As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, November invites us to reflect and nurture our well-being. This month is perfect for embracing the comforting and healing powers of herbs. Here are some of my favorite herbal choices for November, along with ways to incorporate them into your Thanksgiving meals!
1. Thyme
Benefits:
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has many medicinal and culinary benefits. Thyme is a powerful herb known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It’s excellent for respiratory health, making it ideal for the colder months.
Using Thyme:
Using thyme medicinally:
- Thyme Tea: Steep fresh or dried thyme in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey and lemon for a soothing drink. Thyme tea can help with digestion, a sore throat, and calm the nervous system. There are numerous benefits to drinking thyme tea. Check out all the health benefits here.
- Essential Oils: Thyme essential oils can be used topically and inhaled. Thyme oil can be used in ointments for sports injuries; it can be used for balms, deodorants, hair care products and mouthwash. However thyme is very potent and the oil should be diluted with a base oil or cream before using it on your skin.
- Acne: The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of thyme is effective in fighting acne causing bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help with acne breakouts.
- Vision: Thyme is also an amazing herb to improve eyesight and can be used as a preventative for sight affecting conditions. Thyme is rich in vitamin A which targets vision.
For more information on using thyme medicinally check out this link.
Cooking with thyme:
Thyme represents an earthy flavor with hints of lemon and mint. Very common in French, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.
When cooking with thyme remember thyme is pungent and when overused in a dish can create a bitter taste that overwhelms the rest of the flavors. When using thyme you can use the herb fresh or dried but use it early in the dish. You can use the whole herb; stems and leaves or you can pick the leaves off the stem and use them throughout your dish. Try these recipes for your thanksgiving feast!
- Roast Turkey with Shallot Butter and Thyme Gravy
- Corn Biscuits with Savory Herb Streusel
- Roasted Layered Sweet Potatoes
2. Ginger
Benefits:
Ginger is a warming herb that is native to Asia and belongs to the Zingiberaceae plant family. It has been used to help with arthritis, diabetes, cough, colds while also helping with digestion, boosting the immune system, and can alleviate nausea. Ginger is also an amazing herb for managing weight, blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart health.
How to Use:
- Ginger Tea: Grate fresh ginger and steep it in hot water. Add honey and lemon for a delightful, warming drink. Drinking ginger tea can help calm motion sickness, dizziness, vomiting and cold sweating. Ginger tea is a great anti-inflammation drink to ease pain.
- Essential Oil: Ginger oil has a strong, warm and spicy aroma. Ginger oil has the same benefits as tea but can be used anywhere, anytime.
- Skin and Hair: Ginger boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Some benefits for the skin include fading scars, reducing inflammation, brightening and rejuvenating skin tone and combating acne. Ginger plays a big role in a healthy scalp and strengthening each individual strand of hair.
Cooking with ginger:
Ginger has a warming, earthy flavor with a sharp pungency to it. It is described as spicy, peppery, warm or hot to some. As it ages, ginger is known to become much stronger in heat. It is best used in stir-fries, baked goods, or roasted dishes for a spicy kick.
Thanksgiving themed dishes using ginger:
3. Cinnamon
Benefits:
Cinnamon is not only delicious but also holds many medicinal properties. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon also enhances cognitive function, memory and attention. Lastly, it helps with gastrointestinal issues, oral health, weight management, immune function and cancer prevention. However, too much cinnamon a day can cause liver damage.
How to Use:
- Cinnamon Spice Mix: Create a blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to sprinkle on oatmeal, pancakes, or in baked goods. Not only does it add delicious flavor to your dishes, it is a great way to receive the herbs benefits while enjoying your favorite dishes.
- Cinnamon Stick Infusion: Simmer cinnamon sticks in water for a warm beverage or add to apple cider for extra flavor. Drinking cinnamon water on an empty stomach helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing metabolism.
- Skincare: Cinnamon essential oil when mixed with olive oil or petroleum jelly will improve blood flow to the face and hydrate the skin. When mixed with honey, cinnamon can be used as a hydrating face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes and then wash off.
- Air Freshener: Cinnamon sticks can be used to freshen the air, and while it smells divine, it can also reduce anxiety.
4. Peppermint
Benefits:
Peppermint leaf, known as Mentha piperita L. belongs to the mint family. This herb origins from Asia and Europe and has many medicinal properties. Peppermint supports balanced energy levels, can support weight management, may help with seasonal allergies, can help with migraines, eases menstrual cramps, has antibacterial and antifungal properties, promotes digestion, supports healthy skin and oral health. Peppermint also supports brain function, nausea, aids immune health, and helps stress and anxiety.
How to Use:
- Peppermint Tea: Brew peppermint leaves in hot water for a refreshing and soothing drink. Peppermint tea eases an upset stomach, helps unclog sinuses, helps with sleep and skin health and relieves tension from headaches.
- Aromatherapy: Use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser to promote clarity and relieve tension. Also use the oil to relieve menstrual cramps and boost energy levels.
- Oral Health: Use peppermint to help with oral hygiene. Not only does it add that minty flavor to your toothpaste, its antibacterial properties keep the breath fresh.
- Hair care: peppermint oil can be used in shampoos to deep clean the hair and the scalp.
Cooking with Peppermint:
Peppermint extract, made from the leaves of peppermint, adds a refreshing taste to dishes.
We hope you enjoy some of these recipes and herbal tips and if you give it a shot… let us know how you liked them!!
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