by Allison Prater |
The distinctive flavor of cardamom, reminiscent of its cousin ginger with the slightest hint of pine, is a surprisingly versatile ingredient used in cuisine around the world. In its native India, it is instrumental in creating delicious curry and masala chai. Individual seeds are sometimes chewed to freshen the breath. Cardamom flavors [...]

by Allison Prater |
The aromatic resins of Myrrh have been admired by humans for centuries. Considered precious, myrrh is a wonderful addition to perfume, soap and incense. Traditionally revered as a powerful medicine and holy anointing oil, myrrh resin comes from a small tree that grows in the hot regions of India, the Middle East [...]

by Allison Prater |
Hops are commonly known as a staple ingredient in one of summer’s favorite beverages: ice cold beer. The French and Germans used hops in their brews since the ninth century, when they discovered its value as a preservative. Beer brewed with hops could be kept in storage longer before selling. At first, [...]

Feverfew is a composite plant that is abundant all over the World. It has numerous, small, daisylike heads of yellow flowers with external white rays, the central yellow blossoms being arranged on a nearly level receptacle. It is a member of the sunflower family and is occasionally grown for ornament. Feverfew is widely used like [...]

Lemon balm, the International Herb Association’s 2007 Herb of the Year, is an ancient antidote to modern-day stress. This versatile herb can be used to calm nerves, promote restful sleep, and reduce digestive distress — plus it could be your new best friend in the great outdoors. Not only do its leaves have a rich, [...]

by Brittany Russel |
Unlike many herbs, Tarragon is not known to have been used by ancient people. This popular herb is paired with vinegar and fish having similar qualities to anise. Tarragon enhances such a diverse food groups such as meats, vegetables and vinegars that many cooks consider this herb to be so satisfying it [...]

by Brittany Russell |
Imagine a gypsy over 1,000 years ago, holding a bunch of vibrant green sticks in her hand, spreading them on a table to tell her client his fortune. It is thought that those sticks are what we now call chives. Though they will not tell your future, they do act as [...]

by Brittany Russell |
Due to the name, Passionflower has been thought to be an aphrodisiac but in fact, evokes the body and mind to relax. It may have nothing to do with passion, but it can be an herb to be passionate about. According to folklore, Spanish explorers and missionaries, who felt that the flower’s [...]

by Brittany Russell |
Winter has set in with cold temperatures, and it is important to keep our body temperatures up – from the inside, out. Spicy foods and seasonings can help boost blood circulation, keeping the body warm.
Incorporating wasabi is just one such food that will keep you toasty this cold winter season. The heat [...]

by Brittany Russell |
Fennel was once awarded to Pheidippides, the runner who delivered the news of the Persian invasion to Sparta in ancient Greece (4th century B.C.), as a symbol of courage, and has since been highly revered. We may no longer award military heroes with fennel, but it is still considered a versatile addition [...]

by Brittany Russell |
There is a tale in Greek mythology that says Gaea, the goddess of earth, turned the nymph Daphne into a bay laurel to protect her from Apollo. It was Apollo who made the plant sacred, a symbol of honor, celebration and triumph. In addition to this meaning, the bay leaf has also [...]

by Talia Henderson and Marie Harger |
Bad breath? Digestive problems? Eat parsley! Although we tend to think of parsley customarily as a decorative garnish on our plates, this leafy green cannot only freshen up that after-meal breath, it has many healing aspects that help stimulate normal activity of the digestive system.
The most popular use for [...]