An introduction to Herbs
Whether you prefer to say “Urbs” (the American English pronunciation) or “Hurbs”
(the British English pronunciation), nature’s fascinating collection of botanical wonders
will impress & delight you all the same. For these are the plants from which the very history
of mankind can be mapped and thereby understood. From the writings on early clay tablets,
to the material findings in ancient burial tombs, medicinal plants have played a clear and
vastly important role in the culture & lives of human beings since the beginning of time.
To define ‘Herbs’, we must first understand the plant kingdom and to which groups
various flora belong. Botanically, plants are subdivided into class, then order, then family,
genera & species. Though the term ‘Herb’ may have more than one definition, it is
defined by most botanists as a small, fleshy, seed-bearing plant valued for many different
qualities including fragrance, flavour, nutritive & medicinal attributes,
inebriant qualities as well as economic and industrial uses.
Herbs– especially those employed for medicinal uses– may encompass a wider range of plants
and plant parts. Shrubs and trees, for example, as well as mosses, algae & fungi provide us with
a myriad of uses and can all incorporated into natures pharmacy and referred to as ‘Herbs’.
The word Herb is from the Latin herba, which means grass or green crop and, in the culinary
sense, most Herbs are indeed green, leafy plants used for flavoring. By contrast, ‘Spices’ are
the aromatic buds, fruits, seeds, roots or bark, typically of tropical plants. Of course, these are
also employed in cookery, though historically, spices have played more of a role as commodities.
They’ve been used as intoxicants, currency, weapons and have even been the cause of wars.
What one might refer to as an Herb (i.e., Basil) and another as a Spice (i.e., Clove) in culinary practice
can become rather objective and confusing. Both Basil (a leafy green) and Clove (a dried flower bud)
may share similar flavor notes, plus aromatic and medicinal qualities. Coriander often proves especially confusing
since the leaf (Cilantro) is used as an Herb and the seed (Coriander) is used as a spice and, speaking on flavour,
the two different parts of the plant are not typically viewed as being interchangeable.
“Is it an Herb or is it a Spice?” The argument and controversy
loose meaning when such substances are employed as medicines...
Herbs as Medicine
Through trial and error, humans have learned of the healing benefits of plants.
Early Physicians harnessed the inherent power of botanicals to ward off disease and cure illness
and, through time, our knowledge of plants’ curative properties has gained us a better
quality of life and, in many cases, greater life expectancy.
Unfortunately, with advancements in medical science, the exploitation of plants for medical cures
has also lead to the development of hyper-toxic drugs and a dwindling number of already endangered
plant species that were once used respectfully by indigenous tribes
and village healers.
Luckily, within the last several years, health and environmental issues are at the forefront
of peoples concerns and the renewed interest in sustainable agriculture & natural Herbal remedies
as medical treatments are appealing to a larger and larger section of society. It will be
interesting to see how Governments and legislators respond to the growing significance
of this subject and what impact the whole of it will have on future generations.
Herbal Tea
Tea is famously known as the world's most popular beverage. It is a hot water infusion of Camellia Sinensis- a caffeine-containing plant with a myriad of health benefits.
Herbal infusions (that is, beverages made from plants other than C. Sinensis) are known as Tisanes and are usually drunk for their calming effects, rather than for a stimulant effect.
However, the range of plants used in creating Herbal Teas- and their respective actions on the mind and body- are expansive. The most gentle, well known of Herb Tea remedies typically come from the broader Mint family of plants.
These include actual Mints (Perppermint, Spearmint, etc., plus Basil, Lemon Balm, Bee Balm, Nettle, Catnip, Skullcap, and many others. Culinary flavourings like Rosemary, Sage & Thyme are among other popular additions to Herbal infusions.
Many other well-known Herbal Teas are based on flowers, such like Chamomile, Lavender, Yarrow, Passionflower, Echinacea, Hibiscus, Linden, Mallow, Clover & Calendula.
To brew the perfect cup of tea requires little thought or effort, though different Herbs require different infusion times. A general rule to follow is 5-10 minutes for any Tea intended for medicinal effects. For an individual cup,
simply pour hot (but not boiling) water over a heaping teaspoon of dried Herbs and let steep for the desired legnth of time. A pot of Tea will obviously require more Herbs, but there really is no need to fuss with set measurements. Typically,
any given Herbal Tea beverage can be drunk 1-3 times per day in order to achieve the intended effect. Of course, particular Herbs may be taken in larger or smaller doses when a pronounced medicinal benefit is the goal. Whatever the desired effect,
whether for relaxation or medication, take some time daily to enjoy an Herbal Tea!