Top 5: A beginners guide to herbs for wellness

I have always loved seasoning. When I started eating plant-based, I realized, I was barely touching the tip of the iceberg. There are thousands of herbs out there! I had no idea the amount of herbs that were out in the world, but now I have a few favorites that I use for cooking, juicing, or boiling (tea). And if I am honest, it was extremely challenging to choose five herbs! There are so many herbs out there to help with all ailments.

Lemon balm.

Lemon balm possesses antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I use it for stress. I’m currently living through postpartum anxiety and I make a mix with some other yummy herbs. It is also helpful for the heart and live, helps with digestion, and can be a sleeping aid. I drink it daily, throughout the day.

Ginger.

Ginger comes in raw form, powder form, and oil form. I mostly use the raw and powder ginger. Ginger is great for blood sugar, eases menstrual cycle symptoms, fights fungus, and blocks bacterial infections. When I was pregnant, I felt nauseated all day long. I drank ginger tea daily to help ease the nausea. I also use ginger in Asian-inspired dishes and when I am juicing .

Oregano.

Oregano is known to reduce inflammation, fight bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections, fight allergies and even shrink tumors. I use dried, fresh, and oil of oregano. When I am feeling sick, I dilute oregano oil and rub the bottom of my feet a few times a day. It almost always help me feel better. I always crave pizza when I use it. Once you smell it, you will instantly think “Italian food”! Speaking of food, I use oregano in many of my dishes. I use it in all of our Italian, Creole, and Greek-inspired meals. I also put it in my red beans! Oregano is an amazing healing herb.

Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, immune-boosting, heart-protecting and cancer-fighting herb. There are many different types of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the most common form of cinnamon. Cinnamon is known for stabilizing blood sugar, decreases inflammation, supports heart health, and has anti-cancer properties. I use cinnamon in oatmeal, granola, smoothies, sweet potatoes, and it’s also a secret ingredient in my beans. I use cinnamon for brain health support as well. I drink it before bed to help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Turmeric.

Turmeric has so many benefits. Turmeric helps with skin wellness, diabetes, cancer, inflammation, lower cholesterol, pain, detoxing, blood clots, and even depression. I use turmeric in Indian or Caribbean-inspired dishes. I juice it with pineapple. I use it as a poultice when the kids get an “ouchie”. I even put it in my toothpaste and body butters. You can also use it as an essential oil, make tea, encapsulate it, and use as a natural dye.

Which one or ones do you have in your pantry?