Cebu City - Herbs for many if not exposed to it may seem too odd for their liking, for some it may so fancy for their taste bud. We may not know it, but we may have tasted these fancy tastes in our daily routines.

The cooling effect of toothpaste is due to the menthol brought by mint leaves which is a common ingredient in toothpaste. Bay leaves or locally known as laurel is a kind of herb which is used for humba, paksiw or other stews. The common flavoring is garlic which is a kind of herb which we always use in all kinds of dishes.

Another example is lemon grass or locally called tanglad. This is a kind of herb which gives stews like tinola and tinuwa that extra kick of flavor. It is also used for stuffing in roasted meats like chicken and pig. Fresh ginger is classified as herb which is used for the extra kick of spice in stews, in sauces, and sometimes consumed raw or for tea.

Herbs does not need to be fancy as rosemary, saffron or thyme. What is important in these ingredients are its health benefits that when used together it gives the body that extra relief. Some herbs are noted to have potential health benefits, such as those with anti-inflammatory properties, cognitive boosters, and some may even aid in fighting cancer, help in the prevention and management of heart disease, and diabetes. It’s touted anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties may assist in the prevention of blood clots. While there is little to no scientific evidence that they directly cure serious diseases, research increasingly shows that many herbs possess certain properties that may help mitigate symptoms. // NO I Christine April M. Lopez, RND