Uses of Organic Herbs

Herbs are plants, like fennel, or other natural substances produced by plants, such as olive leaf extract. All parts of the plant may be harvested, including the flower, leaves, stems and roots. Organic produce and herbs have helped to raise our consciousness about what we eat. Select organic herbs for cooking, teas or medicinal purposes, as they do not contain the toxic pesticides.

Culinary Herbs

• Fresh dill often is used to season salmon dishes.

  Organic herbs are used for flavoring because fresh herbs makes anything taste better. Rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano are popular herbs used in Italian dishes. Herbs such as cilantro are widely used in Mexican dishes and typically served along with green onions on tacos. Asian cooking features many exotics herbs, such as bok choy.

Herbal Teas

• Try adding honey, agave or sugar to your tea for added flavor.

  Traditional tea is made from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Herbal tea is typically brewed using the flowers of a plant, such as chamomile. Herbal teas do not contain caffeine and often are drunk at night to encourage sleepiness. However, many herbal teas, like ginseng, are invigorating as well.

Medicinal Herbs

• Marijuana's medicinal benefits may be experienced without smoking by vaporizing the herb.

  Along with chamomile, many other organic herbs are used for relaxation, like catnip. Herbs such as St. John's root and kava kava have been used medicinally for mild depression. Ginger root has been used as a stomach soother and nausea remedy. Additionally, marijuana can effectively allieviate symptoms of many conditions and diseases, like cancer or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Marijuana has been used as a recreational drug for decades due to its psychoactive properties. In a 1997 review, the Institute of Medicine assessed the health benefits and risks of marijuana and concluded that "the accumulated data indicate a potential therapeutic value for cannabinoid drugs,particularly for symptoms such as pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation."

Potpourri

• Lavender is a relaxing scent used in many baby soap products.

  Typically dried roses, lavender sprigs and other dried flowers are placed in a bowl or breathable bag as potpourri to scent rooms.