Food & recipes

Healing herbs

These common garden herbs have great wellbeing properties so keep them in your medicine cabinet as well as your kitchen.

These common garden herbs have great wellbeing properties so keep them in your medicine cabinet as well as your kitchen.
Basil (ocimum basilicum)

Helps relieve IBS

Due to basil’s antispasmodic properties, it can be used for treating indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence.

Sage (salvia officinalis)

Beats perspiration

Sage contains rosmarinic acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Several studies show it reduces sweating by as much as 50 per cent, with the effect peaking two hours after ingestion.

Dill (anethum graveolens)

Fights free radicals

One of the most valuable health benefits of dill is its free-radical fighting properties. Dill is high in substances known as monoterpenes, which can offset the carcinogenic effects of pollutants and chemicals.

Parsley (petroselinum)

Good for heart vitality

The high levels of folic acid and vitamins A and C manage the amount of homocysteine in the blood. This is vital for cardiovascular health.

Thyme (thymus vulgaris)

Strengthens the respiratory system

This herb contains thymol, which is a strong antiseptic. It is also thought to be good for respiratory problems. Simply brew with lemon and honey to ease symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.