Our Handy Green Queen Guide to Fresh Herbs


3 Mins Read

Herbs are often ignored, which is a shame- because they are a brilliant way to add flavor to your food, not to mention the incredibly varied healthy benefits they bestow. Make every meal a herby one with our handy guide!

Rosemary

  • Rosemary is rich in calcium and vitamin B6- the latter of which can be difficult for vegetarians to come by so load up on it.
  • The herb also enhances memory and concentration.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Rosemary pairs perfectly with lamb, no matter which way your cook your meat.   

Fresh Basil - Herbs Guide

Basil

  • Basil is full of potassium- a much needed essential mineral for optimal health.
  • It is also super high in antioxidants- great to help stave off cancer.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: This sweet herb is the main ingredient in Italian pesto- just add pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and some Parmigiano-Reggiano if you eat dairy!

Cilantro/Coriander/Chinese Parsley

  • The potassium in cilantro helps control your heart rate and blood pressure.
  • The herb contains citronelol, a compound that promotes fresh breath. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Add to homemade salsa- just mix with chopped tomatoes, chiles and red onion. 

Tarragon

  • It is packed with iron, which is great for your red blood cell count as well as those who suffer from anemia.
  • Tarragon is an appetite stimulant- useful for those who need to increase their food intake.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Make a tarragon and mustard marinade for roast chicken- the herb comes on strong so is best used for blander dishes.

Flat Leaf Parsley - Herbs Guide

Flat Leaf Parsley/ Italian Parsley

  • Contains folic acid that helps to speed up metabolism and is vital to pregnant women.
  • High in vitamin A which soothes tired and dry eyes-great for all of us screen addicts. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Chopped parsley with cooked lentils, green beans and olive oil make a lovely Mediterranean salad.

Sage

  • Sage consumption can lower blood sugar levels- great for diabetics and those with insulin resistance.
  • As an anti-inflammatory, it can be helpful with arthritis. 

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Try sautéing mushrooms with sage and olive oil for a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Dill

  • Dill essential oil alleviates insomnia and helps to ensure a restful sleep.
  • The herb is also anti-bacterial.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Dill is a great addition to potato salad or poached fish dishes.

Thyme - Herbs Guide

Thyme

  • Its vitamin A gives you good skin quality and improves vision.
  • Rich in vitamin C, which keeps your immune system strong.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Stuff bunches in a chicken cavity along with garlic and lemon wedges for the perfect roast.

Oregano

  • Oregano is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, the essential oil can be used topically against microbes.
  • The herb helps relieve respiratory tract conditions like sore throats and bronchitis.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Make a classic and refreshing Greek salad with oregano, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese.

Mint - Herbs Guide

Mint

  • Inhale fresh mint leaves or mint essential oil for quick headache relief.
  • Great for digestive issues- helps with nausea, indigestion and bloating.

Green Queen Foodie Tip: Add mint to filtered water with a touch of lemon to jazz up your eight glasses a day.


Photo credit: 100, 000 views!!! THANK YOU! Rita via photopin cc.

Author

  • Sonalie Figueiras

    2021 Women of Power, 2019 GEN T Honoree, V Label Global Hero, 2 x TEDx Speaker: Serial social entrepreneur & trends forecaster Sonalie Figueiras is a sustainability expert, food futurist and eco-powerhouse who has been inspiring global audiences for over a decade with practical steps on how to fight climate change. Known as the Green Queen of Asia, she is the founder and Editor in Chief of the award-winning Green Queen - the region’s first impact media platform that educates millions of readers on the connection between health, sustainability and the environment and showcases future solutions. She is also the co-founder and CEO of organic sourcing platform Ekowarehouse and climate tech SaaS Source Green, which helps consumer brands quit plastic packaging thanks to proprietary plastic reduction software. In addition, Sonalie is a global keynote speaker and an advisor to multiple mission-driven startups and NGOs, and a venture partner to several VC funds.

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