Uses of Herbs
Herbs have been used for thousands of years. Back in a time when humans could only use what they had available to survive and thrive: plants and animals, herbs were commonly eaten, used medicinally, and even in spells and rituals. Let’s discuss each one.
Nearly every herb discovered was found to be useful. However, not all herbs are edible. In fact, some are toxic or even deadly. That’s why it’s very important to research, read, and have a good knowledge base when collecting wild herbs. That said, some herbs are also incredibly flavorful and can be excellent sources of vitamins, antioxidants, and even have an anti-inflammatory component. The most common part of the herb plant to be eaten is the leaves. However, in the case of some herbs such as basil, dill, and cilantro even the flowers can be eaten. The roots and stems are rarely eaten as they are often bitter. Herbs can also be eaten in a variety of ways. This includes raw (basil, dill and parsley), dried (rosemary, oregano, thyme, mint, basil, parsley, tarragon, marjoram, and sage), and even made into a tea (lemon balm, chamomile, mint, lemon verbena, ginger, lavender, basil, and rosemary). Each herb has different flavors and uses in consumption, but I’ll dive into that deeper in a future article.
Why did people consume herbs besides a source of food or flavor? Ancient civilizations learned that certain plants helped with certain ailments. Some are still well-known today. Mints and ginger are often used to soothe digestive woes. Lavender and chamomile are used to calm, soothe, and with pain or headaches. How else can herbs be used medicinally? Many can be used as an anti-inflammatory. These include ginger, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, ginseng, and rosemary. Herbs can also be used for pain relief: lavender, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, cloves, capsaicin, ginger, and feverfew. Aloe, calendula, and tea tree oil can help with burns, abrasions, or minor wounds. Some herbs can even be used as natural antibiotics or antivirals including oregano, garlic, clove, echinacea, ginger, goldenseal, myrrh, thyme, and even cinnamon. Herbs can even be used as mild sedatives, for anxiety, stress, and depression. Ancient peoples used herbs for thousands of years for these and many other medicinal uses, however, with modern medicine comes modern knowledge. Consult with a medical professional before consuming herbs in any form for medicinal purposes. Some can interfere with medications or be counter-indicated for certain conditions. Also, herbs can not be a replacement or cure for any physical, mental, or emotional ailment or treatment. They are meant to be the first thing to try. If they are approved by your doctor but don’t work or don’t work well enough, always contact your medical professional to follow up. We know now that herbs are just one option. Luckily they are not are only option.
Why else were herbs such a big part of human history? Simply put, herbs can be magic. At least that’s what countless cultures throughout history have believed. Herbs have been used for protection, love, healing, luck, and more. Specific herbs are thought to naturally bring about certain things to the people who have or use them. When I ask what plant you think of first associated with luck, what comes to mind? A four-leaf clover perhaps? Most people don’t think of eating clover but some forms of clover are edible. They also are thought to repel snakes (spiralrain.ca). Perhaps that’s why they are considered lucky? I like to think that many herbs are associated with their magical properties for a once practical reason. That said, some really are just magical. For an incredibly thorough list of the magical properties of herbs check out this link here: https://spiralrain.ca/pages/a-list-of-herbs-and-their-magickal-uses
Herbs are incredible little plants. With so many ways to use or consume them, every household should have a collection of herbs. If Herbs, Gifts, and Candlesticks is a part of your journey to learn about and bring herbs into your life, thank you! I will be sharing more here on these and other magical gifts. Until then, love and light.
