Herbs To Take To Lower Cortisol

There are many great herbal/botanicals that can assist you in modulating your cortisol levels. There are primarily 3 kinds of outcomes with botanicals:

1. To prolong the cortisol response: This would be useful in cases of adrenal fatigue, in which the adrenals are UNDER-producing cortisol.

Herbs

2. To lower the cortisol response: This is useful in lowering cortisol levels during times of heightened stress.

3. Adaptogens: These wonderful herbs interact with your body in a way that allows it to reach homeostasis no matter which direction cortisol is. If it is too low, the herb will raise it, is it is too high, then it will lower it.

Here are a few of the best botanicals to modulate cortisol:

To RAISE cortisol:

1. Licorice Root: This herb prolongs the half-life of cortisol by preventing its breakdown in the liver. Typically it is used in low-cortisol conditions, and low morning energy.

To LOWER cortisol:

2. Reishi Mushroom Extract: This herb works to lower cortisol and is particularly useful with individuals who have anxiety. It is very sedative and calming, and has numerous additional benefits, such as being anti-inflammatory.

3. Valarian Root Extract: This herb is another great one for individuals with anxiety. It is VERY effective at raising GABA levels in the brain and is useful particularly in the evening to help with sleep.

Adaptogens:

4. Holy Basil: This herb is an excellent well-rounded helper that can bring the body back to homeostasis. It not only balances cortisol levels, but also assists in supporting stress induced hypertension, blood sugar regulation, and supports the thyroid.

Herbs To Take To Lower Cortisol

Sam Visnic is a C.H.E.K. Practitioner, Nutrition Coach, and certified NLP Practitioner who specializes in balancing body chemistry through natural methods. For his free special reports, articles, and newsletter, visit http://www.EndMyBackPain.com

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A New Ayurvedic Herb for Diabetes?

In the February 2008 edition of the medical journal Diabetes Care there is a report of a clinical trial of a "new" Ayurvedic herb for type-2 diabetes, Coccinia cordifolia.

Also known as koval or ivy gourd, this herb is in the same plant family as the better known bitter melon. Koval is a common plant of India and Bangladesh that grows over the Indian sub-continent like kudzu grows over the southern USA.

Herb

Koval grows enormous tubers that anchor it into the ground and then it spreads vines in all directions. Unlike kudzu, it bears trumpet-like white blossoms that produce a zucchini-shaped but purplish-red fruit. Ayurvedic medicine has used the fruit and the leaves for centuries as a treatment for diabetes, but this study is the first detailed clinical trial.

Since Ayurvedic practitioners typically recommend "a handful" of the dried leaves and chopped gourd brewed into a tea, the researchers at the St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore prepared a standardized extract from 15 grams of the dried herb. Then they gave the extract or a placebo to 60 newly diagnosed type-2 diabetics for 60 days.

If you're familiar with how most prescription medications for diabetes work (many of them encourage weight gain), you'll be impressed that the finding that people who took the herb not only did not gain weight, there was a slight trend to weight loss (less than 0.1 kilo, or one-quarter pound, per month). There was also a very slight trend to slimmer waists and tighter hips (again, a few millimeters, or tenths or an inch), all without any changes in food eaten or total calories. Body fat percentages, however, very slightly rose.

And as you may have read in other natural health headlines, the Ayurvedic herb definitely lowered blood sugars.

At the beginning of the study, the average fasting blood sugar in the test group was 132 mg/dl, and the average post-prandial (after-eating) blood sugar was 183 mg/dl.

The effects of the herb gradually increased over 90 days. By the end of the third month of the clinical trial, the average fasting blood glucose among the diabetics who got the herb had fallen to 111 mg/dl, while the diabetics who did not get the herb actually had slightly higher morning blood glucose levels. In the group of diabetics given the herb, post-prandial (after-eating) blood sugars fell to average below 150 mg/dl. The improvement in blood sugar levels was confirmed by an average drop of 0.6 per cent in HbA1C.

The researchers noted that similar percentages of diabetics getting the herb (94 per cent) and diabetics getting the placebo (93 per cent) were able to stick to their diabetic diets. The difference in blood sugars was due to the herb. It's also important to note that the diabetics taking the herb did not take any of the medications for diabetes commonly prescribed in North America, Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, and that they did not have blood sugar levels requiring immediate use of insulin.

So how does Coccinia cordifolia work?

The researchers don't know for sure, but it seems that some chemical in the herb is insulin-mimetic. That is, this as-yet-unidentified compound works the same way as insulin in clearing glucose out of the bloodstream, but does not work the same way as insulin in moving triglycerides into hungry fat cells.

Will a koval extract for type-2 diabetes be coming soon to a natural health products retailer near you? Just ask at any retailer specializing in Ayurvedic herbs or anywhere the proprietary extract Gencinia is sold. It's already available. If you take the herb, use 15 g (about half an ounce) a day to make a tea, drunk warm after brewing in a closed tea pot for 15 minutes. If you use a 15:1 dried extract, use 1,000 mg (1 g) per day.

If you have relatively mild type-2 diabetes and you are taking your blood sugars every day and avoiding carbohydrates, this herb is certainly worth a try.

A New Ayurvedic Herb for Diabetes?

Want to know more about Diabetes Diet? Do you have diabetes leg pain or cramp? Here is the solution for diabetes leg cramp.

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7 Herbs That Help Flush Gallstones

The gallbladder is a small organ located directly under the liver. It acts as a bile reservoir; it concentrates bile which is secreted by the liver and is used by the body to digest fats. If the liver is overloaded with toxins and saturated fats, the bile (which carries toxins and fats) will eventually inflame the gallbladder. When enough cholesterol deposits (from saturated fats) have formed, they crystallize with the bile to form Gallstones. If the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it causes sever pain in the upper right abdomen. This condition must be treated immediately as it can be life threatening. Often, persons with Gallstones have no symptoms. If a stone blocks the bile passage however, nausea, vomiting and pain in the upper right abdominal region occur. These symptoms often arise after the individual has eaten fried or fatty foods.

Here are 7 herbs that work together to reduce inflammation, pain and help flush Gallstones safely out of the body.

Herbs

1. Barberry Bark- Barberry is one of the best remedies for and promoting the flow of bile. It is indicated when there is an inflammation of the gall bladder or in the presence of gallstones. When jaundice occurs due to a congested state of the liver, Barberry is also indicated. Studies show that the main ingredient berberine, activates the macrophages (literally, "big eaters"), white blood cells that devour harmful microorganisms.

2. Wild Yam Root- Wild yam is very good for the liver and endocrine system, by toning and nourishing the gallbladder, it helps to balance hormone production.

3. Cramp Bark- Known as a nerve sedative and anti-spasmodic and therefore helping with cramps. This is very helpful for people with Gallstones. It is also used to relieve muscle tension in the intestines, airways, uterus, and striated muscles in the limbs or back. It has also been used in treating high blood pressure and other circulatory conditions.

4. Fennel Seed- Helps open obstructions of the liver, gall bladder and spleen to ease painful swellings. Fennel is also used to treat yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps.

5. Ginger Root- Shrinks liver tumors in animal testing. Also, impairs cholesterol absorption and stimulates the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids which further cleanses the liver and gall bladder. Ginger also inhibits platelet aggregation.

6. Catnip Herb- Catnip nourishes the stomach and nerves. It calms the nervous system and is used also for digestion. Catnip herb has also been used to treat inflammation and help to eliminate toxins and flush Gallstones.

7. Peppermint Leaf- Preliminary clinical trials suggest that formulas containing peppermint and related terpenes (fragrant substances found in plants) can dissolve Gallstones.1 A number of studies indicate that peppermint may aid in reducing the size of gallstones and thus help some people avoid surgery. Also known as a muscle relaxant and reduces inflammation.

The Liver and gallbladder contains all of these 100% organic and whole herbs. Now, you can try this formula risk free for 30 days. If you don't feel better, get your money back, guaranteed!

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7 Herbs That Help Flush Gallstones

Scott Malin is rapidly becoming a widely respected writer on the subject of nutrition and detoxification. You can find excellent advice about how to successfully detox in a safe and healthy way at: http://www.organichealthandbeauty.com/Gallstones-Detox_ep_232-1.html

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Chadon Beni - Trini Herb Extraordinaire

Chadon beni or shado beni is a herb with a strong pungent scent and flavor that is used extensively in Caribbean cooking, more so Trini cooking. The scientific name for the herb is 'Eryngium foetidum' but in Trinidad and Tobago the popular "market" names for chadon beni are culantro or bhandhania.

Culantro is distinct from cilantro or coriander (another herb) which carries the scientific name 'coriandrum sativum' and should not be confused. The confusion comes from the similarity in the two herbs' scents. The difference between Chadon beni (or culantro) and cilantro is that chadon beni (or culantro) has a stronger and more pungent scent. It should also be noted that chadon beni belongs to the botanical family Apiaceae where parsley, dill, fennel, and celery, also belong to this botanical family. An aromatic family at that I would also add!

Herb

The plant goes by a number of other names such false coriander, black benny, fitweed, duck-tongue herb, saw leaf herb, sawtooth coriander, spiny coriander, and long coriander. In Hindi it is referred to as 'Bhandhanya'. Different countries also have its own name for this herb. Some examples are:

• Alcapate (El Salvador)
• Cilantro extranjero, cilantro habanero, parejil de tabasco (Mexico)
• Ngo gai (Vietnam)
• Pak chi farang or pak chee (Thailand)
• Racao or recao (Puerto Rico and Spain)
• Sea holly (Britain)
• Jia yuan qian (China)
• Fitweed or spiritweed (Jamaica)
• Langer koriander (Germany)
• Stinkdistel (Netherland)
• Culantro, Shado beni or Chadon beni (Trinidad and Tobago)

In Trinidad and Tobago, almost all our recipes call for chadon beni. The herb is widely used to flavor many dishes and is the base herb used when seasoning meat. It is used in marinades, sauces, bean dishes, soups, chutneys, snacks, and with vegetables. One popular chutney we love to make on the island is "Chadon Beni Chutney" which is usually served with a favourite trini snack called pholourie (pronounced po-lor-rie). If you cannot find culantro at your market, you can always substitute it with cilantro, but you will have to increase the amount of cilantro used, or search for it by its many names as listed above.

The leaves of the chandon beni are spear like, serrated, and stiff spined and the dark, green, shiny leaves are generally 3-6 inches long. Each plant has a stalk, usually 16 inch tall, with smaller prickly leaves and a cone shaped greenish flower. When harvesting the herb' s leaves much care has to be taken because the prickly leaves of the flower can make your skin itch. But that can easily be combated by wearing gloves or gently moving aside the flower stalk while picking the the leaves.

The leaves of the chadon beni are also rich in iron, carotene, riboflavin, and calcium, and are an excellent source of vitamin A, B and C. This herb also has medicinal properties. The leaves of the plant are a good remedy for high blood pressure, and epilepsy. In some Caribbean countries it is called fitweed because of its anti-convulsant properties. It is a stimulant and has anti-inflamatory and analgestic properties. As a matter of fact, the whole plant could be used to cure headache, diarrhea, flu, fever, vomiting, colds, malaria, constipation, and pneumonia.

Chadon beni grows better in hot humid climates. It can be grown from the seed, but it is slow to germinate. This plant will have to get full sun to part shade, and placed in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil.

This is one of my favorite herbs in cooking and with such flavorful and health qualities, I can't do without this simple but extraordinary herb.

Chadon Beni - Trini Herb Extraordinaire

Did you like this informative article? Hi, my name is Felix Padilla and I enjoy blogging about the exotic cuisine and culture from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. As an extended outlet for my creativity I also like to write interesting articles, such as what you have just read, about food and food related topics. To learn more about my trini cuisine and culture visit me at simplytrinicooking.com

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6 Herbs That Heal the Gallbladder Quickly and Naturally

The gallbladder stores bile that the liver produces. When we eat, it triggers the gallbladder to release this bile, which then digests saturated fat and flushes cholesterol and other toxins out of the body.

Maintaining gallbladder health is essential to the digestive process, and it's not only possible to heal the gallbladder naturally - it's also preferable. Look for these 5 herbal supplements to begin your path to healthy digestion:

Herbs

Peppermint Leaf is a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant. It can reduce the size of gallstones or eliminate them completely. Some users claim they've even avoided surgery with the use of peppermint.

Cramp Bark eases intestinal muscle tension as well as muscular tension in limbs and the back, in the uterus in women, and in our airways. Cramp Bark is so beneficial that it's also used to relieve the pain of menstruation cramping, to lower blood pressure, and to assist the circulatory system.

Barberry Bark is perhaps one of the most beneficial herbs known to alleviate digestive problems. It normalizes liver function by relieving congestion in the liver, (which causes jaundice) and in turn promoting bile flow and the creation of macrophages (the white blood cells responsible for fighting off harmful substances in the body). It treats inflammation of the gallbladder and helps fight gallstones.

Berberine in Barberry Bark is the agent responsible for treating viral and bacterial infections and fungal infections. It is being tested for use in treating diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, and in prostate cancer and leukemia. Scientists are even exploring its effectiveness in treating the deadly MRSA.

Ginger Root is amazing little substance. It actually shrinks tumors in scientific testing. It inhibits the absorption of cholesterol. It converts cholesterol to bile acids, which we know are essential in removing poisons and other toxins in our bodies.

Catnip Herb isn't just for cats anymore! Catnip Herb treats inflammation and pain because it has a calming effect of the nervous system. It removes toxins and promotes a healthy environment in the stomach and the liver. Catnip Herb is even used to dissolve gallstones.

By incorporating these herbs into our diets with supplements, it's easy to heal the gallbladder and even to prevent future problems in the digestive system.

Here is an all natural formula with all 6 of these ingredients. What I like about it is that the ingredients are 100% whole herbs and organic... People seem to have a lot of success with it: Organic Gallbladder Formula

You can also get a FREE Gallbladder Detox Diet at this site: Click Here

6 Herbs That Heal the Gallbladder Quickly and Naturally

Scott Malin has become a widely respected writer on the subject of nutrition and detoxification. You can find excellent advice about how to successfully detox in a safe and healthy way at: http://www.organichealthandbeauty.com/Gallbladder-Flush_ep_244-1.html

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Hawthorne Berry - Its Benefits As a Heart Herb

Hawthorn herbs come from the Hawthorne Berry, which is a small red berry that looks like a miniature apple as it too grows on a tree. This thorny tree grows 30 feet tall and has beautiful pink or white flowers during the spring. The tree is known by several names, including the how, may bush or mayflower tree.

The Hawthorne Berry

Herb

There is a good reason why Hawthorne Berries are used as heart disease herbs. Not only can they help to regulate your blood pressure but they can also break down cholesterol and fat, both of which contribute to heart disease. They also help dilate coronary blood vessels so that your body is able to utilize oxygen, blood and nutrients more efficiently throughout your entire body.

Bioflavonoids

Hawthorne Berry is loaded with bioflavanoids, which are potent antioxidants. In fact, there are a lot of people who believe that they are actually a lot more potent than Vitamins A, C or E. It is these bioflavanoids that help your heart muscle be able to pump blood more efficiently. Whenever you have healthy arteries you will also have more endurance, good blood pressure and healthy blood vessels. This is the reason why this natural heart medicine is actually best used as a preventative medicine but it can also be used to treat heart disease too.

Hawthorne for Your Vascular System

The vascular system is also important whenever it comes to supporting your heart. It has been shown that Hawthorne Berry will reduce calcification of your vascular system. As such, this heart extract will stop the arteries that lead to your heart from hardening or narrowing. You also won't develop any blot clots, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Hawthorne Supplements

Hawthorne Berry tea is often used for natural heart health even today. It can be made from the berries, the berry leaves or even the flowers of this herb. This tea is packaged and sold at most health food stores throughout the world. You can also get this alternative medicine for the heart in capsules or as a tincture.

Research on the Hawthorne Berry

Ever since the early 1900's, and even continuing today, there have been clinical trials and research done in regard to the medicinal value of Hawthorne Berry extract. Unfortunately, science has only partially evaluated the benefits of this herb on human health though. Nevertheless, it is still believed that the antioxidants, flavanoids and other compounds that are found in the Hawthorne Berry give this herb its beneficial effects. For this reason, it is sometimes added to heart herbal remedies in order to help reduce a person's blood pressure and correct any potentially unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Recently most of the studies about Hawthorne Berry extract are concerned with the medicinal value of this extract in regard to its affect upon a person's liver, digestive system and cardiovascular system. Many of these studies are also looking at Hawthorne Berry as an anti-inflammatory agent. The many studies that have been completed thus far have not looked at the use of Hawthorne Berry tea so much as they have looked at the usage of the concentrated extract itself.

While there are some health care professionals who have recognized the medicinal value of Hawthorne Berry extract for more than 100 years now, research on this extract is still considered to be only preliminary. This is because the majority of this type of research is funded by pharmaceutical companies and they are unable to patent a naturally occurring substance. For this reason, any of the natural remedies that contain Hawthorne Berry or other such herbs are of little interest to them.

Conclusion

Hawthorne berries are thought to be one of the safest herbal heart supplements on the market today. As with any other medication, Hawthorne berries do have some side effects that occur on rare occasions. These include headaches, nausea and rapid heartbeat. It is also important to understand that there are a few possible drug interactions too. Therefore, if you are taking any prescription medications, you should contact your doctor before taking this heart supplement. Nevertheless, Hawthorne berries are considered to be safe for long-term usage.

Hawthorne Berry - Its Benefits As a Heart Herb

Article Submitted by Robert Bailey, an active author and consultant in the Natural Wellness field.
For more information about Hawthorne as a heart herb, and how to maintain your heart health, please visit the SuperNaturals website at http://www.hearthealthvitamins.net.

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Sinus Pressure and Drainage - An Herb That Can Help You

For millennia herbs have been used by many civilizations as the gold standard for healing. In the Americas, aside from the native citizens and a few others, herbs have not yet been widely accepted. Once considered by many as just part of native folklore this perception, however, is rapidly changing. For instance, take Germany and their Commission E report. A number of years ago this first rate nation's government, recognizing the medicinal and healing potential some herbs could offer, set up Commission E, as it is commonly known, to study herbs in that context. This study group used the "scientific approach" in discharging its responsibilities. Several years later The Commission E Monographs came into being, but of course, they were in German. Not long afterward, however, they were translated into English and I had the opportunity and joy of acquiring a copy shortly thereafter. The entity behind this English version is the American Botanical Council, of Austin, Texas.

I am going to be dealing in this article with just one herb which I have used for a number of years to treat some of my own sinus problems, and still do so today at the first sign that one of them would like to show again its ugly face. First a caveat: Please, remember this when using herbs:

Herb

• Herbs lose their medicinal effect in about 2 weeks after you begin to use them. Stop for a couple of weeks and then you can restart
• Do not buy herbs with a dated shelf life expiring in less than a year
• Buy "standardized" herbs, whenever possible. The label should say so The one herb that perhaps is one of the most significant is going to, very likely,surprise you. This is what my regular doctor, an MD, told me once: "It is the most important of all herbs." And with this short preface, please, allow me to introduce you to: Garlic.

That's right. I didn't make a mistake. It's garlic, but not presented to you as a savory, very pungent, tongue biting cooking herb, but as a medicinal herb. I have studied and used it for years and the more I do the more amazed I am at its healing properties. Let me give you a quick starter--which falls a bit beyond the scope of this article:

• It has a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Kills cold and flu germs
• Helps prevent heart attacks
• Fights: anemia, diabetes, hypoglycemia, acne, constipation, cancer
• Gives strong support to the immune system
• It's nature's "antibiotic" of sorts  

It is the last two properties of garlic that would be of interest to you--baring, of course, that you may have other ailments that may be included in the above list, in which case the lowly and pungent bulb could even be of more interest to you. Whether you have a tendency to sinusitis, or sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, sinus headaches, sinus infection, especially the latter, it can help you prevent a serious infection or stop one that has just started. Garlic, to be effective as a sinus infection fighter or preventer, must be used at the very outset of the suspected infection. If one waits to see what is going to happen before using it, then it could be too late. Since there are no side effects involved--save the peculiar odor--it's best to go for it since the cost, etc., more than outweighs the potential benefits. By the way, the odor factor can be neutralized by chewing and eating some parsley sprigs.

The active ingredient in garlic is allicin. It is not produced unless the cloves are crushed or minced. Now a days it is possible to buy allicin by itself from almost any purveyor of herbs or at a health foods store. I buy mine through the internet, it's substantially cheaper that way.

Do your own research about this lowly, but powerful healing bulb and you, too, may become amazed and a regular user.

Sinus Pressure and Drainage - An Herb That Can Help You

Paul Sanchez is a retired ordained minister who, since early childhood, had suffered from sinus problems: pressure, congestion, sinusitis, post nasal drip, etc. Inasmuch as physicians were not able to cure him, but just relieve symptoms, he began to study his sinus situation and to experiment with natural remedies and other therapeutic systems. Today he is free from all sinus discomforts and when they want to reappear he knows exactly how to deal with them successfully. His website: http://www.mysinustory.com explains how he got rid of his sinus pressure and other related problems. While http://www.mysinustory.com/drainage.html focuses on excessive drainage, also known as post nasal drip or PND. He provides help and support to those interested.

See Also : How to balance Diet The stress no more Natural body spa

Health Benefits Of Basil

Basil is a popular herb in Italian cooking, particularly in pesto. This fragrant and flavorful herb, a relative of peppermint, is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad.

An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Herb

Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

The fresh, spicy flavor and scent of basil will wake up any boring salad or soup. Use fresh basil whole, or shredded to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. If you are using fresh basil in a cooked dish, add it towards the end of cooking, so that the volatile oils will not be dissipated by the heat.

Insalata Caprese is a simple salad, utilizing tomatoes, fresh mozzerella cheese, basil, and olive oil.

1/2 pound, fresh mozzerella, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

1 cup fresh basil leaves.

salt and pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

On a serving plate, arrange the mozzerella and tomato around the edge, alternating mozzerella and tomato slices.

Tear up the basil leaves, and sprinkle them on top of the tomatoes and mozerella cheese.

Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.

Serves 4.

Health Benefits Of Basil

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Coriander Substitute - What Herbs Can I Use?

Some flavors simply are not for everyone, therefore often cooks find themselves looking for a suitable coriander substitute when preparing dishes that call for that rather distinctive herb. Fortunately there are alternatives available.

Coriander is native to the Mediterranean and the Orient, and it is actually a member of the parsley family. The dark green, lacy leaves are commonly known as cilantro, and the small round "seeds" are, in reality, the dried, ripe fruit of the plant.

Herb

Interestingly the seeds and leaves do not taste anything alike, so finding the right coriander substitute depends on which variety your particular recipe calls for as well as your individual taste preferences. The seeds are mildly fragrant and have an aromatic flavor somewhat like a combination of lemon, caraway and sage. The whole seeds are used in pickling and mulled wine, while the ground seeds are popular in some kinds of baked goods, curries and soups. Both forms are readily available in most supermarkets and specialty groceries.
It seems odd that the same herb would be used in baked goods like cakes and cookies, and also in highly spiced foods like curries, but that is the case with ground coriander seeds. The taste has a hint of cloves as well as pepper, so it lends itself well to both kinds of recipes in terms of flavor and aroma.

Cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley, has an extremely pungent odor and flavor that lends itself well to highly seasoned foods. The leaves are widely used in the cuisines of India, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean but their distinct flavor proves to be an acquired taste for many Americans.

Since coriander is closely related to parsley, many cooks find that flat leaf parsley is a good coriander substitute because its flavor is considerably milder. Try it in salads as well as salsa and other Latin American dishes. If you are making a soup or stew that calls for cilantro, try using celery leaves as a coriander substitute, particularly in Asian dishes that pack a lot of flavor.

Some lovers of Indian food enjoy a sprinkling of cilantro on top of certain breads. If that is not your cup of tea, a good coriander substitute might be fenugreek or mint. You will get a somewhat different flavor, but you also avoid the coriander taste that many find too strong for their liking.

While many people look for a coriander substitute because they find the flavor too strong or even unpleasant, some hardy souls look for something even stronger. For them, sawtooth coriander might do the trick. This plant has long, dark green leaves with sharply serrated edges and the prickly sharpness of the leaves somewhat resembles a row of teeth, thus giving it the name sawtooth coriander. It is a good coriander substitute for highly flavorful Thai and Indian dishes.

Because coriander seeds have a lemony flavor, other lemon-based herbs make good a coriander substitute; try adding lemongrass to your vegetable, fish or meat recipes or just a bit of fresh lemon juice to pick up the slightly citrus flavor of coriander. Since there is a hint of both sage and caraway flavors in coriander seeds, either of those spices make a good coriander substitute, keeping the basic flavors intact without the pungent taste.

Coriander Substitute - What Herbs Can I Use?

Lisa Summerfield is an herb garden lover and author and is caring for her herb garden. For more information on herbs that you can use in your kitchen as a coriander substitute [http://herbgardensolutions.com/coriander-substitute] check out her site [http://herbgardensolutions.com] where you can learn even more about herbs and you can subscribe to the free 10-part herb gardening email course at no cost.

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Herb-ilicious Vegetable Beef Soup

When it comes to comfort foods, few are as comforting as a bowl of delicious and warm soup. Another upside to soup, as if it needed one, is that they can be incredibly healthy. The hearty soup below is as healthy as it is delicious. It is also a snap to prepare.

Herb-ilicious Vegetable Beef Soup

Herb

1 pound lean ground beef

1 - 1/2 cups chopped onion

4 cups hot water

1 - 1/2 cups diced potatoes (white, red, or even sweet potatoes are all wonderful - I prefer a combination of white and sweet)

3/4 cups diced celery

3/4 cups sliced carrots

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 bay leaf (crumbled finely)

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp chopped chives

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1 jalapeno pepper - seeded and chopped (optional but recommended)

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with the onion. Brown over medium high heat so that the meat doesn't get overly dark. Drain off the fat.Add the herbs and seasonings. Stir the meat and onions until all the wonderful flavors are introduced.

In a large sauce pan, combine the water, celery, potatoes (white, red, or sweet), jalapeno peppers, and carrots. Add the meat mixutre, which by now will smell absolutely amazing! Stir everything together and simmer, coverd for for about 30 minutes. If the vegetables aren't tender after 30 minutes, simmer a little longer. Be sure you always have enough liquid.

Naturally, I recommend a couple of taste tests along the way. If you think a little more garlic, pepper, salt, thyme, or chives are called for - no one is standing in your way! That's the beauty of soups like this, you are able to adjust it to your own personal preferences.

This recipe makes about 8 servings and is delicious when served with fried cornbread or buttermilk biscuits. Try it, you'll love it.

Herb-ilicious Vegetable Beef Soup

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Herb Bananas - Yes Bananas Are a Herb

Bananas have always been a treat right from being a kid, and what a treat. The banana was always the favourite fruit, they always went first from the fruit bowl.

It was only recently that I realised that bananas are actually a herb, in fact it holds nature's world record for being the biggest herb as it grow up to 40 feet high. They don't have have stems of wood like trees do and the fruits grow in bunches at the end of the stem, which is made up of overlapping leaves that trap rainwater.

Herb

The banana is native to southeast Asia, plantains which are a close relative grows in the tropical regions and indeed are a staple food in many parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Fruit, vegetable or herb, the banana has a main say in many foods products worldwide and the health benefits that they give justify the banana as a health food.

Most plantains are inedible until cooked, usually boiled and then fried or pickled. They have a high starch element in green bananas and plantains. When they ripen they turn yellow and as the starch transforms into sugar. Some varieties of bananas turn red when ripe.

Bananas and plantains are low in fat and rich in fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folic acid all required for a good diet. It has been said that the banana is the only food that you can solely live on as it has all essential the nutrient and vitamin to survive.

The skin of the ripe banana has anti-microbial properties that fight against bacteria. A little known fact is that the inside of the peel is also good for treating mild cases of sunburn. The sugars in ripe bananas provide a quick source of energy, many sportsmen and women use the banana as the perfect snack to keep them going.

Another little know fact is that the bananas are one of the top five fruits least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residue in production as it doesn't have too many problems with pest and diseases.

Did you also know that a few species of banana are hardy enough to grow outdoors in temperate gardens? Even novice gardeners can grow bananas easily. Kits can be bought from many good garden centres and most are grown in a pot.

Finally, the best treat and my favourite milkshake is the banana version. My own recipe is given here but you can tweak it as I like it sweeten by honey - You can use sugar instead if you wish. I make this in Bulgarian from the cream, milk and honey from my neighbours' cows and bees respectively; the bananas are imported and remain big treat here.

Banana Milkshake

Ingredients:

350 ml full-fat milk
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cream (single or double)
1-2 ripe bananas
Ice cubes

Method:

Just whack the lot into a liquidiser on full for 30 seconds, pour and serve.

Note: In the winter sometimes I skip the ice and use hot milk, it's just as good and a great winter warmer!

Herb Bananas - Yes Bananas Are a Herb

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