Top five Indian herbs you need to know about

Herbs are powerful natural plants used for a variety of purpose like flavouring, food, medicine, spiritual and so on. India has a long history of use of herbs. From health point of view let us examine the top five herbs you need to include in your daily life.

What is a herb?

As per the botanical definition, a herb is a plant with a short height and without a dark and wooden stem. In absence of such support the plant is not able to grow beyond a certain height. They are also short-lived compared to the average age of plants and trees around.

In culinary world, a herb is defined as a part of any plant or tree which is used for flavouring or seasoning. It can be a stem, leaf or even a combination with flowers.

In the world of ayurveda, it can be a plant, stem, bark, flowers and so on.

Coriander or dhaniya plant

The most apt and classical definition of a herb. Coriander or dhaniya seeds sprout the plant. In America it is called cilantro and other parts of the world the plant is called coriander. The plant grows to a height of a couple of inches with tiny whitish flowers.

Coriander plant has many health benefits besides being widely used in cooking. It is proven that certain enzymes in coriander reduces blood sugar. In fact the reduction is so prominent that people with low blood sugar are advised against eating too much of coriander plants in cooking. This also helps fight weight gain and cholesterol.

Coriander helps improve memory and cognitive functions by boosting neuron activity.

It also aids digestion and gut health. It will also help you fight inflammation. Since it is grown fresh everyday, it is good source of nutrients. This is the top herb you should regularly intake in your daily diet.

Mint or pudina

We all know mint as a powerful fragrance. It is a natural choice for all preparations which relate to fresh breath. It is an important ingredient in many cuisines. It gives a cooling sensation when consumed. Because of the strong nature of mint, it cannot be consumed in large quantities. In fact you should be careful while using it for medicinal benefits.

Mint aids with digestion. It also helps relieve pain in nipples for breast feeding women. It helps take care of nasal congestion.

It contains salicylic acid which helps cure acne.

The simplest way to use mint, mix it with lemonade and make a nice cooler. Remember, if you do not need to, do not add sugar to lemonade. It will just make matters worse.

Methi, Palak and others

While we know all these common vegetables as methi (fenugreek) or palak (spinach). They are the rich greens, packed with nutrition and the most healthy of all vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are grown fresh.

Palak is a rich source of calcium which is good for the bones and teeth. Magnesium is the next thing that is abundant in spinach. Chlorophyll is the reason why this magnesium is present in palak. It helps absorb calcium and is a contributing factor for metabolism of energy, protein, muscles and heart rhythm. It helps with lower stress and better sleep. Palak is also a known source of Iron which helps with blood oxygenation. It also contains a large portion of Vitamin A.

Another vegetable in this category is methi or fenugreek. It is also a rich source of magnesium and calcium. Methi also contains potassium and phosphorus. It helps with bone and tissue health and maintaining electrolyte balance inside the body.

Curry leaves or kadi patta

You know curry leaves as a flavouring or seasoning in Indian cooking. But there are far more health benefits associated with regular consumption. It is a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Tulsi

A tulsi plant is found in almost every house in India. It is holy plant with culinary uses. Tulsi leaves are used in religious ceremonies across the country. It is a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin C. But it is the present of stress busters which makes it ideal to have with a cup of tea.