How to Use Herbs in Everyday Cooking?

When first experimenting, easy does it! Use just enough herb to heighten natural food flavors. One strongly seasoned dish per meal is generally a good rule of thumb. Following is a list of guides for your everyday cooking needs:

- Start with 1/4 tsp dried herbs to four servings, or to one pound of meat, poultry, or fish, or to 2 cups sauce or vegetables.

- If substituting fresh herbs for dried, use 3-4 times as much fresh herbs.

- Measure dried herbs; then crush them in the palm of your hand before adding - this helps hasten the flavor release.

- Add herbs at the same time as salt and pepper to meats, vegetables, and sauces.

- In long-cooking foods, such as stews, add herbs during last half hour of cooking.

- Add herbs to juices or cold sauces ahead of time - let stand overnight if possible.

- Many herbs are compatible, so don't hesitate to use several herbs together.

- A rich spicy ginger cake that will last for weeks in a cake tin, if you are able to resist it for that long.

- Try some of these ideas for herbs, then experiment on your own and taste the delicious difference that herbs make.

- Basil is a natural for tomato and potato dishes. Try 1/4 tsp for each cup of tomato juice for a quick appetizer.

- When making potato salad, cook potatoes with a bay leaf and some onion.

- Sprinkle caraway seed over coleslaw.

- Add a dash of chili powder to corn.

- Chives are great in cottage and cream cheeses, and also in scrambled eggs.

- Add curry powder to deviled eggs.

- Oregano gives character to meat loaf, stew, chili, and tomato mixtures.

- Spark seafood and chicken dishes with tarragon. Also gives tang to tartar sauce.

- Thyme is popular for soups and chowders.

- Sage is best liked with pork and in stuffings for turkey and chicken.

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What is herbal medicine?

An approach to healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions and ailments. This approach is incorporated into various medical systems. Although herbal medicine does not have a specific point of conception, at present an estimated 80% of the world’s population rely on medicinal plant preparations for their primary healthcare needs, according to the World Health Organization. ...
Herbal medicine involves the use of any or all of the different parts of plants (roots, leaves, stems and seeds) to treat illnesses and maintain health. Medicines are given to improve the body’s natural functions and to restore a natural balance of health. Herbal medicines can be given in many forms, such as liquids, infusions, tablets, creams and ointments.
Herbs are used in both Eastern and Western medicine. The aim is to use all parts of the herb and particular emphasis is laid on the energetic content of the herbs and its ability to stimulate healing. Thus the method of picking the herb and the time of day can affect the potency. The whole herb has a wider healing potential than the single active agent used by the pharmaceutical industry.