Top 17 Types Of Herbs You Should Know

There are a lot of herbs used in culinary and medicinal purposes.  In this article we'll list 17 types of herbs, both common and uncommon.  This is not an all-inclusive list, but it's a good start for anyone looking to get into herbalism.

What are herbs?

Herbs are plants that have a long-standing history in herbalism. There are a lot of different types of herbs, and they can be used in either food or medicinal purposes. Herbs have a lot of different medicinal functions. Some are used to calm down an individual, while others help with bodily health.

Types of herbs and their functions

Basil

Basil is a popular herb used in Asian cuisine. It's also used as a medicinal herb in help with mental disorders like insomnia and anxiety.

Basil is native to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It has a spicy smell that helps it attract bugs for pollination.

Basil can be used in various ways. It is very popular as a medicinal herb, and you can mix it with other plants or use it to make a tea.  The Vietnamese sometimes grind the leaves into powder form and eat them like chocolate chips or put them on fruit. They're also used to flavor ice cream in South America.

Basil is rich in vitamins, and can help with diarrhea. It's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Dill

Dill is a seed that's used commonly in salads and soups. It's a popular spice with food, but it has medicinal properties as well.

Dill is native to Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and South Africa. Dill grows like an herb or weed in most environments.

It was once used to treat stomach problems in ancient China. It has a rich value of vitamin C, particularly when used fresh.

Dill is also an herb that can be taken in capsule form, or brewed into a tea with other herbal ingredients. It's usually used as medicine for digestive issues and upset stomachs.

Borage

Borage is an herb that can be used in both food and medicine, but it's more commonly used as a tea.

Borage is native to Africa, Europe, and Asia. It looks like a green plant with blue flowers. Borage likes warm environments, and it grows better during summer months.

Herbalists or herbalists use the leaves and blossoms from borage as a medicinal remedy for any sort of muscle pain. Borage also helps with headaches, stress, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, and fatigue.

Borage can be used in food or it can be taken as an extract in capsule form or brewed into a tea. It's rich with vitamins and minerals, and helps with hormone regulation.

Italian Parsley 

Italian parsley is a popular herb used in cooking to add flavor. It's also known for its medicinal uses.

Italian parsley is native to Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. It's considered a weed in many environments because it grows easily without much help from humans.

In Greek culture, it was used by athletes as an energy enhancer and a performance enhancer. It's also considered an aphrodisiac for men.

It has a high amount of Vitamin C, and it's known to help with colds and prevent clotting in the blood.  It also helps with liver problems and heartburn.

You can add Italian parsley to salads or use it as a garnish. You can also take it in capsule form or brew it into a tea with other herbs.

It's mostly used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but it has been known to help with many heart conditions like high blood pressure.

Marjoram 

Marjoram is a popular herb in cooking, and it can be used as an extract. It has medicinal uses, although not as many as other herbs.

Marjoram plants are native to Asia, Europe and North Africa. It's also known for its invasive properties - it grows easily like a weed just about anywhere.

Marjoram is used as a remedy for insomnia, nervousness, headaches, and stomach problems.  It was also used during the middle ages in Europe to cure tooth pain and migraines.

Marjoram is rich with vitamins D and K. It's usually taken in capsule form or brewed into a tea for medicinal purposes. Marjoram can also be used in food, although it's not as popular.

Sage 

Sage is an herb that can be used in almost anything, whether it's cooking or medicine. The leaves and stems of the sage are commonly eaten as food.

There are 400 different types of sage, but common sage is most often used for medicinal purposes.  It also works well as a natural insect repellent - you can put sage leaves in shoes to keep bugs away.

Sage is native to Asia and Europe, but it grows well as an invasive weed in most warm environments. It's a popular herb for cooking, so you'll find it in many recipes from around the world.

It has been known to help with heart disease, nervousness, muscle pain, memory loss and attention deficit disorder.  It's rich in many vitamins and minerals, like A, C, E and K. Sage is also used as a remedy for colds, flue and stomach problems.

Thyme 

Thyme is a popular herb that's used in cooking and as medicine. It's usually found dried or as an extract, but it can also be eaten fresh.

Thyme grows easily like a weed, so it can be taken from most environments out of the ground quickly. Most people buy this herb at markets or grocery stores, rather than harvesting it from the wild.

Thyme is native to Europe and Asia. It likes hot environments and can be grown in gardens for cooking or medicinal herbs.  It's also cultivated by herbalists as a remedy for many conditions like breast cancer, fatigue, and arthritis.

Thyme is rich with vitamin A, B and C. It works well as a natural antibiotic for colds, sore throats, toothaches, indigestion and diabetes.  It also helps with digestive problems like diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

Oregano 

Oregano is a popular herb that can be used fresh or dried. It's grown in gardens as an edible and medicinal herb around the world.

It grows easily like a weed, so it can be harvested from most environments without much help from humans. This herb was introduced to North America by Spanish explorers.

Oregano has very strong anti-bacterial properties. It works well as a natural antifungal for athlete's foot, yeast infections and cold sores.

Oregano is rich with vitamins A, C and E. Some cultures use it to treat respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.  It also helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics.  In addition, it helps with heart disease and high blood pressure.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Anise is a herb that grows throughout the world. It can be used fresh or dried, and it's often found in teas, jars of herbs and other natural remedies.

Anise is native to Asia, but most people find it as an invasive weed all around the globe. It likes warm environments and will grow well in most places.

Anise is a popular remedy for digestive problems like colic, gas, diarrhea and stomach pain.  It's also used as a natural cough suppressant and to reduce fever. This herb should be used cautiously because it can cause nausea if taken in excess.

Anise is rich with vitamin K and Iron. It works well for regulating blood pressure, relieving cold symptoms and fighting cancer.

Caraway 

Caraway is a herb that's usually used in cooking, but it can also be taken as a tea or other medicine. It grows naturally in many places around the world.

Culture has played an important role in determining how caraway is used medicinally. The Greeks and Romans only used it for cooking, but other cultures have used it to treat problems like menstrual cramps, muscle pain and kidney stones.

Caraway is rich with potassium, calcium and sodium. It works well for heart disease and high blood pressure.  In addition, it helps regulate stomach acid levels in diabetics.

Cumin 

 Cumin is a spice that's used in many cultures around the world. It's usually taken as an extract, but it can also be eaten fresh or dried.

Cumin works well for boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol and increasing digestive function.  It's also used to treat high blood pressure, infections like HIV and bronchitis, and urinary tract problems.

Cumin is rich with calcium, magnesium and potassium. It works well as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis, osteoporosis and menstrual cramps.

Fennel 

Fennel is a herb that grows in many places around the world. It can be used fresh, dried or cooked as an extract. Fennel is mostly found in gardens for cooking purposes, but it's also cultivated commercially.

Fennel was introduced to North America by early settlers, and it quickly became a popular remedy for many types of ailments. It's been used to treat digestive problems, coughs, high blood pressure, asthma and colic.   The seeds can be crushed into a paste or tincture for expelling worms or healing ear infections.

Fennel is rich with Vitamin B2 and C as well as iron, calcium and phosphorus. It works well for preventing cancer, regulating blood pressure and digestion.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)    

Parsley is a herb that's used all around the world in food. It can be eaten raw, dried or prepared as an extract.  The leaves and stalks are edible, but sometimes the roots are too.

This herb has been growing wild since ancient times. Many cultures around the world use it as a remedy for digestive ailments.

Parsley is rich with iron, potassium and calcium. In addition, it works well for treating respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. It's also used to treat urinary tract infections as well as kidney stones.  

Coriander   

The seeds of coriander are commonly known as cilantro or Chinese parsley. The leaves look similar to parsley but have a sweet flavor that's used in cooking. Coriander is native to southern Europe and North Africa, but it grows all around the world. It can be found as an invasive weed in many places.

Pregnant women in several cultures have used coriander seeds to stimulate labor and delivery of their baby. It's also been used as a remedy for digestive problems, skin rashes, liver disorders and menstrual cramps.  

Coriander is rich with vitamins A, B1 , C and E as well as iron, calcium and magnesium. It works well for treating psoriasis, healing wounds and increasing appetite.

Curry (Curcuma longa) 

Curry is a spice that comes from several different plants. It's used in many different cultures around the world. The leaves are edible, but the root has a stronger flavor and aroma. Curry may be taken as an extract or eaten fresh.

Curcumin is the active ingredient of curry. It's a compound that produces yellow pigment and has a spicy taste. Curry also contains turmeric, another active ingredient that produces the yellow color.

Today it's still used as a remedy to heal sores and cuts while preventing infections.  Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and is a strong antioxidant. It also works well for increasing brain function and preventing diabetes.

Curry is rich with calcium, iron, potassium and Vitamins A , B1 , B6 and C. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, it's used as an antiseptic to kill germs while healing wounds.

Lavender 

Lavender is a perennial herb that's found in many places around the world. It grows best when planted in sunny, warm and dry climates.

Lavender is a small bush with purple flowers and grey-green leaves. The fragrant flowers are used fresh or dried for cooking purposes.

Lavender has a long history with many cultures. It's used in food, medicine and even agriculture for many reasons. For example, it may be planted to repel insects or as an aromatic perfume that wards off moths from clothing and linens.  

Lavender is rich with vitamins A, C and E as well as iron, calcium and magnesium. It helps with many different skin conditions including burns, wounds, sores and swelling.  

 Nasturtium(Tropaeolum majus) 

Nasturtium is a perennial herb that's native to South America. It has climbing vines with leaves and flowers that have an edible taste and odor. The plant produces most of its edible parts in the early spring.

Nasturtium has been used as a home remedy for preventing scurvy, boosting immunity against infections and treating wounds.

It's rich with vitamins A, C, B1 , B2 , E, and K as well as iron, potassium, sodium and calcium. Nasturtium is also used to regulate blood pressure and treat edema (swelling) in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What are the uses of herbs?

Herbs are used for a lot of different things, but they're most commonly used today in cooking. Cooking with herbs gives food flavor and tastes good too!  Herbs are also used in the medical field for a variety of ailments. They're harvested from all over the world, and then dried or prepared with other ingredients to help people with things they need treatment for.

- What is curry?

Curries are from the root plant "Curcuma longa" and it has a spicy taste. Curry is also contains turmeric, which produces yellow color. Today curry is used for many thing such as preventing scurvy, boosting immunity against infections and treating wounds. It's rich with vitamins A, C, B1 , B2 , E, and K as well as iron, potassium, sodium and calcium.

- When should I use lavender?

If you want to season your meat or add more taste to a dish, try using lavender as an herb! It has many natural sugars and will give your food a sweet taste too. Lavender can also be found in other foods such as crackers and cookies when they're baked with it for added flavors! 

Conclusion

The many different types of herbs make them a very diverse and versatile product. They're known for their uses in cooking, medicine, and agriculture. In this article we've gone over 17 different types of herbs that have been used throughout history to assist with all sorts of ailments from scurvy to wounds!

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