Did you know one of the most common herbs in your kitchen could be one of the most powerful for your family’s health? Basil isn’t just for spaghetti sauce—it’s packed with antioxidants, supports healthy digestion, and can even help calm stress. Plus, it’s super easy to grow on a sunny windowsill or in the backyard. 🌱 Here’s a quick family-friendly recipe that puts fresh basil to work: 🍅 Fresh Basil Pesto (Kid-Approved!) Ingredients: • 2 cups fresh basil leaves • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese • ½ cup olive oil • ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for budget-friendly) • 2 garlic cloves • Pinch of salt & pepper Instructions: 1. Add basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese to a blender or food processor. 2. Pulse until finely chopped. 3. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until smooth. 4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve it tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies. The kids won’t even realize they’re getting an antioxidant boost! 🙌 👉 Who else loves cooking with fresh herbs? Drop your favorite below!

CEYLON VERSUS CASSIA Cinnamon originates from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. The bark dries into curly segments called “quills” called cinnamon sticks. Ceylon cinnamon is available in various forms. Most cinnamon supplements on store shelves are the cassia variety. A person may have to call manufacturers to see if the cinnamon they’re getting is Ceylon. With ground cinnamon, it can be hard to tell what kind of cinnamon has been used. A fine spice supplier or upscale culinary store typically carries powdered Ceylon cinnamon. Besides powdered cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is available in capsules for oral use. Some people boil cinnamon sticks in water, add honey or lemon, and drink them as tea. Ceylon cinnamon is good for making “cinnamon water.” It doesn’t carry the toxicity risk of cassia cinnamon.

What are turmeric and curcumin? Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. ResearchTrusted Source has shown that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids. The most important one is curcumin, which is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties It has powerful anti-inflammatory effectsTrusted Source and is a very strong antioxidant. That said, the curcumin content of turmeric is only around 1-6% by weightTrusted Source. Most studies on this herb use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram (g) per day, which means it would be hard to reach these levels just by using turmeric as a spice. That’s why some people choose to use supplements. In addition, curcumin is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream. In order to experience the full effects of curcumin, its bioavailabilityTrusted Source (the rate at which your body absorbs a substance) needs to improve. It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine. Piperine is a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%Trusted Source. In fact, the best curcumin supplements contain piperine, and this makes them substantially more effective. Curcumin is also fat soluble, which means it breaks down and dissolves in fat or oil. That’s why it may be a good idea to take curcumin supplements with a meal that’s high in fat.

Greek Oregano: The Powerhouse Herb for Flavor and Health Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is a versatile herb celebrated for its bold flavor and numerous health benefits. A variety of the more common oregano, Greek oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and boasts a more robust flavor profile with a slightly peppery, earthy, and aromatic taste. Its leaves are smaller and more potent than other types of oregano, making it a prized ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Health Benefits of Greek Oregano Greek oregano isn’t just a flavor powerhouse; it’s also a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries for its health-promoting properties. Here are some key benefits: 1. Rich in Antioxidants: Greek oregano is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This can reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The essential oils in Greek oregano, especially carvacrol, have potent anti-inflammatory effects. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief for conditions like arthritis and digestive inflammation. 3. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Greek oregano has long been valued for its antimicrobial properties. The compounds in the herb have been shown to combat harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. As a natural disinfectant, oregano oil is often used in alternative medicine to help treat infections, colds, and respiratory conditions. 4. Digestive Health: Oregano is known to support digestion. It can help alleviate symptoms like bloating, indigestion, and heartburn by promoting the production of bile and stomach acids. Additionally, it has been used traditionally as a remedy for gas and constipation. 5. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Greek oregano is a source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as key minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support bone health, skin health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Lavender has many potential health benefits, including: - Aromatherapy - Pain relief - Skin health - Menstrual pain - Blood pressure - Antimicrobial and antiviral properties - Dental health - Culinary You can use lavender in many ways, including: - Aromatherapy: Inhale lavender essential oil  - Skin: Apply diluted lavender essential oil to the skin  - Baths: Add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being  - Foods and beverages: Add lavender to salads, baked goods, teas, or lemonade  The purest most affordable lavender oil with coupon here: https://www.livegood.com/essentialOils