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What Are the Different Types of Herbs?

Christian Petersen
Christian Petersen

Herbs are broadly defined as any type of plant material used for scent or flavor or medicinal or spiritual purposes. Thousands of herbs are used all over the world for these purposes. In cooking, herbs are used primarily for adding scent and flavor to foods. Most types of herbs used in cooking are leaves of some type of plant, but some herbs are flowers as well.

Parsley is perhaps the most commonly used herb and is found in dishes from all over the world. There are several varieties, including curly parsley and flat-leaf parsley. It is somewhat unusual amongst herbs, in that it is often used to garnish plates in restaurants. While this usage is not unique to parsley, the reason for it is. Parsley is high in chlorophyll and other natural compounds that help to mitigate unpleasant breath odor after a meal.

Sprigs of rosemary and sage.
Sprigs of rosemary and sage.

Leafy herbs are some of the most popular types of herbs. Basil and oregano are familiar to anyone who has enjoyed Italian cuisine, and sage, rosemary, and thyme are staples of French cooking. Cilantro is common in Mexican cuisine, and exotic herbs like lemon grass and specialized varieties of basil are common in Asian dishes. While thousands of different herbs are used around the world, these are some of the most common.

Fresh basil leaves.
Fresh basil leaves.

Many of these and other leafy herbs also bear flowers that can be used to provide scent or flavor to food. Lavender is one example of this. Its flowers have been used for centuries to make flavorings for candies and pastries as well as in the manufacture of perfumes, potpourri, and scent packets. Nasturtium flowers have a peppery flavor, and fresh blossoms are often used to flavor salads.

Parsley is used in many dishes all over the world.
Parsley is used in many dishes all over the world.

Herbs are often available in dried form. These herbs will impart a flavor to to foods, though it is nearly always inferior to the flavor from fresh herbs. Many chefs and home cooks prefer to use fresh herbs whenever possible but will resort to dry herbs if fresh are not available. Fresh herbs contain more of the essential oils that give the herb its flavor and character. These oils tend to degrade over time, and the herbs lose their potency when dried and as they age.

Mint and thyme are popular herbs used in cooking.
Mint and thyme are popular herbs used in cooking.

Other types of herbs are widely used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Nearly every culture has a store of knowledge about herbs and their uses that has been passed down for generations. Many of these properties are well documented by modern science and are not just anecdotal. Some modern medicines and treatments are derived from herbal sources. Digitalis, for example, is widely used to treat heart conditions and is extracted from the foxglove plant, a popular garden flower.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

Rosemary is an herb that is great to use to flavor a variety of dishes. From meats to vegetables to soups, rosemary compliments flavors while adding a fresh, zesty taste without the need for a lot of fat or salt.

Ocelot60

If you are looking for an herb that will make your home smell great and boost your mood with aromatherapy, lavender is a great choice. You can use it by defusing the oil or by placing tried lavender in a vase.

Heavanet

A great way to use herbs to your advantage is to replace sodium in your diet with a variety of flavorful herbs. Many people need to reduce their salt intake for health reasons, but are addicted to adding salt to their foods. Herbs take the place of salt by adding flavor instead of saltiness. Over time, anyone who loves the flavor of herbs will enjoy using a variety of different types of herbs instead of salt on their food.

Thyme, basil, bay leaf, mint, and cilantro are some of the most flavorful herbs that taste great in a variety of dishes. The best way to start to replace salt with these herbs is to add both to start, and decrease the amount of salt that you use over time. The good thing about herbs is that you can use as much of them as you like without the negative health effects that salt can cause.

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    • Sprigs of rosemary and sage.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Sprigs of rosemary and sage.
    • Fresh basil leaves.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Fresh basil leaves.
    • Parsley is used in many dishes all over the world.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Parsley is used in many dishes all over the world.
    • Mint and thyme are popular herbs used in cooking.
      By: Gorilla
      Mint and thyme are popular herbs used in cooking.