A Lesson About Herbs
Next time you are in our office, take a peek at the fresh herbs that I keep in our windowsill. My family uses these herbs on a regular basis, so it’s convenient to have them nearby in our home. Herbs offer a variety of benefits for your health, while offering all kinds of distinct flavors and seasoning possibilities. Speaking of possibilities, I’d like to share the benefits and many uses of herbs that I hope you will consider for your home. And in case you missed it, I recently discussed this very topic on 69 News WFMZ with my friend, Eve Russo. Watch HERE and feel free to comment below on how you incorporate herbs into your home or kitchen!
1. Oregano promotes gut health, natural antibacterial support, anti-fungal, and well known to boost immune system. It can used on ground beef, chicken, tomato dishes, including pizza, spaghetti, chili or any Italian dish, if you are making homemade rolls – add chopped oregano! Last week we added some to frozen cauliflower pizza!
2. Parsley may help with indigestion and nausea, helps to cleanse the body and is an immune booster. According to the USDA, the nutrients found in fresh parsley include vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. It is a good source of vitamin A, K, and E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and zinc. Sometimes I snip some from plant and chew, you can add parsley to potatoes, throw in homemade soup, parsley tea, omelet, chicken – goes well with lemon.
3. Sage improves brain function, regulates digestion, which is key to good health, bone support, high in antioxidants. Sage is well known for stuffing, but is good with butternut squash, sausage, ravioli, added to hot tea, sweet potato salad* (recipe below)
4. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, improves blood circulation, helps with memory, boosts mood. It is very tasty with lamb, pasta, breads are good with rosemary, add to quiche or stir fry.
5. Basil helps with inflammation, liver support, anti-stress. If not feeling well due to stress - try some basil! You can use on frozen pizza, bruschetta, tomato basil soup, pasta salad, any salad, use with oregano in most tomato dishes, tomatoes with fresh mozzarella is a favorite in our home.
6. Mint helps indigestion, can help with headache if applied topically, healthy skin support. You can add to yogurt, use in smoothie, make a tea, mint sauce with lamb, add to ice cream!
Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
3-5 Sweet Potatoes
½ Tablespoon coconut oil
½ Teaspoon salt
2 Ounces chopped spinach
¼ Cup chopped red onion
1 Tablespoon Bragg’s apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
½ Avocado chopped
¼ Teaspoon sea salt
Parsley, Rosemary and Sage
Crushed black pepper to taste
Sunflower or Pumpkin seeds to taste
1 .Preheat oven to 400° F. Place sweet potato chunks into a large bowl and toss with coconut oil and sea salt. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping once. Remove from oven and let the potato chunks cool.
2. While the potatoes are roasting, add the chopped spinach, onion, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add cooled sweet potato chunks to the bowl and stir to combine. Gently stir in avocado, rosemary, sage, and parsley then add sea salt and ground pepper to taste. Sprinkle on seeds and serve!