This guide is to give our fellow herb friends some insight on the benefits of various herbs which we have heard of
whether it be in a store or around some friends. Natural herbal healing is nothing short of miraculous ad we set forth to educate you on some of the more common herbs and their uses.
Enjoy!

The SPICE FAMILY!

Basil
There are 2 types grown - sweet and bush. Sweet is the one normally sold, it has largish shiny leaves, with a strong but sweet flavor. It is one of the best herbs to add to tomatoes, eggs, mushrooms and pasta dishes, and is an essential part of Italian pesto sauce. There is also a basil which has tiny green leaves.
Buy Basil Seeds at Henry fields,

Bay Leaves
Sweet bay or bay laurel is a mediterranean tree. The leaves are shiny, smooth and dark with a strong aromatic scent. It forms part of a classic bouquet garni and is very versatile. Add to stocks when poaching fish, or to marinades, casseroles, soups and stews. It is often used to flavor milk for use in sauces or even custard.

Chervil
A member of the parsley family and traditionally part of the 'fines herbs' mixture used in french cookery. It has a delicate fern-like leaf with a mild aniseed flavor. It is especially good in soups, egg and cheese dishes, or added for flavour to green salad. Use also as a garnishing leaf.

Chives
A member of the onion family, chives have a mild onion flavor and long, spiky, green leaves. Chopped chives can be added to omelette, cheese dishes, stews, soups and salad dressings. Also try mixed with soured cream, yogurt or soft cheese as a topping for baked potatoes. Very useful for garnishing dishes.
Buy Chive Seeds at Henry fields,

Coriander
Coriander has flat feathery leaves and is often confused with flat parsley. It has a distinctive spicy flavor and is often added to Southern European, Indian and South East Asian dishes. The leaves are chopped and added to curries, stews, soups and marinades. Often it is added towards the end of cooking times and is also used for garnishing.
Buy Coriander Seeds at Henry fields,

Dill
A delicate, feathery herb with an aromatic, sharp but sweet flavor. Often used in Scandinavian dishes, it is especially good with fish if added to the marinade, cooking liquid or accompanying sauces. Also try adding to vegetables, cream or cottage cheese.
Buy Dill Seeds at Henry fields,

Marjoram
Marjoram and Oregano are often confused with each other, the difference is that sweet marjoram has small, furry leaves and a similar flavor to oregano but is sweeter and milder. It can be added to most savory dishes, especially Italian ones. Also good with marrow, potatoes and rice. It is used mostly in Scandinavian, German and Austrian dishes, and in the cuisine of th South Western United States.
Buy Marjoram Seeds at Henry fields

Mint
The most common type of mint used is Spearmint, named after it's spear-shaped leaf. Mint is a really versatile herb used in a lot of countries, from Middle East salads to British new potatoes to American mint julep cocktails. The peppermint leaf is rarely used in cooking, but the oil is used for making sweets and medicinal flavorings. Penny royal used to be a favorite in black puddings and herb teas

Oregano
A herb used in many Mediterranean cuisines - especially those of Italy and Greece. The flavor is similar to Marjoram but stronger and the leaves are larger and darker. It will enhance many meat dishes and it is often added to salads, pizza and tomato based dishes.

Flat and curled Parsley
An essential part of a bouquet garnish. Parsley livens up the most savory dishes and is often used as a garnish, either chopped or as sprigs. The most familiar varieties are the curly leaved parsley and the french or flat parsley, which has more flavor. Add chopped leaves to salads, soups, sauces and cooked vegetables. It is said that if you chew it after garlic it will remove the smell.


Rosemary
Rosemary grows best in a mild climate, it is an evergreen and has lavender-blue flowers. It is a pungent, fragrant shrub with small, narrow leaves, set densely on the branches. It is often used with lamb but it can be used with other meats, in Italian dishes such as 'pasta e fagioli'(soup with pasta and beans) and in vegetable dishes such as ratatouille or added to marinades.

Sage
A strong flavored herb with narrow, pale gray-green leaves with a rough texture. Traditionally used with pork, live and in stuffing. But it can be used with any richly flavored meat, and in cheese and tomato dishes.


Tarragon
One of the classic'fine herbes', there are two varieties of this herb - French and Russian. French is harder to frow but it has more flavor than the Russian. It has a distinctive flavor and shiny, narrow leaves. It is widely used in vinegars, soups, stuffing, sauces and salad dressings. Also good with roast meat, poultry dishes and fish.

Thyme
This is one of the favorite of the robust herbs and is indispensable to most stocks, sauces, stews and braisings.It should be used in a bouquet garnish. The small dark green bushy leaves have a strong flavor, so use with care! Try combining with meat, fish, soups, stews and vegetables.




Some Other Useful Herbs!


Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis – Chamomile is said to take away weariness and pain/inflammation of the bowels. The oil from the flowers can be used against many pains and aches, including joint cramps. Chamomile is also helpful in healing migraines and regulating menstrual periods.

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia – Lavender prevents fainting and allays nausea. In oil form, it is often used in therapeutic baths to reduce stress. It can also lower blood pressure. A small amount makes a useful application on skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

Poppy – Papaver rhoeas – The poppy is known to soothe coughs and induce sleep. The petals are helpful in treating asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough and angina.

Primrose – Primula vulgaris – Primrose, a sedative, induces rest and sleep by reducing tension. An infusion of the root taken in spoonful doses is effective in healing headaches. It has also been used for treating gout and rheumatism.

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis – Rosemary has been used to treat headaches, epilepsy and poor circulation. It can also be used as a disinfectant in the form of mouth wash and also to treat fever. It is also reported to stop dandruff and improve memory.

Sage – Salvia officinalis – Sage is helpful for head pains, hoarseness and cough. It is one of the best known remedies for laryngitis, tonsillitis and sore throats. An infusion of the herb sweetened with honey is mildly laxative and stimulates menstrual flow.

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Sharp
Sharp Labs Inc.