Herbs and Spices

I love refilling my spice jars. I buy all my herbs and spices in bulk from Mountain Rose because they are free of chemicals and pesticides, and because of MRH's business model- they are a waste free company and do everything sustainably. Buying bulk from them also means I don't have an empty spice container every month or so. Instead I refill my glass jars.



Herbs and spices are the key to every tasty meal, in my opinion. Cheese and meet have nothing on ginger and cayenne. Plus, they have incredible nutritional and medicinal benefits. Here are some more common herbs that you can add to your dinner, to spice up your health:

Cinnamon: this warming spice is also an antiseptic, so it helps fight bacteria, viruses, and other infections. It also helps your digestion. So add this unassuming medicine to your oatmeal, or if you're feeling really adventurous, to a barley sweet potato pilaf.

Fennel: this is native to the Mediterranean, and it contains flavanoids and essential fatty acids. It aids in digestion, works great for a mouthwash, and contains antiseptic oils which help fight infection. Add this to your mashed potatoes to tickle your tastebuds.

Ginger: this delicious root is ancient. Fresh or dried, it relieves nausea and congestion, gets your blood flowing, and helps with digestion. Next time you make soup, try shitake mushrooms, broccoli, ginger, cayenne, and a little soy sauce and rice vinegar. It will make you feel great.

Lavender: this lovely herb is only enjoyed aromatically by far too many people. Put it in your mouth! It's oh so lovely. It contains flavanoids and tannins (those things that are also in tea), and it relaxes the nerves, reduces fevers, helps move toxins out of the body, and can relieve vomiting. Steam some veggies and toss with some herbes de provence, starring lavender!

Parsley: so unassuming. This subtle little plant can help with allergies and respiratory issues. It's also full of vitamins and nutrients, and helps cleanse the body. Put it on everything! There's nothing parsley isn't good on.

Rosemary: for remembrance, right? Actually credible, since this little herb is a tonic. It works on the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, acts as an antidepressant, and helps you relax! Rosemary lentils are one of my favorite dishes. Cook the lentils with rosemary, then add a little olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Yum!

Sage: with its unmistakable scent, this salvia is also ancient in use. It's loaded with vitamins and mineral, helps with congestion, digestion, blood sugar regulation, dry skin, and reproductive issues. What does it not do? Great addition to italian inspired dishes- toss over buckwheat or whole grain noodles with oregano, thyme, parsley, and basil. Add a little olive oil, throw in some veggies, and you're all set. Also one of my favorite teas.

Thyme: this delicious herb is part of the mint family. It's great for allergies, colds, and other respiratory ills. It's also antiseptic and antibacterial, so it'll help ward off infection. It's got necessary vitamins and minerals to boot. See above for a recipe idea.

So stock up! Medicine is supposed to taste good!