By trial and error, humans uncovered the secrets of herbs by eating them and discovering which plants were beneficial and which were not. Before humans stopped hunting and gathering food, herbal plants were eaten along with any meat kill. It was in this manner, humans learned that certain plants, added to a meal, made it taste good and that certain plants would cure sickness. Thus, plants became an important part of human existence and have continued so as humans progressed emotionally and intellectually, evolving into today's' modern culture. Plants play a role in most all cultures around the world; perhaps with the exception of those people who inhabit the extreme frozen north lands of the world.



Probably, herbs were first used as a food and food flavoring. Some of the oldest herbs and most popular are:

Parsley, which is used more as a garnish than any other herb. In this capacity it ranks about equal with watercress and lettuce, probably less used than sage, but more than any of the other herbs. It is mainly used in dressings with mild meats such as chicken, turkey, venison, veal, with baked fish; and for soups, stews, and sauces, more so with those used with boiled meats, fish and fricassees of the meats mentioned. It has a broader use than any other of the culinary herbs.

Sage, which is a sharply tasting plant, is used primarily with such meats as pork, goose, duck, and other kinds of wild game. Big amounts of sage are mixed with sausage meat and, sometimes, with various kinds of cheese. Throughout America sage most likely, the most used of all herbs, outranking any two of the others, with except for parsley.

Thyme and savory are equal in use, and are basically used like parsley, though both are used in various kinds of sausage. Marjoram, which is similarly used, is next, and then comes balm, fennel, and basil. These herbs are not as strong as the former and are often mixed to produce new flavors.

In a special category by themselves are tarragon and spearmint, the former is primarily used as a decoction in the seasoning of fish sauces, and the latter as the world-wide dressing with spring lamb. Mint has also a more convivial use, but this subject could take up an entire book.

Dill is an important herb whose seeds, rather than their leaves, are used in flavoring food other than candies and pastries. Dill plays its primary role in the pickling barrels. Immense quantities of cucumber pickles flavored principally with dill are used around the world. The demand for these pickles is met by the leading pickle manufacturers who prepare special brands, generally according to old, secret recipes, and sell them to the delicatessen and the grocery stores.

As history progressed with humans eating a huge variety of herbs, their secrets were revealed. How many people suffered and even lost their lives by eating poisonous plants is unknown, but the number would probably be frightening. Without the sacrifice of our ancestors, we would not have the benefit of those incredible herbs capable of treating all kinds of human diseases. A few of the herbs used to treat human disease are:

For hundreds of years, various cultures around the world have eaten the bark of the willow plant. The bark, of course, cured headaches, fever and, later, when chemically processed by the large pharmaceutical companies and named "aspirin"...the bark of the willow was found to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It was quickly manufactured into a tablet and can be purchased across the counter in many stores.

Burdock(Arctium Lappa) is usually known as a common, bothersome weed that grows across the United States in road ditches and wild fields and has burrs which will stick tight to a person's clothing or skin. Long ago, this "weed" was found to have healing actions such as cathartic, diuretic, and diaphoretic and was used to treat blood diseases, rheumatism, gout, venereal diseases and kidney problems. But it has been forgotten and has relapsed into the hidden world of "secret herbs".

Cinnamon(Cinnamomum) is usually used as a flavoring in food preparations. Actually, Cinnamon is one of the "duel" uses herb: it can be used both in food preparation and as a treatment for illness. This "secret herb" has stimulant actions, stomachic, carminative, astringent and aromatic, and can be used to treat bowel problems, and upset stomachs. When used as a medicinal herb, cinnamon is stimulating and gives a warming feeling which makes it an excellent stomach tonic. Anyone having bowel problems can get relief. The dose is one third of a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon stirred into water.

Hollyhock(Althaea Rosea) is a well known flower found in gardens all over the world. When the flowers are dried and made into a tea by putting the powdered petals into hot water, hollyhock tea is good for leucorrhea. It is also used for inflammations of the mucous membranes such the lining of the stomach, bowels, throat and urinary passages.

These are just a few of the many herbs that benefit people allover the world and have done so for thousands of years.