Herbs----A Blessing of Nature

Your natural kitchen would not be complete without an abundant supply of fine herbs. These little wonders of nature provide a wide variety of health-giving uses. As medicine, they have been valued through the ages as the most potent of natural healers. In tea, herbs contain the power to sooth and relax as well as cleanse the body. When made into poultices they posses the ability to heal surface wounds. And when used in cooking, herbs enhance the natural flavor of any food.

Although the art of using herbs has been somewhat lost in modern times, their value has always remained. They are a creative expression of Mother Nature extended to us by her loving arms. Herbs grow wild in the country or can be grown in your back yard. Their cost is minimal and their value worth everything----health.

Or course the most common use of herbs is in cooking. They are famous as important ingredients in the art of gourmet cuisines around the world. What would the French chef do without chervil and garlic? Where would the Italian cook be without oregano for his spaghetti sauce? By using fine natural herbs you, too, can add flavor and aroma to your healthful cooking. These herb-flavored meals will bring pleasure and health to those you serve.

Next week check on our website, astara.org, and I will put up a list of those herbs most common and readily available for use in your kitchen. Jan & Alan store them in 1 oz. glass containers with tight fitting glass stopper-type lids. Remember, it is better to under-use than to over-use herbs in cooking. When proportioned properly in recipes they merely accent and compliment the food. Intermingled with the herbs in the list you will find a few helpful spices that also add a nice flavor to your dishes.

In addition to the list of cooking herbs, there is an endless variety of herbal teas with which you should be familiar.

Don't forget to check on the list of herbs next week on our website: astara.org