Oregano, while a common seasoning in marinara sauce, is a staple seasoning in many different cuisines. You can commonly see it in Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes, although Mexican oregano differs from the Mediterranean counterpart. While it enhances the flavor of various dishes from around the world, you might be surprised to learn that oregano oil exhibits impressive health benefits. 

What Is Oregano Oil?

Native to Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, oregano belongs to the mint family. Oregano oil, or oil of oregano, is extracted from different parts of the oregano plant. Once the plant parts have been air-dried, the oil is extracted via steam distillation. You can mix oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically, but should avoid consuming it orally. The reason that it is highly sought after is because oregano contains terpenes, phenols, and terpenoids, all of which are compounds that exhibit impressive antioxidant properties. The primary compounds are: 

• Thymol: is a natural anti-fungal compound that may support the immune system and protect against toxins.
• Carvacrol: is the most abundant phenol in oregano and may help stop the growth of different types of bacteria.
• Rosmarinic acid: is a powerful antioxidant that works to protect against free radical damage. 

Which Oregano Should You Use To Make Oregano Oil?

There are many varieties of oregano and each has a distinct flavor and characteristics. There is Greek oregano, Mexican oregano, Cuban oregano, and Italian oregano, among others. Greeks refer to oregano as the “ornament of the mountains,” and rightly so, especially considering oregano is the eighth most popular herb in the world. 

When you make oregano oil at home, the best choice is common oregano, which exhibits a robust flavor and high concentration of beneficial oils. Greek and Italian oregano varieties are acceptable as well, but avoid Mexican or Cuban oregano. The reason for this is because both of those varieties have different flavor profiles and may not offer the same health benefits. Ideally, use oregano that is organic or grown without pesticides. 

Do You Use Dried Or Fresh Oregano?

You can use fresh or dried oregano to make your oil. Just keep in mind that fresh leaves contain more moisture, which can increase the risk of bacteria or mold growth in the oil. If you use fresh oregano leaves, make sure that the leaves are wilted before to avoid excess moisture, as too much moisture can spoil the oil. 

The type of oregano you use is just as important as the carrier oil you choose. Ideally, use a high-quality carrier oil with a neutral flavor and stable shelf life, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using coconut oil, as it has a distinct flavor and solidifies at cooler temperatures. 

Homemade Oregano Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 handful fresh or dried oregano leaves
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

• If you use fresh oregano, make sure that the leaves are wilted before infusing in the oil to avoid mold growth. You can strip the leaves and air-dry them on paper towels overnight, or you can tie oregano sprigs together and hang in a cool, dry place for several days. 
• When you are ready, add the oregano to a mortar and pestle and crush it lightly to help release the oils. You can also chop oregano on a cutting board to achieve the same result. 
• Pour the oregano into a clean glass jar and then pour the oil into the same jar, making sure to completely submerge the oregano in oil. 
• Seal the jar tightly and place in a warm, sunny spot (like a windowsill) for two weeks to allow the oil to infuse. Make sure to shake the jar gently every day. 
• Once the infusion period is over, strain the oregano from the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the infused oil into a clean, dry glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place to help maintain the oil’s potency.

SHARE:

The post How To Make Your Own Oregano Oil appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

No, this is not the comedian Carrot Top’s signature chimichurri recipe. Instead, this recipe is made with actual carrot tops! Carrots don’t typically come with tops, but they usually do if you buy an organic bunch from the store or farmer’s market. And now you have something to make with those lovely, vibrantly green tops.

Chimichurri, for those of you who are unfamiliar with this lovely condiment, is a flavorful herb sauce with roots in both Uruguay and Argentina. It is commonly made with flat-leaf parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chili flakes, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. It is classically served with beef, but you can serve it with chicken, seafood, pork, beans, eggs, or vegetables. There are, of course, variations depending on the region, and then you have to factor in secret family recipes. You can make your own version with a plethora of greens, but the flavor may change slightly from the original recipe.

Carrot tops have a strong flavor that is somewhat bitter, so you need other ingredients to balance them. Just make sure to remove the delicate carrot leaves and stems from the thicker central ones. You can discard those thicker, central stems. We added cilantro to help balance the intense carrot greens, in addition to dried oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, and a handful of other seasonings. One pro tip that we will give you is to let the minced garlic sit in the vinegar for a few minutes. That will mellow the intense garlicky flavor, and that is a culinary tip from us to you. Now go out there and make some chimichurri!

SHARE:

The post Carrot Top Chimichurri appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We aren’t sure how much you use spice blends, but if you are like most people, chances are you go through them quickly. Maybe you get the crazy idea to try your hand at making your own spice blends for a change! Once you do that and realize the difference in flavor, you may never go back to store bought blends. Such is the case for this homemade chili seasoning, which is free of preservatives and additives.

Chili seasoning is not solely reserved for your favorite batch of chili; rather you can add it to salad dressings or other dishes. You most likely have the spices you need to make this chili seasoning in your spice cabinet or drawer. If ever you need to make more, you can buy more individual spices and create the spice blend. The great thing about that is that you will avoid the harmful ingredients, especially excess amounts of sodium, found in pre-mixed seasonings and packets.

A chili seasoning packet seems convenient, but not in regards to your health. In stores, a pre-mixed packet of chili seasoning can contain anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. In reality, chili seasoning typically consists of five to eight spices. Those spices usually include chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a few others. You can always customize the ingredients to tailor the flavor to your liking. And as a final note, chili powder is not the same as chili seasoning. That’s that!

SHARE:

The post Homemade Chili Seasoning appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Curtido is a fermented Salvadorian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and oregano. It is easy to make and is chock-full of beneficial probiotics that encourage healthy digestion. It typically accompanies pupusas, but you can enjoy it on its own as a healthy side dish. In fact, curtido has a slightly crunchy texture and fresh and clean flavor that is highly addicting!

The great thing about curtido is that the flavor only gets better the longer it ferments. It will keep fresh in the fridge for months, so long as you preserve it in an airtight container. Think of this side dish or condiment like the Central American version of sauerkraut. It’s fun and easy to make, and you can customize it based on your taste preferences. For example, this recipe includes optional slices of jalapeño, but you don’t have to include it if you don’t appreciate spice. We have to say that it gives it a powerful kick that is pleasant and addicting.

The key to making a great curtido is slicing the ingredients evenly. Much like coleslaw, you don’t want super think slices of carrot mixed in with thin cabbage slices. For this reason, remove a couple outer leaves of cabbage and save them for jarring. At that point, you can use a mandoline slicer or cheese grater to shred/grate the ingredients. Jar the ingredients and let the fermentation begin!

SHARE:

The post Curtido (Fermented Salvadorian Slaw) appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready to enjoy hardy texture and savory flavor of these homemade vegan meatballs. Packed with protein and fiber, these meatballs can be made in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for your weeknight dinner or your next vegan pasta night. This recipe doesn’t include pasta instructions, but we have faith that you can tackle the difficult task of boiling noodles. We did, however, provide a simple marinara sauce, which you may want to doctor up to your liking.

The great thing about the sauce and the vegan black bean meatballs is that you can make them your own. For example, if you want to give the meatballs and Italian flair, add up to one teaspoon each of dried oregano and parsley flakes. If you want to impart a flavor that helps the meatballs mimic the flavor of Italian sausage, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds and a half teaspoon of dried basil. You can continue experimenting with flavors to the point where you transform this recipe into sweet and sour meatballs. We do have to say that once you venture outside of the Italian flavor profile, you may want to ditch the marinara sauce. Teriyaki meatballs may not go great with a red sauce!

Once you make the meatballs, you have to bake them in the oven. The meatballs require about 20 minutes to bake, during which you make the sauce. Let that sauce simmer the entire time the meatballs are baking in the oven and then introduce them to the sauce directly after baking. Simmer on the stove for an additional five minutes or so and then serve with the sauce.

SHARE:

The post Vegan Black Bean Meatballs appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A raw vegan soup involves three simple steps: prepare ingredients, blend ingredients, and serve in bowls. You can chop the ingredients that you are going to blend any which way because the blender does the heavy lifting. What sets this recipe apart from the rest is the addition of avocado. Occasionally, you see people top their raw soups with chopped avocado or cucumber, but this recipe blends the avocado with the other ingredients. That results in a thicker, creamier raw soup that is way more filling than your average gazpacho or raw soup.

The great thing about this soup is that it contains a lovely mixture of seasonings that give the ingredients a little extra va-va-voom. What we mean by that is that the dried basil, oregano, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper give the tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado an extra umph. After it finishes blending, you open the blender and the aroma makes you salivate. The aromatics wake up your taste buds, readying them for a uniquely satisfying and flavorful dish. The most important thing is that you eat it right away because you don’t want to waste the fresh ingredients. If you make this recipe, let us know how you like it in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Raw Tomato Gazpacho appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Have you ever purchased pre-made tomato soup from the grocery store? Many well-known brands offer their signature soups that often come in plastic containers. Next time you go to the store, check the nutrition label and notice how much sodium is in the entire container. Always pay attention to the serving size because there are often four or more servings in one of those containers, and you may eat at least two servings at a time.

This vegan tomato soup is not only made from whole food ingredients, but it also is very low in sodium. In fact, the potassium content in tomatoes works to regulate blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium in the body. Additionally, the lycopene in tomatoes that gives them their signature red hue may lower cholesterol levels and inflammation. The fiber in tomatoes, while helping to improve digestion, plays a role in lowering cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Finally, the vitamin C in tomatoes works together with lycopene to help regulate blood pressure.

Although this is a tomato soup, there is more to the soup than the tomatoes. The aromatic basil is truly the best complement to the acidic tomato. There is some oregano in this soup, but adding too much makes it taste like marinara sauce. You want to achieve the perfect balance with your soup and this recipe may be the exact equation you need for deliciousness!

SHARE:

The post Vegan Tomato Basil Soup appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready for a refreshing and herbaceous take on a classic slaw. Perfect on its own or for accompanying your Middle Eastern feast, this Lebanese slaw is fresh, crunchy, and very addicting. The flavorful, aromatic herbs, citrusy zest of the lemon, and rich olive oil keep you coming back bite after bite. If this is your first experience with a Middle Eastern slaw, we can’t wait to hear what you think of it.

Traditionally, Lebanese slaw contains mint, but we added parsley and dill to the recipe as well. This holy trifecta of herbs will maximize your flavor and turn the deliciousness factor up to 11. Plus, the crispy bite of the chopped scallions beautifully contrasts the intensity of the dill and mint. It’s almost like a Shirazi salad, which contains the same herbs and the addition of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.

The real star of this slaw, though, is the Za’atar spice. This traditional Middle Eastern spice mixture is commonly used in savory dishes, but it has a place in light and fresh dishes as well. Throughout history, there have been several variations of this spice blend, but several ingredients tend to remain the same. You can purchase Za’atar spice in the store, or you can easily make your own if you have the spices on hand. It typically contains sesame seeds, sea salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and ground sumac.

SHARE:

The post Herbaceous Lebanese Slaw appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A garden is a tranquil sanctuary that provides endless opportunities. You can use it to grow food or you can harness the power of herbs to benefit your health. You don’t even need a garden! Purchase pots, soil, and small herbs, give them love, sunshine, and water, and then prepare them in various ways. From tinctures and syrups to teas and seasonings, herbs have myriad uses and can help improve memory, reduce arthritis symptoms, and even fight the common cold.

Some herbs thrive outdoors, while others grow better indoors. At the end of the day, you can easily grow them in pots without the need for a plot of land. Even if you live in an apartment and only have a five-foot by seven-foot balcony, you can grow the herbs in this article. Reap the health benefits of herbs year round when you grow them at home. Continue reading to learn more about starting your medicinal, herbal garden. 

Aloe Vera

Every person can benefit from inviting aloe vera into their life. The gel has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s possible to use it to reduce the pain and itchiness of sunburns, or even add to smoothies to encourage healthier digestion. Apply it to the skin to help reduce acne or the symptoms of eczema and rosacea. It’s a hardy plant that grows indoors and outdoors. Bring it inside during colder months and leave it outside in the warmer months. Just make sure it doesn’t have full sun exposure, because it will wilt. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a shrub that has woody stems and aromatic needles. The rosemarinic acid in the needles have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. Several studies found that the antioxidants in rosemary exhibit anti-cancer effects, while the anti-fungal properties proved effective against listeria and H. pylori. For a healthy rosemary plant, make sure the soil is properly aerated. Water only when the soil is dry. It can take a while to grow, but don’t be afraid to trim the leaves if you want to cook with them. 

Tulsi

Known for its antioxidant, adaptogenic, immune-boosting, antidepressant, and mucus expelling properties, tulsi is a wonderful herb to grow at home. You may be more familiar with tulsi’s other name, holy basil. It’s a traditional folk herb that is beneficial for improving cognitive abilities, making it great for the elderly. Tulsi enjoys full sun in temperate areas, but it also likes shade in warmer climates. Make sure to trim the shoots and early flowers, just like regular basil, if you want a health plant. 

Oregano

Oregano is a classic culinary spice, but it boasts some powerful health benefits. Several studies examined carvacrol, the compound in oregano that may help protect against arthritis. Other studies found beneficial antioxidants in oregano that exhibited abilities to slow the growth of certain cancers. The polyphenols may even help reduce a person’s risk of other chronic diseases. It’s a perennial plant that requires natural light. It’s the perfect windowsill plant! Just leave it in the window for six hours a day and make sure the soil is completely dry before you water it. 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a beautiful, refreshing aroma that is a staple herb in Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, and Brazilian folk medicine. Most modern research focuses on the benefits of lemongrass essential oil, but actual lemongrass helps reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia symptoms, and the duration of colds and flus. You can use it in stocks, soups, or you can brew it into an aromatic tea. Lemongrass thrives in pots, and should be taken indoors during the winter. It has a tendency to take over a garden, so growing it in a pot prevents this. Lemongrass prefers full sun and quick-drying soil. 

Thyme

It’s common for health care workers in Europe to use thyme in many of their cold & flu products. Studies have shown that thyme has the ability to reduce symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and even emphysema. Other studies found that thyme exhibited expectorant and antibacterial properties, making it great if you need to rid excess mucus from the body. It’s possible to propagate thyme from cuttings, but it’s easy to purchase a small new plant. Keep it in a small pot in the windowsill so that it gets ample light. You don’t even have to water it a lot because it is drought-resistant. 

SHARE:

The post 6 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow In A Pot appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bone broth has become one of the new “it” foods, but most people are not aware that the benefits from this broth are primarily attributed to the vegetables. Additionally, pre-packaged bone broth contains excess sodium and processed ingredients for extended shelf life. When it comes to a broth or stock that will actually make you feel the difference, you need to get back to basics, and by basics we mean herbs and vegetables.

Herbs are commonly used for seasoning meals, but many people forget that fresh herbs can contain antimicrobial, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even antifungal properties. The herbs in your kitchen or garden can almost be thought of as a natural medicine cabinet, from which you can pull ingredients that can strengthen the immune system.

Bone Broth Vs. Vegetable Stock

Bone broth contains the collagen and amino acids from animal bones, cartilage, and skin. Drinking collagen, however, does not increase collagen levels in the body. In fact, it is the collagen boosting properties of herbs and vegetables, which are used to make and flavor bone broths, that are beneficial. Cut out the bone element and simply make a vegan-friendly broth to build immune strength. Some of the benefits from the key ingredients in the stock recipe in this article are listed below.

Garlic

The compound in garlic that gives it the potent smell is known as allicin, which has been proven to reduce the risk of getting sick by 63 percent. Allicin works to stimulate immune function, helping the body fight foreign invaders, including bacteria and viruses.

Onion

You know what they say, “You can’t have garlic without onion,” or maybe that’s just a saying we made up right now. Onions contain allicin and another compound known as quercetin, both of which are responsible for giving onions the expectorant, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. While onions are especially useful for improving respiratory health, they also contain prebiotics that feed your gut to promote a healthier microbiome.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body’s ability to fight off respiratory infections and fevers. Rosemary is wonderful for any soup or stock, offering a beautiful aromatic flavor, but that’s not the only reason to use it. The antioxidants in rosemary also help to improve digestion and relieve muscle pain.

Oregano

Oregano has gained popularity in the natural health world lately, primarily because of its effectiveness as fighting the Staphylococcus strain bacteria. The diaphoretic properties of oregano help to reduce fever during the immune system’s response to an infection. The antibacterial properties of oregano also help to fight against salmonella and E. coli bacteria.

Ingredients For Stock:

• 2 medium brown onions, thinly sliced
• 1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 dried bay leaves
• handful of rosemary sprigs, rinsed
• handful of thyme sprigs, rinsed
• handful of sage leaves, rinsed,
• handful of oregano sprigs, rinsed
• 4 liters of water

Instructions For Stock:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The stock should reduce by about a quarter.
• Remove the pot from the stove and use a slotted spoon to remove the large solids from the pot. Strain the remaining liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another pot to remove debris and solids.
• Divide the broth into one or two-cup capacity jars and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week, but you can store them in the freezer for up to three months.

SHARE:

The post Recipe: Boost Your Immune System With This Garden Herb Stock appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.