Healing herbs from your own kitchen

You will be surprised that certain herbs, which you regularly use in your own kitchen to spice up your food, also have special healing qualities. Spices have been an important part of every culture and different medical traditions, ranging from treating the common cold to constipation to depression. Below are the top four herbs in traditional Chinese medicine that every Dutch household hopefully has in their closet:

1) Rosemary: Spice up your alertness!

Rosemary has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Rosemary contains, among other things, volatile oil, which stimulates brain activity and increases brain alertness. So boost your energy with rosemary! More benefits? Rosemary also helps with your digestion and boosts your immune system.

2) Mint: Digest well

Peppermint, spearmint, and other mint-like plants are considered to be among the most versatile herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Peppermint relaxes the intestines, soothes intestinal spasms, calms the stomach and provides relief from gas formation. Peppermint is also very rich in antioxidants, which, among other things, ensure good eyesight and a clean liver. They also help remove harmful substances from your body. Tip: put peppermint in your tea and drink it half an hour after your meal for a carefree digestion.

3) Sage: Keep your brain young!

Sage prevents the loss of mental functions with age. Sage is known to increase oxygen in the cerebral cortex and to increase concentration levels. Great in stews, so ideal for the time of year.

4) Parsley: protects your eyesight

Parsley brightens the eyes. Parsley is full of luteolin. There is evidence that it helps protect the eyes against UV rays and glycation, a process where glucose molecules bind to proteins, which can damage the retina.