Let's Get Herby! Learn the Art of Adding Herbs in Your Meals

Image Source: Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

Herbs are nature's beautiful and beneficial gift to us. They're great additions to gardens for colorful accents and scents, but they also provide a stellar performance in the kitchen -- they add tons of flavor when incorporated into recipes, and they also make for greatnatural remedies to help alleviate physical discomforts like headaches. When used for detoxing or health reasons, however, different herbs have different cleansing benefits, so it's important to learn about what the ones you are using will do for your body.

  • Herbs such as turmeric and ginger, when paired together, are powerhouses when it comes to improving your digestive system. Ginger calms queazy stomachs while soothing digestion, and throwing turmeric into the mix will help cleanse your liver at the same time, as that organ is an integral part of digestion because it produces the bile that helps break down fats. Turmeric on its own also helps regulate metabolism and lessen mucus buildup that comes from eating heavy foods. Here are some amazing ways to add turmeric to your diet.

  • Fenugreek, an annual plant, will help to thin bile so that the liver is not backed up with toxins. In its herbal form, it will also alleviate diabetic symptoms.

  • Don't get out your weedwacker just yet! Dandelion is beneficial for the liver as well because it promotes bile production. It also has laxative qualities, but it should be issued to you by a doctor because it is known for triggering some allergic reactions.

  • Cilantro, one of the most popular herbs used for seasoning, helps remove toxic metals that accumulate in organ tissues.

  • Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the scalp and promotes healthy cerebral function--this may help detox your hair.

  • Milk thistle is another great digestive aid, as it produces bile

  • Ginseng improve people's overall health and well-being.

The list is endless! Herbs provide all sorts of detoxifying benefits, and the best way to see which ones work best for you is by trying them out yourself.

Adding herbs into your diet


For detoxification purposes, it's best to consume these herbs in higher concentrated amounts, either in teas or supplement forms, rather than sprinkling some into a recipe. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't! Consuming these herbs in any way is better than not at all, so do what is more convenient for you. Most herbs make for delicious, soothing teas, so try drinking at least one cup of herbal tea per day (we recommend when you're curled up on the couch after a long day at work).

Here are some easy recipes that incorporate herbs:

1. Coconut Ginger Smoothie


Ingredients (Serves 1):

  • 1/4 cup dried (unsweetened) coconut flakes

  • 1 frozen banana (remove peel before freezing)

  • 1 cup coconut water

  • 3 ice cubes

  • 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped

Preparation:

  • Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.

2. Moroccan Vegetable and Chickpea Stew with Spicy Orange Cauliflower Couscous

This spiced Moroccan stew may take some preparation, but it is sure to tantalize your taste buds. All those lycopene rich tomatoes, sprouted chickpeas, dried fruit and vegetables... All married together by traditional flavors of cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and lemon. And if that isn't enough, it's also paired with spicy cauliflower couscous with oranges, cranberries and walnuts and a side of kale. Did we also mention it's raw?



3. Chamomile Ginger Lemon Raw Energy Bars


Sometimes nut and dried fruit bars can be a bit heavy tasting and feeling with the decadent ingredients but the ginger, lemon, and chamomile definitely add a nice touch of refreshment. This recipe here is a swell alternative to purchasing affiliated GMO-supporting energy bars (those who shall remain anonymous) as well as is a cost efficient way to make your own energy bites.



4. Curried Carrot Ginger and Orange Soup


This wonderful soup is easy to make and bursting with flavour. Sweet citrus, a kick of ginger, and a hint of curry make this soup irresistible as you're making it. Just wait until the scent of all these ingredients are wafting throughout your kitchen! This soup is perfect for those of you suffering with sniffles, coughs, and colds!



5. Cheezy Spinach & Cilantro Rice


A quick, easy, and delicious alternative to traditional cheesy rice, with the addition of spinach and cilantro.






Read more articles by One Green Planet on Yahoo below:

1. A Miracle Super Spice? the Health Benefits of Turmeric, with 5 Amazing Recipes
2. The ULTIMATE Guide to Superfoods
3. Why You Should Be Eating Chia Seeds: Tips, Recipes and Product Picks
4. Why You Should Replace Your Caffeine Fix with Maca
5. 6 Healthy (and Yummy) Ways to Eat Kale
6. What the heck are superfoods?