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Herbs
by Doreen Saliba
Herbs have the potential to clean the inside of our bodies and therefore using them in cooking is beneficial for our health and well being. They can also be used in the form of oil. There are many herbs of which the most common are:- Marjoram, mint, turmeric coriander, fennel, basil, oregano etc. Let us look at the benefits of some of these.
Marjoram (merqdux), is relaxing thus relieving tension and tiredness. It is used also to relive the distressing spasm of cough whilst at the same time helps to expell mucus. It can be taken in the form of tea or used on salads or while cooking.
Mint (naghniegh) is used for sore throats, eases stuffiness in the head. Mint combined with sage as a tea or in the form of essential oil mixed with message oil and applied gently on the throat area in order to ease a speedy recovery. It also induces relaxation whilst at the same time induces vitality.
Turmeric is a very yellowish powder that has the capacity to clear the intestines. It is best used in either soups or to cook the rice while boiling.
Coriander seeds and leaves: the seeds aid the digestive peristalsis easing abdominal cramps and also relieve headaches due to digestive disorders. The leaves are rich in vitamins and can be used with pulses.
Fennel (Busbies) clears the lungs, moves the energy of the stomach and intestines and acts as a diuretic, thus producing urine output. They are also good for the respiratory tract to expel phlegm.
Basil affects the nervous system, digestive system and the lungs. It is also good to sharpen the memory, thus good when preparing for exams.
Oregano Facilitates the digestive process, is powerful in respiratory infections and helps in easing colds and flu.
Parsley (Tursin) helps with anemia, since it has a high iron content.. It has diuretic property thus easing edema.
Rosemary (Klin) cleanses and helps energy release in the liver. It is recommended for people with a sluggish cold liver and gall bladder symptoms some of which can be a pale yellowish complexion and lack of vitality.
It also has stimulating effect on the circulation; rosemary helps the flow of blood to the genital area and thus considered aphrodisiac. It increases circulation of blood, thus warming cold limbs especially during winter and is particularly good for cold rheumatism. Rosemary sharpens the memory and is a useful herb when preparing for examinations.
Nervous weakness and depression are also helped by this herb especially if caused by overwork and concentration.
However Rosemary should not be used if hypertension is present or in cases of bursting headaches. It encourages menstruation and should not be used in pregnancy or in heavy periods. Do not take it at night if you want to sleep!
Sage (Salvja) strengthens the lungs, therefore useful for those who are prone to coughs, colds and flu particularly if there is a sore throat. Sage helps digestion, stimulates the adrenal glands. If taken as tea or used as an essential oil rubbed over the lower back, strengthens weak limbs.
Because it contains the presence of estrogen-like substances, it is beneficial to the female reproductive system.
An infusion of sage or message oil with rosemary and nettle may be used rubbed into the scalp to help counteract hair loss.
Note: Herbs form also part of the Maltese folklore and culture. Many grow in the wild in our countryside but it is advisable to cultivate your own in pots or in the garden rather than picking them up from the wild.
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