Chopped raw Parsley is a common ingredient in salads, soups, fish, potatoes and sandwiches. But do you know that there’s more about Parsley than just an attractive garnish to dishes? The Stanford Cancer Center provided a comprehensive and complete list of nutrition to reduce cancer risk. Parsley as a dark deep green herb is included in the list as one of the Carotenoids. Preliminary evidence suggests that Carotenoids contain phytochemicals that may play a role in decreasing the risk of cancer. The dark curly leaves contain vitamins, minerals and iron. You want to know more? Read on…

What’s hot: As as plant, Parsley proved to be easy to grow. In fact you can grow Parsley in an egg shell! You can have Parsley all year round just protect it from frost. There are varieties of Parsley, the “curled” Parsley and the Italian with flatter leaves.

It is said that Parsley tea helps fight fluid retention (diuretic) and has a beneficial effect on the urinary system. Based on stories of people who tried drinking Parsley tea, it proved to be an effective treatment for kidney and bladder complains. I came across the website of Dr. James Howenstine a clinician and herbalist, who wrote about how drinking Parsley tea cured his wife’s UTI and kidney stones! It’s very informative and an interesting story. And if you like garlic, like I do (especially in fried rice) but do not like the after taste and smell of garlic in your mouth, chew on Parsley to counter the smell of garlic. You are kissable again in no time.

What’s-not-so-hot: It is advised that Parsley should not be taken as medicinal doses by pregnant women.

I am amazed of the new things I learned about Parsley. I think I will try Parsley tea next time, not that I have kidney or bladder complains, but I am curious of what the tea would taste like. I will make my own concoction and will tell you all about it!

freshly packed parsley in large jars $3.79, parsley sphagetti $14.49, parsley tea $14.82, parsley herbal supplement $5.39

Have you tried Java rice or a curry dish? Java rice is a kind of “yellow rice” that is so yummy eaten with kebabs. If you tried one of the above then you had tasted turmeric. I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about turmeric and its time to put it in spotlight. Aside from as a staple ingredient to most Asian dishes, its refreshing to know based on many studies the benefits in taking turmeric in achieving good health.

What’s hot: Aside from making dishes aromatic, warming and colorful, in a study of a team of scientists in The Center for the Prevention of Cancer at the Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, it was found that ingestion of turmeric lowers the risk of colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. They said that the curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) which strengthens the influence of the drug Celecoxib lessens the risk of the onset of the aforesaid types of cancer.

“Curcumin has been shown, for example, to stimulate the production of bile and to facilitate the emptying of the gallbladder. It has also demonstrated in animals a protective effect on the liver, anti-tumor action, and ability to reduce inflammation and fight certain infections. Also have antioxidant properties, which some claim may be as strong as vitamins C and E. “

Source

Turmeric may not be new to some, especially the Chinese who had been using this herb as long as the 5th century. Some say the Chinese use it as anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive disorders and liver problems, and for the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

As a household use, turmeric can be used as a dye. Traditionally, its the dyestuff that colors the robes of Buddhist monks.

Turmeric sounds like an all-in-one herb! This wonder herb’s health benefits seems endless. I’ve never tasted fresh turmeric tea because its not always available in the market. But I do like ginger tea. I think I will like fresh turmeric tea as well.

What’s not-so-hot: Studies show that excessive use of curcumin may produce stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. Advised not to consume by pregnant women for safety has not been tested for them. Cultivating this herb requires an ample warmth and humidity. Its a perennial plant and a relative of ginger. If you live in a temperate country you have a lower chance of growing this herb. But if you have a greenhouse, you may have luck in growing this amazing herb.

Turmeric in many forms:

Turmeric powder tea $4.99, Turmeric (ground) $27.50, Turmeric health supplement capsules $28.34, Turmeric facial mask $39, Turmeric root extract $26.90

Photo source: Kalyx

I love the smell of fresh lemon grass and I love it in my food. This herb is not as attractive as the others for it is a “grass”, but you may wanna give it a second look.

About the plant: Lemon grass grows well in the tropics for it likes a warmer climate. But it can also grow in temperate countries as long as the temperature will not fall below 7C. There are over 50 species of these genus native to the tropical and temperate countries of the world. Cymbopogon grasses contain citral, which is a lemon fragrance.

What I discovered: Aside from being a popular culinary ingredient in Asian cuisine, this herb is also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. The leaves and stems are the parts being used. Boil fresh lemon grass and add to a bath for a refreshing, cooling and calming bath or if you have stubborn athlete’s foot you may want to give your feet a chance to try the “lemon grass soak.” Some also extract oil from lemon grass for cosmetic use, essential oil for incense burning and candles. Another practical use you can try is to cut fresh lemon grass leaves and form a knot and place it inside cabinets or cupboards to repel insects. Had enough lemon grass information overload? Here’s the most exciting part…

Got the article from a friend about drinking fresh lemon grass tea might cure cancer. The article entitled, “Fresh lemon grass fields in Israel become Mecca for cancer patients,” was written by Allison Kaplan Sommer (2006) (too bad I think her blog is down). It says in the story that in a research started by Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel – lemon aroma in herbs like lemon grass kills cancer cells in vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Drinking fresh lemon grass tea that contains enough citral prompt cancer cells to commit suicide. The process of cancer cells committing suicide is called apoptosis. The cancer patients were told to drink 8 glasses of hot water with fresh lemon grass steeped on it on the days they went for their radiation of chemotherapy treatments. Drinking lemon grass tea also help relieve digestive upset. Nobody knows for certain how it works, BGU scientists’ theorized that, “in each cell in our body, there is a genetic program which causes programmed cell death.”

What’s hot: The many practical uses of this herb. If it can cure the big C – its an added bonus.

What’s not-so-hot: I do not know anyone (yet) who was cured of the big C because of drinking fresh lemon grass tea.

But I do know of someone who drinks fresh lemon grass tea everyday. He drinks it for his ulceritis to sooth and calm his tummy.