Herbs That Heal: Unlocking Nature's Remedies

Springtime truly showcases the beauty of herbs, thriving abundantly around us, growing in the open fields of the Judean hills or even in the park near your home. Beyond their taste and aroma, herbs offer treasures of nutritional values with healing properties.

The Lamiaceae family includes a variety of Mediterranean and Israeli herbs, often used in cooking for their delectable flavor. Here are some examples from this family.

Oregano – Simple Marjoram

Oregano is a powerful disinfectant, effective in treating parasites and fungi. It addresses skin itchiness and can stimulate appetite in both children and adults who have lost it due to illness.

Warm compresses of oregano leaves can soothe sore muscles and reduce swelling. A combination of oregano and za'atar can create a natural and pleasant face wash for acne-prone skin.

Oregano was well known in ancient Egypt and Greece for seasoning fish and meats, as well as an antidote for toxins and treatment for spasms and edema. It was also used to purify the air. Oregano aids in digestion, supports the nervous system, and helps with coughs, heartburn, rheumatism, toothaches, and headaches. The leaves and flowers are rich in essential oils, mainly thymol, known for its disinfectant abilities. Thymol treats diseases caused by fungi and bacteria and is an important component in antifungal creams and oral disinfectant solutions.

Basil – Sweet Basil

Basil is primarily known as a key ingredient in pesto sauce, but it significantly enhances digestion and alleviates constipation. Additionally, it calms mosquito and insect bites by crushing the leaves and placing them directly on the bite. Basil also soothes and relieves pain.

Eating basil seeds with the leaves was used to strengthen heart functions. Yemenite Jews combined garlic and basil to treat skin diseases. Essential oil from basil aids underactive thyroid glands. Use one drop on a spoon of honey once a day.

Mustard – Leaves

Mustard greens add a delicate spiciness to any salad. They strengthen the blood and chi (life energy, in Chinese), making them beneficial for anemia and sleep issues. Mustard leaves warm and move the blood, aiding in constipation, while a mustard leaf poultice can remove subcutaneous bruising.

Cilantro

Eating cilantro seeds eases stomach aches, and gargling with cilantro tea relieves oral pain.

Cilantro clears heavy metals like mercury from the body by extracting them from cells and expelling them through the kidneys and urine. It benefits sinus problems and headaches. Ground cilantro leaves can be applied to the forehead. The Ramban recommends eating cilantro leaves to strengthen the heart and treat bites.

Parsley

Parsley tea supports kidney function and treats urinary tract infections. It also aids in gallstone removal and dissolves kidney stones. A cup of parsley contains 20 times more iron than a serving of liver, helping with anemia. Parsley helps treat dark circles under the eyes; crush parsley and apply it directly. Parsley leaves also freshen the mouth and eliminate odors; chew a few leaves together.

Dill

Its English name, Dill, is derived from the Norwegian word Dilla, meaning to calm or soothe. Dill helps with insomnia. You can use dill water to help babies sleep or apply it to gums during teething.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Thyme

Thyme's Hebrew name, Koranit, refers to the cooling sensation it produces in the mouth when the leaves are chewed. Its expectorant property makes thyme useful for coughs and respiratory infections. For joint pain, heat thyme leaves in olive oil and apply onto the aching joints. It's also good for gargling against sore throats and helps with food poisoning, stomach aches, and intestinal worms. Drink on an empty stomach.

Rosemary

For any infusion from the herbs mentioned, prepare with a teaspoon of the plant and a cup of boiling water. Wait about 10 minutes before drinking. To your health.

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