Herbs
In general use, herbs are
any plants used for food, flavoring, medicine, or perfume. Culinary use
typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Herbs refer to the leafy green parts of a plant (either
fresh or dried), while a "spice" is a product from another part of the plant
(usually dried), including seeds, berries, bark, roots and fruits.
Culinary
herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that, like spices, they are used in small amounts and
provide flavor rather than substance to food. Some plants are
used as both herbs and spices, such as dill weed and dill seed or coriander leaves
and seeds.
Herbs have
been used for medicine since the first century.
Aspirin is made for the bark of the willow tree. Rosemary has
anti-inflammatory properties, Anise helps with an upset stomach. Lastly Basil
has anti-inflammatory, helps with cardiovascular health, helping with
respiratory infections, decreasing pain and swelling.