10 Ways to Use Herbs & Spices: Everyday Applications [Tea & Beyond!]

I have numerous videos on herbs. (For examples, see the list, below.)

However, I have never really discussed the wide array of herbal applications that exist. And, for me, the question “how do I actually USE herbs?” was one of the things that had an impact on my own thinking about the utilization of plants for health and nutrition.

So, in this video, I thought that I would sketch ten (10) uses for herbs and spices — or, to put it slightly differently, I will survey some ways for you to incorporate herbs into your life.

Some of the suggestions include:

(1) Hot infusions (teas, coffees, etc.) made from the aerial parts of plants
(2) Decoctions made from denser / “woodier” plant matter
(3) Cold infusions that are ideal for mucilaginous herbs
(4) Smoothies (or, pureed fruit-and-vegetable drinks) as contrasted with milkshakes
(5) Kitchen spices for baking and cooking
(6) Herbal supplements (including capsules, powders, tablets, and the like)
(7) Extracts and essential oils
(8) “External” applications (including herbal cosmetics and wound-care items)
(9) Bath teas (or “bath soaks”)
(10) Breathing / inhalation uses (including — but not limited to — aromatherapy and diffusers)

Along the way, I touch on vocabulary (e.g., words such as “acetum,” “electuary,” “elixir,” “glycerite,” “oxymel,” “tincture,”) as well as foundational concepts (e.g., external- vs. internal-use herbal oils; the difference between maintenance and therapeutic doses; the distinction between non-standardized and standardized extracts; and more).

Occasionally, I cross reference some of the topics against other, related subjects such as the Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet.” As usual, we turn glances towards dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. I also say a few words about tangential matters such as candles, incense, and smoking.

For more on herbs, see:

Top 10 Ayurvedic Brain-Health Herbs

8 Natural Nootropics

Top 5 Herbs for Alzheimer’s Disease

16 Antioxidants Off Your Kitchen Spice Rack

16 MORE Antioxidant Kitchen Spices

For related discussions, e.g., about the above-mentioned MIND Diet, see:

My Introduction to the MIND Diet

See, e.g., my series on sugar

Sugar & the MIND Diet

Sugar Basics

Natural Sweeteners & the MIND Diet

Artificial Sweeteners & Dementia

Credits:

Songs: “Bliss,” “Lost,” “Pity,” “Savior,” and “Suede,” written by Amit Nagra and performed & produced by AlterEgo; and “Pink Crown,” written by Isaac Joel Karns and performed & produced by Isaac Joel — all licensed to Matthew Bell via Soundstripe.com.

Thumbnail image credit: annette gulick, https://www.freeimages.com/photo/herbs-spices-1455433, https://images.freeimages.com/images/large-previews/4bc/herbs-spices-1455433.jpg; cropped & processed, with image superimposed.

Disclaimer: I am not an doctor, herbalist, naturopath, nutritionist, or medical researcher of any kind. Additionally, I have no special or claimed expertise in any of the application areas (e.g., culinary, therapeutic, etc.). This video is intended for general informational or entertainment purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed as cooking, healthcare, or any other sort of advice. For personalized evaluations or recommendations, consult with licensed professionals in your area.

For further reading, please visit:

http://www.alzheimersproof.com/