As the summer months come to an end, most of us are still trying to squeeze what we can out of the long days before the fall months arrive. Flowers are still in bloom and gardens are probably delivering late-season harvests.
This is a great time to consider saving some fresh herbs that you started growing in your happy gut garden or collected from a local farmer’s market or grocery store.
Incorporating herbs as a staple in cooking and food preparation can improve your meals in many ways. You’re boosting the nutrition of your meals while incorporating seasonal eating. More importantly, these herbs highlighted below can benefit your gut health!
Herbs and spices take your dishes to a whole new level when it comes to flavor. They’re often overlooked and instead, food is loaded with sodium, additives, and preservatives for taste. These are not necessary and come with negative side effects.
Check out four of my favorite culinary herbs and spices that I always keep on hand. I’ll also give you some pointers on how to use them regularly and store them properly. This way, they can be part of your Happy Gut Pantry year round. You’ll also receive a separate recipe that highlights herbs and spices to try out this month
Keep reading and stay tuned for my next Happy Gut recipe!
Rosemary
This pungent and hardy herb is native to the Mediterranean. (1) The perennial is commonly used during winter months as a popular seasoning in stews or main dishes. However, this plant can grow fabulous in a summer garden and should be used at all months of the year due to its benefits.
Rosemary contains B vitamins and a compound that can promote brain health and function. (2) In addition, rosemary has traditionally been used to support the immune system. About 70 percent of your immune cells are held in your microbiome. Supporting immunity is key to optimize gut health and vice versa. (3)
I personally like to use rosemary with any sort of roasted vegetable. Especially carrots, parsnips, radishes or sweet potatoes. A fun spin is to infuse your water with it. This makes a great way to stay hydrated in the hot weather!
Turmeric
This spice has gained a lot of popularity recently. Turmeric’s deep golden color signifies its powerful healing benefits. In our society, turmeric has mostly recognized for its ability to reduce inflammation. However, this spice has been used for many years, mostly in Ayurvedic and Chinese tradition. It was known as a remedy for liver and digestive issues. Turmeric was also used to treat infections, skin issues, and wounds. (1)
Using turmeric can also promote a balanced gut. Clinical studies show that turmeric can reduce gut inflammation and improve leaky gut. Bloating, gas, and heartburn can be terrible issues and cause suffering to many. Turmeric to the rescue! It has been shown to improve these symptoms.
There are lots of ways to utilize this powerful spice aside from a typical curry dish. Try adding some to eggs, a smoothie, or salad dressing. This makes it easier to consume on a regular basis, especially if you are experiencing gut issues. Pair it with a pinch of black pepper and a healthy fat for optimal absorption.
Check out my personal salad dressing that I like to enjoy on a regular basis. You gain the benefits from the turmeric for gut health, but the fiber from the veggies is perfect for a healthy gut too.
Turmeric and Chive Salad Dressing
3 servings
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs apple cider vinegar
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp turmeric powder
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
Blend all ingredients together, store in an airtight glass jar in refrigerator and use throughout the week.
Mint
This beautiful herb is often cursed for its invasive properties when grown in the garden. However, the abundance can be used in many recipes or to make a soothing tea due to its health benefits. This herb has antibacterial, antiviral and incredible antioxidant action. Mint may be overlooked in culinary use but more commonly used in toothpaste, chewing gum or beauty products.
I suggest keeping mint handy in your kitchen, especially because of its ability to fight inflammation in the body due to its antioxidant properties. For many years, mint has been used for stomach issues including flatulence and indigestion. It may also reduce the negative effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and relax the digestive tract. (4)
Cilantro
Cilantro is a fabulous herb, used popularly around the world. Flavorful and unique in taste this herb is used in many different dishes. Cilantro is vibrant in color and rich in nutrition. Among its nutrients, this herb contains vitamin A, C, E, potassium, and magnesium.
Cilantro has powerful healing benefits that have been used for years. Today, it still holds popularity for its medicinal effects. Cilantro can be used as a detox agent. It can bind to toxins and heavy metals to help clear them from the body. Due to its antioxidant profile (vitamins A, C, and E), cilantro has the ability to fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Specifically for gut health, cilantro has been used to treat GI issues such as nausea and an upset stomach. Interestingly, cilantro can also fight bacteria and fungus, both of which can create an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Drying out Herbs
Drying out seasonal herbs is key to having these on hand year-round. You can purchase dried herbs on the shelf, but if possible, opt for seasonal and organic fresh herbs. I’ve provided you step-by-step instructions on drying out your herbs this summer.
Step 1
Simply wash and dry, then bundle together with string.
Step 2
Hang upside down for a few days or until fully dried. It’s easiest to use a tack or hook.
Step 3
Grab a mason jar or old glass jar you may have lying around and label with the herb name.
Step 4
Once the herb is dry, discard any stem and pick up dried leaves. Gently break down the leaves with your fingers in a bowl. Once the leaves are crushed, add to the jar and store in your pantry.
These dried herbs have an incredible flavor that lasts all year! In addition, this can actually save you money as opposed to purchasing dried herbs and spices. It’s a win-win!
For more healing herbs to add to your pantry, check out a list below. Slowly start stocking up and experimenting with these different flavors. They are a wonderful addition to your Happy Gut Pantry!
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Cumin
- Fenugreek
- Ginger
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sage
- Sumac
Citations
1.Malone M, Tsai G. The Evidence for Herbal and Botanical Remedies, Part 2. J Fam Pract.2018 January;67(1):E1-E9
2. Chan A. L. (2012, Feb 27). Rosemary Brain Benefit: Study Shows Link Between Herb Chemical And Brainpower. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/rosemary-brain-memory-18-cineole_n_1304250.html
3. Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 153(Suppl 1), 3–6.
4. McKay DL, Blumberg JB.A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.).Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):619-33.5. Bhanoo, S. N. (2011, August 29). Coriander Oil Is Found to Kill E. Coli, Salmonella and MRSA. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/science/30obcoriander.html
