The healing power of herbs

Herbs: The healing power of herbs

Herbs do more than add flavour and colour to your favourite dishes - their healing powers are pretty impressive too

According to the UK's leading organic herb grower Jekka McVicar the healing power of herbs is grossly underestimated: "We are what we eat. We don't doubt that fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts contain a range of vitamins, minerals and cancer, yet the nutrient content and medicinal properties of herbs are often overlooked."

With that in mind, here's the lowdown on herbs and how they may help.

To ease digestion

Often it is only when herbs are heated that their full aroma is released - that's what makes your mouth water. This aids the release of saliva, which prepares your stomach for food. It's the enzymes in saliva that trigger the digestive process, helping the body to break down fats and starches. If this doesn't happen before food reaches the stomach, then it isn't processed properly and digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, wind and irritable bowel may result.

What to use:
Thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint

Herbs with anti-cancer properties

Many herbs contain flavonoids, nutrients widely available in fruits and vegetables and known to help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to Dr Winston Craig, Professor of Nutrition at Andrews University in the United States, flavonoids help vitamin C work more efficiently as an antioxidant, mopping up the free radicals that cause cancer.

What to use:
Onions, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, dandelion, ginkgo, green tea, milk thistle

As natural antiseptics

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some herbs have antiseptic qualities. Jekka McVicar says: "Before refrigerators were invented, large households stored cold meats in their cellars, covered in salt and wrapped in fresh sage leaves to preserve it. After shooting, fresh game was left to hang to tenderise along with bunches of fresh thyme, not only to add flavour, but also because thyme's antiseptic properties helped prevent stomach upsets when the game was eaten."

What to use:
Thyme, sage, rosemary and bay leaves

To boost the immune system

Herbs high in flavonoids may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is also thought to be good for the immune system and may stimulate cells which attack invading organisms. Echinacea is the best-known herb thought to be an immune booster. It stimulates the immune system promoting the activity of lymphocytes - types of cells which circulate in the body ready to eliminate foreign 'invaders' such as viruses.

What to use:
Onions, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, dandelion, ginkgo, green tea and milk thistle

To promote heart health

Garlic, like onion, is not normally thought of as a herb, but according to Jekka McVicar it is one. Research suggests garlic may protect against heart attacks and strokes because it helps lower 'bad' cholesterol. Substances called catechins have also been shown to have cholesterol-reducing properties.

What to use: Garlic, green tea

Some herbs contain anthocyanins – the pigments responsible for the red, pink, purple, and blue shades of some fruit and flowers.  Anthocyanins can also help reduce the formation of harmful cholesterol, so they may provide some protection.

What to use: Rosehip tea

This is an edited extract of a feature first published on the BBC Good Food website.