The World of Herbs

Herbs or herb plants have been very much the part of human civilization since ancient times. Herbs are valued for their flavor, aroma in culinary uses and most of all its medicinal values. History also has reference to the use of herbs for spiritual purposes.

As we set out to explore the world of herbs, let’s find out how herbs constitute an important part of our lives. Growing herbs have now become quite a trend both in terms of indoor gardening or outdoor gardening. Herb plants are best valued for their consistent culinary and medicinal values. It is found among most gardening enthusiasts that herbs constitute a compulsory space in their private kitchen garden.

Herbs can be used and utilized and used in most forms from the green, leafy part of the plant to other parts of the plant including the root. It has been seen mostly that the roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, inner bark (cambium), berries other portions are used in the preparation of herbal medicines. This is also one of the major reasons in many cases, for people considering herbs gardening as a viable commercial project.

One of the vital distinguishing characteristics between medicinal and culinary herbs is that, medicinal herbs may be a shrub or woody plant; however, typically a culinary herb is a non-woody plant and it’s in most cases that the leaves are used. It is also seen that seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, or other parts of the plant including leaves of herbs, are considered spices for culinary uses. However, they are also used in many cases for their medicinal values.

Going by the multi-faceted properties of herbs, herb gardens are now considered by many people as one of the essential part of ones living space. If you do not have the luxury of a garden in your backyard, if staying an apartment; you can very well opt for indoor herb gardening as an alternative option.

It’s not really difficult to choose your favorite herb from a list of aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay, basil, sage, marjoram, mint, angelica, dill and rue for your herb garden.

If you have not yet tried your hands at indoor herb gardening, I think it’s time you indulge yourself to planting a few herbs by your kitchen window and wake up to the soothing aroma of your favorite herbs. Not only will your family appreciate the fresh sprigs of herbs as the garnish of your dish but at the same time you can actually have a feeling of calm; courtesy of the spiritual property of the herbs.