Seasonal snacking: Healthiest herbs

In honour of buds blooming and things turning green, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite healthy herbs.

Rosemary

Ancient Greek scholars used to wear rosemary to help them study. While that might not work nowadays, there are definitely some benefits to having rosemary lying around. You know those carcinogens that develop when you grill your meat, the ones that aren’t so great for you to be consuming? Well, marinating your meat in rosemary before cooking can help reduce these carcinogens (which are called heterocyclic amines).

Here are some ideas for what you can do with rosemary.

Turmeric

In India, turmeric traditionally was applied to wounds to help increase the speed of healing. Modern medicine agrees with the many health benefits of turmeric, particularly as it relates to curcumin, a compound of turmeric. This herb can help relieve arthritis pain and is believed to possibly help prevent cancer cell growth.

Chile pepper

Chile pepper has been shown to rev up the body’s metabolism and aid in fat loss. Plus they’re an extremely low calorie flavour boost.

Ginger

Ginger is such a powerful anti-inflammatory that it actually warranted a running-specific study on recovery. The conclusion: runners should be trying to get some ginger in their diets.

Make your own ginger tea by combining 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 1 maple syrup and 1/2 lemon (juiced).

Fennel

This herb has a flavour very similar to licorice and can be used for treating coughs.

Here are some ideas of what to do with fennel.

Lavender

This herb is well known for its relaxation properties.

Licorice

Bet some of you didn’t know that licorice isn’t just a candy! This herb also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Mint

Mint has been shown to aid in the treatment of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Here are some ideas of what to do with mint.

Oregano

This herb has antibacterial and anti fungal properties, which are you great if you think you’re coming down with something.

Thyme

Thyme leaves are a rich source of potassium, iron and manganese.

Parsley

Not just right for feeding your pet rabbit, this herb is rich in many vitamins, including A, B, C and K, along with iron and folate.

St. John’s Wort

This herb contains melatonin, so it can aid in falling asleep. It has also been used to help with those suffering from anxiety and depression. This herb may interact with some medications though, so take to your doctor before you start drinking St. John’s Wort tea.