Herbs can be classified as annuals, perennials or biennials, and they can be used for a variety of different purposes. It is important to learn about the different herbs and about the uses for each so that you can take advantage of their healing properties when needed.

Herbs have been used since ancient times for medicines and also to enhance the flavor of food.

The Choices

One of the oldest and most commonly used herbs is celery, which is an aromatic biennial that features bulbous fleshy roots and solid grooved stems. The entire plant is used when grown, unlike many other herbs from which only certain parts can be utilized, and it is mainly used for therapeutic use, such as external use for which it is used to combat fungal infections and as well to battle tumors.

In regards to internal use, celery has many advantages as well, and it can be used for such problems as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, asthma, bronchitis, and inflamed urinary tracts, to name just a few.

Another commonly used herb is basil, which tends to have bright green foliage and which emits a spicy and clove-like aroma. There is sweet basil and bush basil, the first has a stronger perfume and the latter is more potent and tends to be smaller in size as well. The leaves of the basil plant are typically dried and then they are used for various medical, culinary and cosmetic purposes. Most people are only aware of the use of basil for cooking, but it is actually more commonly used in medicine.

This is because it offers restorative, warming and sedative qualities, which help to lower fever, relax spasms and improve digestion. It has been known for treating the heart, bladder, lungs and other organs, and is normally used to combat such ailments as nausea, abdominal cramps, migraines, insomnia, anxiety and exhaustion.

Another of the most popular herbs is Aloe Vera. Many people have heard of Aloe Vera before, such as in creams and lotions, but not many people are aware that it is actually an herb. Aloe Vera is a clump forming perennial from which the slimy seepage inside the leaf is used, and often times the juice is extracted from the pulpy inside and a yellow bitter laxative principle is extruded.

There are many other herbs to choose from as well, each which offer it’s own features, qualities and uses for both medicinal and culinary purposes.