Herbs
What is a herb?
Herbs are the leaf part of a plant that is used in cooking or for aromatherapy amongst many other uses. These can be used fresh or dried. Any other part of the plant, which is usually dried, is referred to as a spice. These include, for example, bark (cinnamon), berries (peppercorns), seeds (cumin), roots (turmeric), flower (chamomile), buds (cloves) and the stigma of a flower (saffron).
Herbs and spices get mixed up a lot so to set them apart, let’s first define each. Herbs are simply the leaves of a plant and spices come from the roots, bark, or seeds. So basically, any part of a plant that is not a leaf is automatically considered a spice.
Bottled At Source in Ireland
No Pesticides or Nasties
100% Natural
100% Gorgeous.
We continually test herbs in our teas creating new flavours daily. Is there anything more beautiful than fresh aromatic leaf tea only topped by burning the most gorgeous essential oils made using our favourite combinations.
Rachel has a huge love for herbs and would argue that its one of her favourite things in the world.
“ I just love a great tea, is it all my time spent in Asia over the years where green tea is as important as any meal? Or when true courtesy is shown to a guest when their green tea is poured for them by the host, served in the teeniest of cups, elegant and graceful and full of course full of antioxidants, sure what more could you want”.
Growing up in Ireland English Breakfast was the staple. You still cannot beat a real leaf English breakfast but traveling opens not just your eyes but your interest and you taste buds. On a recent trip to Morocco I just fell head over heels for their verbena, green and mint tea combination.
We work with so many herbs that we love, whether it is for a relaxing bath or a winding down or igniting the senses, cook them, chew them, drink them, burn them, bathe in them….their uses are endless.
Research suggests usage can
Reduce inflammation
Reduce anxiety and stress
Relieve pain
Relax tight muscles
Basil
The Happy Herb
May reduce stress and is anti-aging.
May reduce depression.
Improve fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides
Reduce blood pressure.
Relax blood vessels and thin your blood, similar to aspirin.
Increase mental alertness when inhaled as aromatherapy .
Chewing may inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes dental decay.
Beautiful in Thai food (holy Basil).
Basil tea, invigorating and uplifting.
Dill
The Brainy Herb
Contains Flavonoids: They may also play an important role in brain health.
Terpenoids: These compounds are found in essential oils and may protect against liver, heart, kidney, and brain diseases
Tannins: Responsible for bitterness in many plant foods, tannins have been shown to have potent antioxidant properties.
A good source of vitamin C, which has also been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties.
Perfect served with fresh fish.
Lavender
The Calming, Sleepy Herb
Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India.
Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also commercially for the extraction of essential oils. The most widely cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia, is often referred to as lavender and this is our personal favourite.
May lower anxiety, depression and nervousness.
Can aide better sleep.
The lavender scent and luxury spas are inextricably linked. This is why we love to add it to our candles and bath salts and any relaxation product. We believe your home is your sanctuary and these simple treats can bring that feeling to any home with the strike of match.
Mint
The Happy Belly herb
May Relieve Clogged Sinuses.
May Improve Energy and concentration.
May Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps
May Improve Your Sleep
May aid digestion and stomach cramps.
Bugs hate it.
We adore it in tea and because peppermint tea is naturally free of caffeine, you can drink it at any time of day and we certainly do. It is a big hit here at herb HQ.
Oregano
The Happy Gut Herb
Oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family. It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes.
Oregano essential oil is especially high in carvacrol and thymol, two antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals.
May Help Fight gut Bacteria. Always ask your doctor for advice. Rachel swears by this but it strong be careful.
Could Decrease Inflammation
Oregano is available fresh, dried or as an oil, making it super easy to add to your diet. Gorgeous with Italian dishes from pizza to pasta, thank god its good for the gut!
Parsley
The Happy Bones Herb
Parsley is a species of flowering plant that is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, but has naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and is widely cultivated as an herb, and a vegetable.
Full of vitamins:
Vitamin A: 108% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin C: 53% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 547% of the RDI
Folate: 11% of the RDI
Potassium: 4% of the RD
Your bones need certain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts to remain healthy and strong.
Parsley is packed with vitamin K — an essential nutrient for bone health. A 1/2 cup (30 grams) provides an impressive 547% of the RDI.
Vitamin K helps build stronger bones by supporting bone-building cells called osteoblasts. This vitamin also activates certain proteins that increase bone mineral density — a measure of the amount of minerals present in your bones.
Rosemary
The Happy Memory Herb
Salvia Rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. Rosemary has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.
We love it for use in our hair products. We have read reports of links with improved grey hairs with continual use, here’s hoping!
We often mix it with lavender in our oils we find this combination makes for a wonderful sleep.
Verveine
The Versatile herb
Vervene, also known as verbena, Verbena officinalis, and herb of the cross, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia.
The plant belongs to the Verbenaceae family and has lobed, toothed leaves, and silky, pale-purple flowers. It’s used throughout the world as an herbal remedy because of the multiple beneficial compounds it contains.
In herbal lore, Lemon Verbena symbolises romance and sensitivity, and was used to transmit messages between lovers.
Verveine is a very versatile herb and can lend its fresh, lemony aroma to any variety of teas, liquors, desserts, or other culinary delights.
The list of healing properties for verbena have been used for centuries. As mentioned on my recent trip to Morocco I found the verbena to be a staple with every meal. We use it hugely for its gorgeous citrus lemony scent it is definitely up there with our favourites! From brain to digestive health and far beyond, when it comes down to it this herb has it all!