How to Use Medicinal Plants and Herbs in Cooking

Parsley is a popular culinary and medicinal herb.

When it comes to using medicinal plants and herbs, I prefer to cook with them if I can. Now, most of you probably use herbs and spices in your cooking--but did you know that they are also medicinal? I'll talk about my favorite herbs to use in food so that you can apply this knowledge in your own kitchens.

Things You'll Need

• Cinnamon
• Parsley
• Basil
• Stinging Nettle
• Shiitake Mushrooms

Instructions

1. Cinnamon has been getting a lot of press lately for its use in helping with insulin resistance. This makes it an herb that can help eliminate belly fat and as a diabetes medication. Sprinkle it on your food, coffee and tea throughout the day to reap the benefits.

2. Parsley is highly nutritious and is also a diuretic. I cook with it all the time and love that it gives my food a nutrient boost. I use fresh, chopped parsley as a garnish for soups and pastas.

3. Basil is my favorite herb to use in pasta dishes. I also use it all the time for menstrual cramps. I typically use it on meats and in pastas and soups. Or, I'll make a homemade Italian dressing with oil, vinegar, garlic and basil.

4. Stinging nettle is my go-to herb. It helps nourish the adrenal glands and is rich in vitamins and minerals. I sprinkle the dried leaves in soups and steam it when I can find the fresh leaves. Be careful when handling the leaves--use gloves or you'll get stung. And make sure that you know how to identify it by asking an expert and consulting a field guide.

5. Shiitake mushrooms are good for the immune system. I use them fresh in sautes, stir fries and pasta dishes. I also keep them fresh in my cabinet to break apart and add to soup.

Tips & Warnings

• Oatstraw and ginseng are a couple of my other favorite herbs that can be used in cooking and herbal teas.

• Make sure you aren't allergic to any of the herbs.

• Consult a doctor to make sure you can take these herbs.

• Make sure that you know how to identify the plants if you are using them in the wild.