Herbs have been around since the beginning of time and continue to be in full use today. From medicinal purposes to our favorite culinary dishes, herbs play a large role in what they can do not only for our taste buds but for our bodies as well. If you’re looking for a change in your daily diet, try adding some herbs to your brew or stew to enjoy its natural health properties.

By definition, herbs are plants that are used for a number of reasons, the most common include: culinary, medicinal, decorative, cosmetic and fragrance-emitting purposes. Herbs are made up of leaves, seeds, roots and stems. Depending on what they are being used for, only certain parts of an herb will be used or sometimes the entire herb is needed.

There is a huge agricultural industry that is responsible for the herbs that we are able to purchase at the grocery store. Some herbs grow every year (perennials), while others must be grown from seeds each year (annuals and biennials).

When it comes to cooking, basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary are the most widely used herbs. While not exactly health food, the presence of these herbs in your favorite meals can bring about a sweet, tangy or robust flavor. Other herbs such as anise hyssop, mint and lemon balm are popular in teas. Some herbs are used in beverages such as tea because of their natural calming and soothing properties.

If you’re having trouble with digestion, you can turn to bitter herbs. The presence of a bitter taste in the human mouth immediately causes salivation. When the salivary glands are pumped and working, the stomach begins to secrete juices. These act as signals to the brain, telling it to prepare the digestive tract: liver, pancreas, and intestines, for incoming food. As a result, your body is able to digest your food better and relieve you of any uncomfortable symptoms.

So the next time you feel a bout of indigestion coming along, you can turn to bitter herbs such as dandelion, artichoke, beet leaf or milk thistle to get the job done. One trick you can do before eating a meal that you feel will upset your stomach consists of eating a small salad that contains dark, leafy and bitter greens like arugula. Add a touch of lemon juice for flavor. Once you’ve finished your salad, the bitter herbs will have done their magic and your digestive tract will be ready to handle whatever foods come its way.

Herbs can also be beneficial to our brain function and overall health, especially when it comes to memory. When you feel the need to improve your memory, reach for a bottle of ginkgo biloba. This herb works wonders due to its ability to provide the brain with a natural, broad memory-boost. So if you tend to be forgetful or scatterbrained, taking ginko biloba in pill form may be just the thing you need to stay on your toes.

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