Healing Herbs and Spices List + Guide
This Healing Herbs and Spices List + Guide breaks down everything you need to know about herbs and spices including how to use them to enhance your health and boost the flavor of all your favorite foods. Pick your favorite, and find a full day of eating to incorporate them into your diet with ease!
Welcome to herbs and spices week! This Healing Spices List and Guide is part of our Restorative Health Series, meaning any recipes listed are made with anti-inflammatory spices and wholesome ingredients to nourish the body.
Ancient Remedies
Did you know that herbs and spices have been used for centuries? It’s true! From food preparation to medicinal practices, both herbs and spices have been a part of human culture for as far as we have historical records. Don’t believe me? Research has shown that even cavemen used leaves to wrap meat and enhance their flavor! Read more on that here (Source). Not to mention the huge role herbs and spices played in Egyptian times, the evolution of the silk road or even the role spices played in wars! Clearly, the uses of herbs and spices extend well beyond the realms of cooking, and humans have been relying on herbs and healing spices for centuries. For now, we’ll stick to using them for cooking, though.
However, before we dig into any recipes such as Curry Spiced Foil Packet Potatoes and Eggs, Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup, or Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri, I think it’s important to understand why exactly herbs and spices are, why they’re beneficial, and of course, how to use them!
So, I’ve created a complete herbs and spices list to provide you with healing spices and herbs that will not only make your food taste great but also help improve your health. After all, healing doesn’t have to be bland or boring! Keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know (and more) about herbs and healthy spices.
What Are Herbs and Spices, Anyway?
Although often used interchangeably and derived from plants, herbs and spices are actually two separate things. Take a look below to learn the differences!
Herbs
When cooking, herbs are considered as being the leafy green parts of plants that are fragrant and used to add flavor or seasoning to a dish. They range in all shapes and sizes including large, thick leaves such as those of basil or small, delicate leaves such as cilantro.
Spices
Spices are all parts of a plant other than the leaves used for cooking such as the bark, roots, berries, and seeds. In addition, unlike herbs, spices are dried and typically ground.
Health Benefits of Herbs and Healing Spices
Both herbs and healing spices have similar health benefits. However, each ingredient provides different benefits. In general, both herbs and spices can be used for a wide variety of benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, improving brain function, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and more. Take a look below to learn the health benefits of some of the most common herbs and spices.
Healing Herbs and Spices List
Herbs List
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Basil – A good source of vitamin K, basil may help improve cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, and increase mental awareness.
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Parsley – Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K which can help with blood clotting, improving bone health, and boosting immunity.
- Cilantro (also known as coriander or Chinese parsley) – Including cilantro in your diet has many benefits including lowered blood sugar, boosted immunity, improved heart and brain health, and improved digestion.
Fun(ny) Fact: For some who possess a specific gene, cilantro tastes like soap. (Source)
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Mint – A great source of vitamin A and antioxidants, mint can help improve digestion, improve brain function, and boost immunity.
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Rosemary – Rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and B6, rosemary helps reduce inflammation, boosts immunity, improves blood circulation, and is even thought to help relieve heartburn, gas, and indigestion.
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Thyme – Thyme can help boost immunity and lower blood pressure.
- Oregano – Oregano is rich in antioxidants which can help neutralize free radicals in the body and protect against cancer, prevent illnesses, and reduce inflammation.
Spices List
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Cayenne – Cayenne pepper is a good source of vitamins C, A, B6, and K which can help improve eyesight, boost immunity, improve digestion, and clear congestion.
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Cloves – Cloves are rich in manganese and may help protect against cancer, improve liver health, regulate blood sugar, improve bone health, and reduce stomach ulcers.
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Fennel Seed – Fennel seeds are a good source of a variety of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese and can help improve heart health, protect against cancer, and reduce inflammation.
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Ginger – Ginger is high in gingerol and contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to cure nausea, reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, lower blood sugar, improve indigestion, and lower cholesterol levels.
- Cinnamon – Rich in antioxidants, cinnamon helps reduce inflammation, prevent the risk of heart disease, improve insulin sensitivities, lower blood sugar levels, and help the absorption of nutrients from food.
Note: Cinnamon can be found in two forms including Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is what is most commonly found in grocery stores, but both are beneficial.
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Cumin – A good source of antioxidants, cumin helps control blood sugar, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve memory.
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Turmeric – Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, has hugely beneficial anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost immunity, lower the risk of heart disease, reduce symptoms of arthritis, and fight depression.
- Star Anise – Made from the fruit of Chinese evergreen trees, star anise is used both for its flavor and medicinal properties. It’s rich in antioxidant and can help boost immunity.
Storage Tips
Herbs
For long-lasting herbs, cut roughly ½ inch from the bottom of the stems, and place the herbs upright in a jar with a small amount of water. Then, loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Storage Tip for Herbs: Be sure to change the water every 2 days!
Not sure what to do with an abundance of herbs? No worries. We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to preserve herbs and recipes to use them!
Spices
Make sure your spices are in airtight containers and store them in a cool, dry place such as a spice cabinet or pantry. Store whole spices for up to 2 years, and swap out ground spices every 6 months.
Storage Tip for Spices: Keep red spices such as paprika and red pepper in the refrigerator! This will help them keep their color and retain their flavor for longer.
How to Use Herbs and Healthy Spices
Both herbs and spices are meant to be used to enhance the natural flavors of foods rather than to mask or disguise them. In some cases, they can be combined, but it is important not to use too many at once so as not to overpower the dish.
Herbs
- For bolder, more distinct flavors, add herbs at the end of the cooking process.
- For more blended flavors such as with sauces, add herbs to recipes in the beginning of the cooking process.
Cooking Tip: Crush herbs before adding them to a dish for a bolder flavor.
Spices
- Ground spices should be added at the end of cooking to prevent them from cooking out of the dish.
- Whole spices release their flavor more slowly and should be added at the beginning of cooking in order to release their flavor.
Example Day of Eating
Looking for more ideas of how to include this herbs and spices list in your everyday diet? Take a look at this example day of eating with nourishing recipes made with fresh herbs and healing spices that add flavor and improve your health!
Chai Spiced Turmeric Smoothie Bowl 
Greek Tabouli Salad with Quinoa 
Honey Lime Cilantro Baked Shrimp
Breakfast: Chai Smoothie Bowls or Breakfast to go with Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
Healing Drink – Turmeric Pineapple Shrub Cocktail
Lunch: Greek Tabouli Salad with Quinoa
Snack: Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Dinner: Honey Lime Cilantro Baked Shrimp – or Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Bake for a vegan option
Do you use herbs and spices in your cooking? If you give any of these a try, I’d love to know how you use them! Let me know in the comments below.
Cheers,
LC