Mediterranean Herbs - Natural Healing Herbs

Many Mediterranean herbs are natural healing herbs.

Today many people grow herbs for cooking.

Unlike dried herbs, fresh herbs are usually added at the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.

Cooking with fresh herbs

The more delicate herbs (basil, chives, cilantro, dill leaves, parsley, marjoram, mint) should be sprinkled onto the food a minute or two before the end of cooking or just before the food is served in order to preserve their flavor.

The less delicate herbs (for instance oregano or rosemary) can be added during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

How can we store herbs

One of the best methods for preserving herbs for use during the winter is drying.

How to dry herbs

Herbs can be dried by hanging them in bunches in a dry place out of direct sunlight.

The temperature of the area must be below 30° C (or 86° F) in order to prevent the herbs' essential oils from evaporating.

After drying you can store them in small paper bags (not in closed containers because they still contain a certain amount of water and can be spoiled). If you store them in such a manner, they may last up to a year.

The scents of helichrysum, myrtle, sage and rosemary...

There is nothing more beautiful than to drive to the Croatian seaside at the beginning of summer and enjoy the beautiful scents in the air.

In Dalmatia the soil is rocky and calciferous and the land at the seaside is typically Mediterranean.

The dry rocky Dalmatian land and the salty Bora (Bora is a very strong cold wind that blows from the northeast onto the Adriatic region of Croatia, most commonly in winter) give herbs an intense scent and taste.

These Mediterranean herbs are very characteristic of Croatian cuisine. They add a very special taste to meals and also have healing effects.

Olive tree

Olive has always been a symbol of the Mediterranean.

Natural healing herbs
Olives

The olive tree is the tree of eternity.

It is an evergreen plant that grows on rocky soil and requires a climate with no large temperature fluctuations. It can endure drought very well, but not temperatures below zero.

The olive is grown in warm parts of the Mediterranean near the seaside. It flowers in May and June and the fruit matures from October to February.

It is mostly used for olive oil (the "Mediterranean gold").

The Mediterranean diet, of course, tells us to make frequent use of olive oil.
However, olive leaf oil also contains a lot of health benefits.

Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum)

Immortelle is a Mediterranean herb with narrow leaves and yellow flowers which grows on sunny rocky ground and slopes, in rock crevices, abandoned vineyards and on road edges.

It has very intense scent. Therefore, it is most commonly used in the form of essential oil.

Immortelle stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and gall and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also helps with bloating, liver and gall bladder diseases as well as skin problems.

Thistle and immortelle, Adriatic coastline, Dalmatia, Croatia

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender is a wild herb which is well known for its wonderful scent.

In Croatia it mostly grows on islands - especially on the island of Hvar, which is famous for the production of lavender oil.

Its purple blue flowers are dried and placed in closets in linen bags as a moth repellent.

Lavender is mainly used in the cosmetic industry for soaps, perfume production and in aromatherapy.

A lavender syrup is used to treat insomnia (put one tablespoon of lavender flowers and one of chamomile flowers in 2 dl of boiled water).

Natural healing herbs
Lavender

How to use lavender oil?

Lavender oil is used to treat migraine by massaging the forehead and the neck, and as a tranquilizer (put a few drops of lavender oil in a hot bath).

In cuisine, lavender is used very rarely.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's Wort is a herb that grows wild in forests and meadows and is used to heal wounds, especially burns.

It is very efficient against depression and anxiety. Therefore, it should not be taken with anti-depressants.

Natural healing herbs
St. John's Wort

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Like most Mediterranean herbs, rosemary grows wild on rocky terrain along the coast. It has a green bush and blue flowers.

Natural healing herbs
Rosemary

Rosemary can be used in almost all Mediterranean dishes. It goes well with lamb, poultry, steak, mushroom omelets and of course, fish.

It can be used either fresh or dried.

Rosemary benefits

A solution of rosemary (20 g of leaves in one liter of water) is efficient against stomach ailments, improves circulation and stimulates physical activity.

Essential oil of rosemary is used for massage to treat problems with circulation, migraine and rheumatism. A bath with rosemary oil relaxes and refreshes. Since it acts as a stimulant, it is not suitable for people with high blood pressure.

Growing rosemary is quite easy. Like most Mediterranean herbs, it grows well in dry loose soil with plenty of sun, without too much water. It can also be grown in pots on windowsills.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has grey green velvet leaves and purple blue flowers and grows wild on the Croatian islands of Pag, Cres and Kornati.

It is a Mediterranean herb with a very intense scent.

Natural healing herbs
Sage

Sage is very good for healing.

It is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb.

It regulates perspiration, relaxes spasms and prevents the formation of inflammation and a sore throat.

It cleanses the blood and removes mucus from respiratory organs and the stomach. It also relieves intestinal disorders and diarrhea and helps with gum diseases.

However, it should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because it can stop the production of breast milk.

In cuisine we can add it in small amounts to meat such as pork, roast turkey or venison. It is also good in soups, moussaka and in toppings.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a herb whose leaves are commonly used with tomatoes, pasta, fish and salads.

It is extremely sensitive to cold and pests.

Basil is one of the Mediterranean herbs which is much better fresh than dried (its flavor vanishes almost completely with drying).

Natural healing herbs
Basil

It is one of the digestive herbs (it stimulates digestion). It is good for stomach and intestinal problems as well as headaches and migraines.

We can easily grow it in pots on the windowsill, but it should be protected from the cold.

Marjoram (Origanum marjoram)

Majoram is a herb that has a stimulating effect on the digestion (it eases digestion of heavy dishes such as stews, roast goose or fatty sausages) and is used to stimulate appetite and to treat problems in the stomach and intestines.

Natural healing herbs
Majoram

Mint

Mint is scented, aromatic and a self-grown herb. It is one of the best digestive herbs.

The mint herb that is used the most is a peppermint (Mentha piperita). It is used as a condiment with lamb dishes, although in cuisine Spear Mint or Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is used most commonly.

Natural healing herbs
Mint

Mint tea is excellent for the digestion and to prevent thirst and heartburn. It also stimulates the metabolism.

Peppermint oil can be inhaled (it helps with mucus even in chronic sinus inflammation) and will help in reducing temperature (put a compress on your chest).

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a herb with oval leaves and yellow-white flowers.

It has a calming effect (helps to deal with stress) and stimulates gases, and is also used to treat insomnia, headaches and digestive problems.

Natural healing herbs
Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is also one of the herbs that lower blood pressure because it stimulates circulation and reduces tension.

It is added to fish dishes with "strong flavors", such as dishes with conger eel or eel, sauces, salads, cheese, yogurt and sweet dishes (fruit desserts).

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Myrtle is an evergreen shrub with white scented flowers.

It helps with colds and lung infections. Myrtle oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and is good for easing the pain of rheumatism and arthritis.

In cuisine it aromatizes fish and pork dishes.

Natural healing herbs
Myrtle

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is one of the most popular spice herbs in Europe.

It has a slightly bitter taste and goes well with spicy dishes such as soups, stews and sauces, no matter whether they are made with fish, meat or vegetables.

Natural healing herbs
Thyme

It is a good herb for bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, sore throat (it has an antiseptic effect, so it is very good for all sorts of infections).

Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Laurel is a short evergreen tree or a shrub.

It leaves are cooked together with food, but they are taken out before serving. It gives a special flavor to food.

Natural healing herbs
Laurel

Laurel relieves bloating, stimulates the digestive glands and helps in digestion particularly of food high in fat.

It is used at the end of cooking as a spice in meat dishes and stews.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is the most commonly used herb. It is added chopped to many dishes at the end of cooking.

Natural healing herbs
Parsley

Parsley is rich in vitamin C, iron, iodine and magnesium, and has strong effect on urine secretion.

It is also used for masking undesirable smells (e.g. garlic) and we can chew it to improve our breath.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a home pharmacy in its own right. It has antibacterial characteristics.

Many of garlic health benefits have been known since ancient times.

It is especially good for all types of infection, helps in the treatment of abdominal microorganisms and parasites, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood clotting (if you are taking blood-thinning medications you should consult your doctor before taking garlic because you may need to reduce your medication dosage) and cleans the digestive system.

In cuisine it improves the taste of many ingredients and is used all around the world.