Written by Penelope Hyland, Colorado Master Gardener since 2018
Everyone loves the scent and taste of most herbs – some more than others. After all, herbs are plants with fragrant or aromatic properties. They also enhance the taste and smell of food. But there is so much more to appreciate about herbs.
We know that herbs have been used for thousands of years. Clay tablets from over 5,000 years ago contain the first written record of herbal medicinal recipes using over 250 plants by Sumerians. In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates, a Greek physician, created a list of 400 herbs that were in common use at that time. The Ebers Papyrus, a record of herbal drugs and treatments from 1550 BC, is the oldest and most important medical papyri of ancient Egypt. The De Materia Medica from 65 AD, is a medicinal record of all the uses of herbs. We know that turmeric was used as an anti-inflammatory 6,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, herbs were used for cleansing, cooking and medicines as a part of daily life.
The use of herbs in general life continued to the modern ages. During WWII, when pharmaceutical drugs were in short supply, the British government asked the public to grow craft herbs for the war effort. The discovery of penicillin transformed the practice of medicine and herbal practitioners had their rights to dispense medications taken away. In the 1950’s concern of the side effects of pharmacological products renewed an interest in herbal remedies and herbal medicine associations were formed around the world.
Today, herbs are mostly used for culinary purposes. In the process of enhancing the flavor of foods, herbs also provide nutritional value in the form of vitamins and minerals including:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Selenium
- Riboflavin
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Pantothenic acid
- Pyridoxine
- Copper
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Carotene a
- Carotene b
- Cryptoxanthin-b
- Folates
- Thiamin
Research has shown that herbs are beneficial for:
- Psychological health
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Fighting inflammation
- Providing antioxidants
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Fighting bacterial and fungals
- Supporting skin
- Bone health
- Fighting infections
While herbs are known to contain healing properties and nutrients that enhance overall health, they are also used in a number of different ways including: strewing, insecticides, disinfectants, improving cognitive functions, alleviating pain, boosting immunity, tanning, leather dying, perfumes, cosmetics, teas, and cleansers.
The lists are long and numerous for the benefits of herbs. Try running your hands across the top of some planted herbs and as the scent is released into the air, see what you think.