Throughout history there have been various other uses of herbs which we will not be looking at here and these include them being used as currency, as a disinfectant and as a perfume or powerful smell to mask disgusting odors. Herbs come from various parts of the world and each race often had unusual uses for them. It is interesting to note that the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greek and Sumerians, the Romans all wrote about them in detail and other writings exist from Ancient India and China. We shall be concentrating on modern uses.



Herbs And Religion

Herbs are still used in numerous around the world. Many Christians will recall myrrh from the Nativity (myrrh is the dried sap of Commiphora myrrha). Hindus will be extremely familiar with the Tulsi plant, which is a type of Basil, as it is cultivated by many and praised as a Goddess. In Pagan and Wiccan beliefs herbs are utilized extensively in spells, rituals as well as for healing.

Culinary Uses of Herbs

The leaves of various plants are used in the kitchen but there is a distinction between leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, and a herb, such as parsley, in that the latter are used in minute amounts due to their distinctive, and powerful flavor. Virtually every person in the world has benefited from the these amazing plants which are capable of lifting the blandest meal into the realms of a culinary masterpiece.

The Use of Herbs in Medicine

As well as being intense in flavor herbs can also have a profound effect upon the human body. Some types are used as recreational drugs, such as cannabis, which can cause legal problems as they can also have useful medical properties which are still being examined by scientists.

Essential Oils

An essential oil is the substance extracted from a variety of plants. Essential oils are usually produced by the method called distillation but some need a different process of extraction such as such as solvent extraction or expression.

Essential oils have a variety of uses, such as perfumes, bath oils, flavorings, burning (for scent) and in cleaning products. However most people know of their use in medicine and especially in aromatherapy and other forms of alternative medicine. I use lavender oil in a number of ways, I add it to my mixture for my oil burner to make the room smell nice but I also use approximately three drops in a bath when I suffer from aching limbs. When my legs are very painful I gently rub it into the muscles but only when it is mixed with a carrier oil. As well as helping to relax the muscles it also helps me sleep more soundly.

Herbs should be handled with care as some can be extremely toxic to the human body (in large quantities). Special care should be taken if you are planning on having a baby as something that seems safe can be surprisingly problematic, such as peppermint oil which should not be used in its dilute form. However spearmint and a few other mild oils can be used however to avoid any of miscarriage I advise that you avoid all herbs and essential oils unless you are one hundred percent certain they are safe to use.