs, including mint, basil, oregano, sage, chives, leeks, onions, garlic, and onions, can help prevent cancer.
  5. Herbs, particularly cloves, cinnamon, sage, oregano, and thyme, are abundant in antioxidants and can lower low-density lipoproteins (often known as “bad” cholesterol”).

Dr Babina N M, Chief Medical officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute, mentions five fresh herbs with immense health benefits:

  1. Rosemary: Rosemary’s great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant chemicals may strengthen the immune system and enhance circulation. Additionally, the piney herb has naturally occurring compounds that can help regulate blood sugar, which is crucial for managing diabetes. An abundant antioxidant found in rosemary called carnosic acid aids in protecting brain cells against age-related changes like declining linguistic abilities and a rise in the difficulty of acquiring new knowledge.
  2. Lemon balm: This perennial herb’s wrinkly heart-shaped leaves have been used for reducing tension, easing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep since the Middle Ages. It seems to function just as well as it did back then. According to the journal Psychosomatic Medicine’s study, lemon balm can promote relaxation and reduce feelings of negativity. In addition, it can aid in relaxing when combined with other calming herbs like valerian and chamomile.
  3. Lavender: Although lavender is a herb that may be eaten, much research is focused on its smell. According to numerous studies, the aroma of lavender, a member of the mint family, can reduce anxiety, enhance sleep, and ease tension and irritation. So are you trying to get some sleep? Lowering blood pressure and pulse rate, a tiny bag of lavender blossoms placed under your pillow at night will calm the nervous system and help you fall asleep.
  4. Basil: There are more than 100 species whose family name is basil. Sweet basil and holy basil are two of their most popular varieties. Researchers looking into sweet basil discovered that it could help regulate blood pressure and that its scent reduced stress and anxiety. In addition, participants in clinical research looking into holy basil reported less stress, anxiety, sex issues, and sadness.
  5. Garlic: Garlic, a plant that belongs to the lily family and is frequently used as both a herb and a spice, is technically a vegetable. It has been praised for its capacity to stave against the common cold. Some studies show garlic lowers blood pressure and guards against artery hardening.

Comparing fresh herbs to processed or dried ones, fresh herbs frequently have higher antioxidant levels. Therefore, adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking or before serving will help retain their health-promoting characteristics if you use them primarily for that purpose.

Author – Dr Babina NM, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute