The use of plants for medicinal purposes is as old as civilization itself.
The first known written record of curative plants was from a Sumerian herbal of 2200 BC.The Greek doctor Hippocrates listed some 400 herbs in 
common use in the 5th century BC.
Mankind has also been aware of the effects of herbal scents on the body, mind and emotion from the beginning of civilization. Flowers were utilized to attract love, and for a food source. Fragrant plants were worn to heal the body. The use of aromatic incense is recorded from the earliest of times.
Today our access to herbs and the knowledge to use them has grown exponentially. Our common uses of herbs are included in various forms such as teas, baths, pills, tinctures, infusions, extracts, poultices, ointments, oils, compresses, salves and creams. We also enjoy the availability to fresh herbs year around for seasoning our food.
General usage of herbs differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. A culinary herb is a non-woody plant, typically using the leaves; whereas medicinal herbs may be a shrub or other woody plant, the green, leafy part of the plant is often used. But herbal medicine makes use of the roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, inner bark, berries and sometimes the pericarp or other portions of the plant..
Dave's carries herbs whole or powdered, in capsule, Dave's herbal formulas, and Dr. Christopher's formulas in capsule, tincture or syrup.
Listed below are some common ways to use herbs.
Herbal tinctures
Tinctures are extracts that are made with alcohol instead of water. Alcohol extracts of various medicinal herbs and plants usually remain potent longer and are stronger than teas
Juices
Fresh juices of plants/herbs are prepared by juicing them. This is an excellent way of getting vitamins and minerals from the plant; but the juice must be taken within a short time after being pressing to recieve the most the vitamin content
Herbal teas
There are two methods of making herbal teas, infusion anddecoction.
Infusions are hot water extracts made from herbs with 
medicinal constituents in their flowers, leaves and stems. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as roots or bark for a longer period of time.
Herbal poultices
Poultices are used externally to treat affected skin areas. They are generally prepared fresh for each use by crushing the medicinal parts of the plants to a pulpy mass.
Powdered herbs and capsules
Dried powdered herbs can be packed into capsules. Capsules are a convenient way to carry herbs.
Herbal poultices
Poultices are used externally to treat affected skin areas. They are generally prepared fresh for each use by crushing the medicinal parts of the plants to a pulpy mass.
Powdered herbs and capsules
Dried powdered herbs can be packed into capsules. Capsules are a convenient way to carry herbs.
Herbal ointments
An ointment or salve is a semi-solid preparation made to be applied to the skin. The simplest ointments use petroleum jelly/beeswax, olive oil or vegetable oil as a base.
Essential oils
Most people are familiar with essential oils used to relaxation such as lavender and lemon. Essential oils are extractions of volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic compounds from plants. Oil extracts are made from fresh herbs that contain volatile oils used for healing. Fresh herbs are necessary for the extraction of the oils. The fresh herbs are usually crushed with a mortar and pestle.
Syrups
Syrups are used for treating coughs and sore throats, They are an easy way to give herbs to children. Herb are added to water in a nonmetallic container, and boiled down slowly and gently. Strained while still warm, Honey and/or glycerine and Lemon juice can also be added for flavor before storage in a dark glass container.
MEDICAL INTERACTION
In consultation with a physician, usage of herbal remedies should be clarified, as some herbal remedies have the potential to cause adverse drug interactions when used in combination with various prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. For example, dangerously low blood pressure may result from the combination of an herbal remedy that lowers blood pressure together with prescription medicine that has the same effect. In particular, most herbs should be avoided during pregnancy. |
The flavor of certain herbs naturally pair with the flavor of other foods.
Take a look at some ideas to help you start combining fresh herbs with your foods.
Allspice - fruit desserts, meats
Basil - tomatoes, pesto, salads, pasta sauce, peas, zucchini
Bay leaves - soups and stews, grilled meats
Chives - dips, potatoes, tomatoes
Caraway seeds - breads, cabbage, carrots, potatoes
Celery seeds - tomatoes, salads
Cinnamon - baked goods, fruits, beverages
Cloves - baked goods, hearty meats
Coriander - Mexican dishes, soups
Cumin - Mexican dishes, meats, cheese, beans
Cilantro - Mexican, Asian and Caribbean cooking, salsas, tomatoes
Dill - fish, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes,carrots,
Fennel seeds - sausage, fish pizza seasoning,
Fennel bulb - fresh salads, relishes
Ginger - baked goods, Asian dishes, vegetables
Marjoram - meats, Italian dishes, vegetables
Mint - peas, tabouli, tea, carrots, fruit salads, parsley
Oregano - peppers, tomatoes, chicken, Greek, Medetranian, and Mexican
Parsley - The curly leaf is most common, but flat-leaf or Italian parsley is more strongly flavored and often preferred for cooking. Naturals for parsley include potato salad, tabouli, and soups
Rosemary - chicken, fish, lamb, pork, roasted potatoes, soups, stews, tomatoes
Sage - poultry seasoning, stuffings
Savory - beans, cheese, eggs
Tarragon - chicken, eggs, fish
Thyme - eggs, lima beans, potatoes, poultry, summer squash, tomatoes
Winter Savory - dried bean dishes, stews
