12 Reasons to Add this Herb to Your Diet

by Karen Brennan, MSW, NC, BCHN, Herbalist

The underground portion of ginger is used.  The flesh of ginger may be white, yellow or red depending on the variety.  It has a light brownish skin. It has a aromatic, pungent and spicy smell and taste.

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy.  Modern medicine and research has proven that ginger possesses several therapeutic properties.

Benefits to Using Ginger

• Antioxidant Rich. And you only need a small amount to reap its benefits.  You want to consume a antioxidant rich diet to support overall health and prevent disease.


• Reduces Pain from Osteoarthritis: Ginger Inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds and has direct anti-inflammatory effects. This is due to compounds called gingerols.  It has been shown to reduce pain in those with arthritis and muscular discomfort.  In one study, those who took ginger extract 2 times per day had less pain and needed less pain killing meds than those who took the placebo.  The dose in one study was 250 mg. 4 times daily.


• Provides Gastrointestinal Relief: Ginger is commonly used for an upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, and IBS.


• Can Prevent Sea Sickness: It has been shown to be far superior to Dramamine, an OTC drug, used for motion sickness. It can reduce symptoms associated with motion sickness such as nausea, vomiting and cold sweat.  There is a reason that you see ginger candy in gift shops at boat docks to purchase!


• Relief from Vomiting and Nausea Associated with Pregnancy: It can be useful even in the most severe form. And unlike anti-vomiting, drugs ginger is safe during pregnancy and only a small amount is required.  Pregnant women can safely take up to one gram.


• Protective against Colorectal Cancer. Gingerols which is the main active component in ginger is also the one responsible for its distinctive flavor.  This component may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.


• It can Induce Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Again, this is thanks to the gingerols in ginger.  A pro-inflammatory state is thought to be important in the development of ovarian cancer. In the presence of ginger a few key indicators of inflammation were decreased in the ovarian cancer cells.


• Immune Boosting Properties. Since it has anti-viral properties, ginger can be useful to consume when you have a cold or flu or other viral infection.


• Lowers Cholesterol and improves lipid metabolism. Studies show that ginger can have a dramatic effect on cardiovascular health. Studies used 250 micrograms of ginger


• Anti-diabetic effects. In several studies ginger has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels, regulate insulin response and also reduced body weight.


• Use it for Colds and Sore Throat. It is a natural remedy to soothe an irritated throat.  Regular intake of ginger stimulates the secretion of mucus which soothes and provides throat relief.  Natural oil in ginger acts as an expectorant and thus not only useful for colds but also for upper respiratory infections, coughs, asthma and bronchitis


• Use for PMS cramp pain. A 2009 study found that 250 mg. 4 times a day was just as effective as ibuprofen for pain relief associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Ways to Incorporate Ginger into Your Diet

You don’t need to use much ginger to reap its benefits.  Whenever possible opt for fresh over the dried spice.  The fresh ginger will contain higher levels of gingerol.  Most supermarkets carry the mature ginger which will have the skin that you need to peel. Young ginger is more often found in Asian markets and this ginger skin does not need to be peeled.  Fresh ginger can be stored in your fridge for up to 3 weeks if left unpeeled.  You can also store it in your freezer unpeeled for up to 6 months.

For cooking, if added in the beginning of the cooking process, it will add a subtle flavor while adding it at the end of cooking will lend the dish a more pungent taste.

• For nausea: make ginger tea by steeping 1 or 2 ½ inch slices of ginger in a cup of hot water.


• For arthritis: ¼ an inch (or more) cooked in food. (The more you use the quicker your relief may be)


• Add it to rice dishes


• Mix ginger with coconut aminos and garlic to make a sauce for stir fry


• Add ginger to your oil and vinegar salad dressing


• Add it to sautéed vegetable dishes.


• Mince a teaspoon and add to your regular tea


• Add to marinades, stews and soups


• Add some to your morning smoothie


• You can add in ginger supplementation in capsule form or in tincture form.

When to Use Caution

• Don’t give to children under 2 years of age.


• If you have a sensitive stomach, take ginger with some food in your belly.


• In adults, do not take more than 4 grams per day


• Pregnant women should only consume up to 1 gram per day.


• Avoid ginger supplementation if you are on blood thinner


• If you are on diabetic meds, ginger can reduce blood sugar levels.


• If you are on blood pressure meds, it can reduce your blood pressure.


• Always talk to your doctor if adding ginger in as a supplement to your diet since some meds can interact with herbs.

Food for Thought:

From reading some of the cautions above, it makes me wonder, wouldn’t it be better to use herbs to say lower blood pressure or blood sugar instead of a med that comes with side effects? What do you think?

Sources

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage/php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK927775

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15630214

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016669/#!po=67.6471

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/ibuprofen-kills-more-so-what-alternatives

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18813412

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/

If you need more support, contact me at trufoodsnutrition@yahoo.com http://www.trufoodsnutrition.com

Balch, P. ( 2012)   Prescription for Herbal Healing.  2^nd Edition.  NY: Avery Publishing

Gaby, A.(2006) The Natural Pharmacy. Revised and updated 3^rd edition.  NY: Three Rivers Press

Hoffman, D. Medical Herbalism. (2003) The science and practice of herbal medicine.  VT: Healing Arts

Press.

Mars, B. (2007) The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine.  CA: Basic Health Publications

Skenderi, G. (2003) Herbal Vade Mecum. NJ: Herbacy Press

As a nutrition professional, Karen does not treat, cure nor diagnose. This information is for educational purposes only.

I am a nutrition professional with a focus on mental health and gut health. I am also passionate about getting nutrition information out to the public so that others can take charge of their own health instead of living on meds. I help others who have tried the medical route and who are often are worse off because of it. Nutrition therapy has an individized approach and addresses root causes.

12 Reasons to Add this Herb to Your Diet

Moringa – The Herb That Kills Cancer, Stops Diabetes & Prevent Heart Disease

Moringa oleifera tree is one of the most nutritious plants ever discovered with most of its benefits concentrated in its small green leaves. It is a fast growing tree which is primarily found in South Asia. Besides the fact that its leaves, pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds and fruit are edible, it grows quite quickly. Due to the high levels of Vitamins C and E present in Moringa, this tree can also support brain health.

Iced Moringa Leaf Tea Recipe:

Add 1 – 1/4 teaspoon of Moringa leaf to 16 ounces of water.

Mix with a little honey and fresh ginger and orange Juice to taste.

Blend in your blender or shake vigorously for one minute, add ice and refrigerate for 8 hours.

Substitute Coconut Juice or Sugar Cane Juice for the Orange juice to make a more diverse tea and keep your taste buds happy and wanting more!

Enjoy!

Amazing Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera

Helping Fight Diabetes

Moringa contains a type of acid called chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and allow cells to take up or release glucose (sugar) as needed. Its also have natural antidiabetic and hormone-balancing properties.

Prevent Cancer

This herb has antioxidants and fights free radicals. Since cancerous growths are triggered by free radical damage at the cellular level, it is not surprising that Moringa should have an anti-cancer effect. Its leaves extracts impart chemo modulatory effects towards curing various types of cancers such as ovarian cancer, hepatic carcinogenesis, and skin papilloma genesis. It also has vitamin C and beta carotene, but chlorogenic acid and quercetin too.

Enhanced Vision

Having healthy eyes and normal vision is something that can often be taken-for-granted but which requires the right nutrition to maintain normal function. Moringa is a rich source of vitamin A which contributes to normal vision.

Healthy Heart

Its leaf powder has heart-healthy benefits, particularly in blood lipid control, the prevention of plaque formation in the arteries, and reduced cholesterol levels.

Controls Blood Pressure

Another benefit of moringa powder is its soothing ability which enables it to lower the blood pressure and promotes good sleep. It is a natural remedy for insomnia as it possesses certain properties that can treat sleeping disorders.

Boost Immune

One of the best moringa benefits is its super immune-boosting powers. Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for helping our bodies stave off infections and illnesses. Moringa Oleifera leaves are an incredibly rich source of iron and vitamin A.

Healing Wound

It also has blood-clotting properties in its leaves, roots, and seeds that enhance wound healing and can reduce clotting time, which means it reduces the time it takes for scratches, cuts, or wounds to stop bleeding.

Sources include:

–http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22401/10-powerful-benefits-of-drinking-moringa-every-day.html

–http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-moringa-powder/

–https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/moringa.html

More:

Moringa – The Herb That Kills Cancer, Stops Diabetes & Prevent Heart Disease

Lavender – More than herb of Love

You are probably not surprised that lavender has always been involved the herb of love. However, you probably will consider to plant a field with lavender after you read health benefits of lavender in this article.

Lavender is a soothing herb with many names such as Alhucema, Lavada, Lavande des Alpes… Lavender oil contains more than 100 compounds so that it is an essential oil to block symptoms and signs in our body. Here are 7 health benefits of lavender which have been researched by experts from many countries.

1. Reduce infections

Lavender oil against pathogenic fungi and destroys the fungal cell’s membrane. That why lavender is revered for its antiseptic. Keeping lavender oil in fridge to apply burns, sterilize susceptible area and stop burn from progressing. What’s more, lavender can heal acne, sun burns, insect bites and stings. There are many ways to take advantage of this herb. You can massage the oil into chest, neck or burn area… However, do not get any oil close to your eyes, nose or other sensitive tissue. Additionally, lavender oil can stimulates the cells of a wound to reborn faster and avoid scarring.

2. Ease headache

You are suffering from severe headaches and get trouble to find an appropriate treatment. Now lavender oil is a natural remedy which deals your headache. Moreover, you perhaps do not want to have side effects from medication which can affect to your kidney and liver.  According to study, lavender oil work as a sedative, anticonvulsant and antidepressant. That why, this essential oil treats headaches due to anxiety disorders and similar situations. In more words, there is an effectiveness of lavender oil on migraines. In 2012, the first research about this curable method of lavender on migraines was published. Up to 74 % of volunteer participants who took it reduce migraine symptoms. Read more: 15 home remedies for headaches.

3. Help to relax

Purple from lavender brings you to a love paradise. This fragrant herb provide a chemical which turn your heart rate and blood pressure down then put you in a relax situation. Potentially, this oil is a mild sedative which help you easy to get on sleep. The parallel effectiveness is producing less of stress marker. One of over 20 chemicals in lavender oil is linalyl acetate which reduce the destiny of blood in the brain then body will feel relax. Why don’t you put a bunch of dry lavender flower in your room to over stress in life?

4. Aromatherapy insomnia

Each night, you count stars or sheep but could not go to sleep. Which is an effective method you may use at the moment? Lavender is a great answer. Researchers did a lot of studies which demonstrated that lavender can ease anxiety and insomnia. Almost volunteers got to sleep more easily and they felt quality of sleep was better when they use lavender products. Overall, lavender aromatherapy is a perfect option to apply for people with insomnia. It can plan bedtime routine and calm your body. Furthermore, John Parkinson wrote that lavender is “especially good for all grief and pains of the head and brain.”  He was a 17th-century London apothecary. Read more : top 22 best home remedies for insomnia.

5. Promote mental health

Lavender is a natural superstar. Its extract has been used for anxiety and depression. It is absolutely safe and effective for mental problems. As you know benzodiazepines are a sedative medication but it has many side effects include fatigue, confusion, dizziness or dry mouth. Thus herbal preparations have been maintained for treat anxiety and depression. In addition, there is a high concentration of volatile oil with fragrance which use for promote mood and reduce stress. Researchers did investigations both animal and human to raise the quality and efficacy of lavender to neurological disorders.

6. Good for digestion

Your stomach is often upset with several certain foods. You probably do not find out the best way to improve your digestion without taking medication. There are no longer bad impacts from foods; lavender is considered to fight off harmful bacteria. Many studies believe in lavender functions such as prevent against dysbacteriosis. Moreover, it has an anti – inflammation in nature.  Bloating and poor digestion caused by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria. Lavender will change your situation in normal.

7. Calm sensitive skin

For women, lavender essential oil is a best friend. Lavender has been used to exhibit some antioxidant activity especially UV from sunlight which led to sensitive. Lavender essential oil helps ease itching, swelling and redness when your skin expose with bad agents or by insect bites.  Apply as needed every 6 to 8 hours in a day or you can put one or two drop in the area then wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

Some notices: Lavender do not use for women who during the early stages of pregnancy. Furthermore, use caution if your blood pressure is low. Read carefully the ingredients of lavender products.

Resource:

wikihomenutrition.com

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More by Jenny Heth:

Lavender – More than herb of Love

Moringa Herb Fights Inflammation, Kills Cancer Naturally, and Treats Diabetes

Moringa Herb Fights Inflammation, Kills Cancer Naturally, and Treats Diabetes

Oregano: Top 8 Specific Health Benefits and Healing Uses of This Herb

As a great herb that has lots of medicinal properties, oregano popularly used in many dishes all over the world, it adds savor to your food and especially goes well with eggplant, tomatoes and all kinds of meat. What’s more, regular consumption of oregano also helpful for you overall health.

Here are top natural health benefits of oregano you should keep in mind:

1-Full of Vitamins and Minerals

Oregano is rich in vitamin K, which is a very important vitamin for both brain function and bone health. It’s also high in several essential minerals, including iron and manganese. So oregano is one such tasty and healthy herb you should include into your diet, feel free to buy some and enjoy!

2-It’s Super Rich In Fiber

Oregano is rich in fiber. It’s said that “Fiber is king”! It’s not only boosts weight loss, prevents heart disease, also has other potential benefits such as: controls blood sugar, treats skin problems, lower the risk of hemorrhoids, reduce kidney stones and gallstones.

3-It Has God Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial Properties

With anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, oregano provides protection against several infections that caused by viruses and bacteria, such as colds, flu, mumps as well as other issues that caused by viruses.

4-It Protects You Against Fungal Infections

This is because of its anti-fungal properties. So it’s highly recommended to use oregano oil regularly, both internally and externally to prevent fungal infections.

5-Oregano Offers Rich Antioxidants

According to a research:

“…On a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.”

One of the most important antioxidants in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is very strong to support your immune system health, thus protecting you against many diseases.

6-Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oregano is useful for relieving any type of inflammation, both internal and external due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

7-Oregano Aids in Digestion

It’s recommended to use oregano oil as a digestive aid, as it’s well known for its ability to stimulate the flow of bile into the digestive organs, thus enhancing the digestive process.

8-It Combats Aging

It’s rich in antioxidants, while aging is largely the effect of oxidation and free radicals. That’s why oregano is so effective to support graceful aging.

Sources: healthdiaries.com, globalhealingcenter.com, antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com

More By Author:

// A Natural & Safe Homemade Ginger Ale to Treat Migraines

// 12 Prebiotic-Rich Foods For A Healthy Gut

// What Will Happen In Your Body If You Drink Honey Lemon Water More Often

// Get The Best Of Natural Living Ideas At Seekingfit.com

Oregano: Top 8 Specific Health Benefits and Healing Uses of This Herb

Astragalus- Herb That Stops Aging, Decomposes Cancer, Repairs DNA & Fights Type 2 Diabetes

Astragalus root extract is commonly used as an adaptogen for thousands of years in Chinese herbal remedies, means it helps the body fight off stress, upper respiratory infections and regulate the immune system. It also increases the white blood cell count, and stimulate the growth of antibodies and create a resistance to both virus’s and bacteria. Modern research has much evidence that points to some health benefits for astragalus.

How Astragalus Work Upon this Disease

Type 2 Diabetes

Astragalus seems to be a decent food for diabetics. According to a study a sugar extracted from Astragalus known as polysaccharides decreased blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity, this herb also contain saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides all are effective in treating and regulating type 1 and 2 diabetes. Due to these anti-diabetic effects, it may show promise as a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

Decompose Cancer

It is widely used by Chinese to treat liver cancer. In one study, astragalus root was able to restore immune function in 90% of the cancer patients! Used it in the form of tea. Just prepare a mixture by boiling 4oz. of astragalus root in a quart of water. Drinking this mixture twice a day helps to reduce the size of a umor in liver.

Boost Immune System

Astragalus root prolong the life of cancer patients by boosting the immune system and inhibiting cancer growth. It found to increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It activate immune cells from a “resting” state into heightened activity.

Repair DNA Damage

Astragalus has gained popularity recently because it can protect our DNA by protecting telomeres from degradation and increase longevity. During the DNA replication process, telomeres keep the DNA together. Every time DNA replicates, the telomeres shorten a wee bit and eventually when they get small enough, the process of cell death begins and a process called “apoptosis.”. Research has linked this process of cell death to aging and cancer.

Anti-Aging

Astragalus is well-known for its anti-aging effect. Astragaluscan significantly help to reduce signs of aging and promote regrowth of tissue, eliminate free radicals. It works on the aging process by protecting the DNA cells called telomeres, from the degradation that occurs with the passing of time.

Sources:

–http://blog.healthkismet.com

–https://healthyfocus.org

–https://www.organicfacts.net

More from author:

Astragalus- Herb That Stops Aging, Decomposes Cancer, Repairs DNA & Fights Type 2 Diabetes

Newest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: An Ancient Herb

Contact it gotu kola, centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, brahmi, or spade leaf – an ancient healing plant is generating a comeback in the present day science of stopping skin aging.

Centella asiatica (frequently just called centella) is wealthy in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and several potent phytochemicals. Extracts have been discovered to calm irritation, pace wound healing, stimulate new cell development, construct collagen, and boost circulation.

Recently, thanks to a new round of analysis into gotu kola’s wound-healing and skin rejuvenation properties, this herb has been turning up in a host of new skin remedies.

Here’s what historical past and science tells us about why you may well want to read ingredient lists to locate anti-aging skin serums and creams containing gotu kola. (And right here are three far more anti-aging skin therapies to try.)

A Extended History of Skin Healing

Number of medicinal plants have as prolonged a background as centella asiatica there is proof it was employed even by prehistoric man. Recognized in Chinese medicine as gotu kola, it is listed amongst the “miracle elixirs of life” and pointed out in legends as the herb that helped a well-known sage reside previous 200.

Gotu kola, or centella asiatica, considered a potent skin healer for thousands of years, is turning up in new anti-aging skin care lines. (photo: Wiki media)

In India, centella has a host of names such as mandukparni, jalbrahmi, and just plain brahmi (not to be puzzled with bacopa monnieri, one more ayurvedic plant also known as brahmi). A centerpiece of Ayurvedic medicine for 1000′s of years, it is used to treat contaminated wounds, syphilis, eczema, psoriasis, lupus, and female disorders.

In England, the place it’s known by the lowly identify pennywort for it is coin-shaped leaves, it was one particular of the earliest remedies for leprosy. In France, centella was first recognized and accepted as a pharmaceutical agent in the 1800s for its use treating diarrhea, dysintery, and female troubles which includes infertility.

Taken internally, generally as a tea or other beverage, it is regarded an powerful treatment for fever, dysentery, hepatitis, and latest study exhibits it boosts memory and relieves depression and anxiety. In Thailand, centella is drunk as a cold beverage and considered a flip-back-the-clock well being tonic.

What the Science Displays

An overview in the Indian Journal of Medicine calls gotu kola a “potential herbal cure-all” while a investigation summary published in Phytomedicine, says: “Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations.”

Just lately, researchers delving into how gotu kola heals wounds have recognized specific plant chemical substances called triterpenoid saponins (more specifically asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madecassoside and madecassic or madasiatic acid) that have been shown to assist heal wounds by boosting antioxidants, increasing the blood supply to the region and strengthening the skin.

In a 2o12 examine, researchers utilized concentrate of centella asiatica to the skin of  rats with open wounds and located that the formulation inhibited bacterial development, fueled the development of new skin cells and improved skin “tensile strength” and resilience.

There’s also excellent proof that gotu kola helps restore veins. Current research shows that centella, not like some herbal extracts, is ready to penetrate the skin effectively ample to be utilized efficiently.

Scientists are experimenting with applying gotu kola to treat burns, prevent scars, treat psoriasis, and decrease stretch marks.

Newest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: An Ancient Herb

Mint: The Most Effectively Known Herb

Mint is really widespread. There is chocolate mint, mountain mint, Vietnamese mint and lemon mint. Then there are the well-known twins, peppermint and spearmint in all there are a total of about 500 mints!!

Mint is a single of the most well-liked and properly recognized flavors of the globe. It is an ingredient in several goods, soft drinks, cocktails, jellies, teas, ice lotions and candles amid a lot of others. Even so the mint that flavors many of these treats is Peppermint, the sweet mint.

When you go to the keep to buy a mint spice you will discover far more spearmint, the savory mint. Whether it is sweet or savory, all mint is a potent healer. Let’s start with the digestive tract and how mint assists.

Peppermint can help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive difficulty that strikes an estimated a single out of every single 7 Americans several of them are females.

IBS has a variety of signs such as stomach soreness, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. In 1 Italian examine 54 people with IBS took enteric coated peppermint oil for four weeks. Benefits showed that 75% of folks with the over signs had at least 50% reduction of these issues.

Researchers in Canada found that peppermint oil can aid clear up bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines, a suspected lead to of IBS. There are other digestive troubles the place peppermint can support with indigestion and spasmodic episodes.

Menthol a single of the compounds in peppermint aids clear up nasal congestion and other respiratory discomfort resulting in easier breathing. This compound also assists with nerve soreness, like following shingles and for headaches by rubbing the crucial oil on the temples. Nowadays it is utilised in many discomfort relieving products like Icy Scorching and Tiger Balm.

Peppermint and spearmint can also help with stress anxiety and work functionality by assisting you remain focused. Researchers in United kingdom identified that females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a condition with high testosterone ranges, drinking spearmint tea twice a day for one particular month decreased the levels of testosterone. For breastfeeding mothers utilizing a topical treatment of peppermint water on their nipples had been significantly less most likely to have cracking of nipples or nipple soreness.

Of program, mint oil kills bacteria of the gums and teeth. Of course, that’s why several chewing gum and mouthwashes have peppermint and spearmint flavoring.

A study also discovered that peppermint can reduce hot flashes induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer individuals.

Consider steam inhalation making use of peppermint or spearmint in boiling water and breathing in its steam for nasal congestion.

Spearmint and peppermint have been used in toiletries and cosmetics for centuries but mint truly was not utilized for meals until the 17^th century. Countries in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Southeast Asia use a great deal of mint in their meals each fresh and dried herbs, in each sweet and savory dishes.

In India, Raita, manufactured with mint, cucumber and yogurt is a well-known condiment it is a cooling contrast to sizzling curries!

Right here are a lot more ideas to put far more mint in your diet program:

-Freeze mint in ice cubes to put in iced tea and lemonade

-Grind mint and include to vinaigrette  salad dressing

-Include mint to cream based mostly soups and sauces

-Substitute mint for basil in your pesto

-Use mint rather of oregano or basil with eggplant or tomato dishes

Give these mints a try and you could have much better luck with the normal plant then in excess of the counter aids!

References:

Healing Spices by Bharat B. Aggarwal

www.americanherbalistsguild.com

www.horizonherbs.com

www.naturalnews.com

Mint: The Most Effectively Known Herb