By Nima Shah and Mary Mwendwa
As a fervent food enthusiastic, one will always look forward to having a meal full of desired taste and nutrition. Herbs have a magical way of adding flavour, nutrition and alluring aroma to your foods.
Herbs have been growing since ancient times. EASEED have been offering a wide
variety of herb seeds for over 30 years to their farmers. Over the years, they have consistently supplied their farmers with herb seeds both “commercial farmers and kitchen garden farmers.”
Numerous studies have shown that herbs have enormous medicinal value and act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Herbs have the ability to combat heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, Obesity, regulate hormonal issues in women and is a great source of minerals and vitamins.
Research indicates that the consumption of herbs has become popular hence expanding
opportunities in various categories of the food value chain. Having been an integral part of the value chain in herb production, EASEED has endeavored to offer high-quality herb seeds to the farmers.
The herb range that EASEED offers have been described below with its nutritional values.
• Parsley Dark Green Italian.
Parsley is effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds such as vitamin C and betacarotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis. This condition is common among the elderly.
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for boosting immunity.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and niacin each act on different aspects of the
immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby
increasing their effect in boosting immunity.
• Basil Italian Large Leaf.
Stress Stopper and Anti anxiety effect. It contains phytochemical that lower cortisol, a
hormone secreted when you are stressed.
Great Source of Iron from leaves good for women during periods to replenish lost iron.
• Dill Bouquet.
The essential oils present in dill are stimulating and they activate the secretion of bile and digestive juices.The flavonoids and vitamin-B complex present in its essential oils, activate the secretion of certain enzymes and hormones which have calming and hypnotic effects.The calcium content of dill means that it is an important element in protecting one from bone loss and the loss of bone density and is Important for children’s bone development.
• Roquette Arugula.
For mothers who are expecting, arugula is a wonderful choice to add to your diet. Folates, a classification which includes folic acid, have been shown to decrease occurrences in certain mental defects in newborns. It is rich in folates, as are many leafy vegetables.
• Sweet Marjoram.
Marjoram oil reduces the pain associated with colds, fevers, inflammation, overexertion of muscles, toothaches, headaches and numerous other elements.
Marjoram oil kills bacteria, so it can protect one from food poisoning, typhoid, malaria, colic common with newborn babies, and bacterial infections in the colon, skin, digestive system, urinary tract and other parts of the excretory system.
Women who have problems with irregular or painful menstruation can benefit from
marjoram oil. Not only does it help to clear menses and make them regular, it also provides relief from other symptoms associated with periods, such as headache, pain in the abdominal area, dizziness, and mood swings.
• Fennel Florence.
Fennel is very popular as an anti flatulent, due to the carminative properties of the aspartic acid found in fennel. Its extracts can be used by everyone, from infants to the elderly, as a way to reduce flatulence and to expel excess gas from the stomach. It is commonly used in medicines to reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and flatulence in infants and young children.Hence it increases production and secretion of milk in lactating mothers.
• Coriander Dhania.
The essential oils in coriander are rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant and acts as detoxifying components and the presence of vitamin C and iron strengthen the immune system as well.These properties help prevent and cure smallpox, and they can also reduce the pain and have a soothing effect on smallpox patients.
TIPS TO GROW HERBS.
The best way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips is to grow them yourself, in your garden or in pots on your windows, gunny bags, plastic containers, used tyres or a section of the garden in your compound. The beauty and scent of the plants will be a natural reminder to use them and spice up ones food.EASEED offers agronomical tips to farmers on how to grow herbs through professional and experienced agronomists.
STORING HERBS.
Fresh cut herbs are highly perishable and it is recommended to be consumed within a week after harvesting. To preserve herbs for a long duration sun-dry them to maintain aroma and nutrients. Store the dried herbs in an air tight container and consume when ever required.
For more information, kindly visit our website; www.easeed.com or e-mail on info@easeed.com
