7 Healing Herbs You Need In Your Kitchen (But Haven't Heard Of Yet)

This powerful herb is derived from the Indian gooseberry and has long been used and loved for its healing abilities — its Sanskrit name actually translates to concepts like "mother" and "immortality," so that should tell you something!

One reason we love amla is its super-high vitamin C content, which will help boost immunity during the winter season and keep your skin hydrated. It also eases inflammation in the body, encourages healthy digestion, and strengthens the hair. You can add a bit of amla powder to sweet and savory recipes to reap its benefits — everything from coffee to oatmeal. We love to put it in dressings in our Organic Meal Delivery program!

This herb is an adaptogen that helps deal with anxiety, stress, and poor sleep. It can also boost male and female sexual response. I'll typically mix a teaspoon of it into my warm almond milk twice a day.

Yarrow promotes restful sleep, so I'll make sachets for my sister who has issues sleeping to put in her pillow at night. The herb also eases menstrual cramps, so I make it into a tea for my niece who has always dealt with a painful menstrual cycle. And it's a wonderful thing to have around during cold and flu season because of its immune-boosting properties — I'll often bundle up on the couch with a cup of yarrow tea and inhale the steam to clear my congestion.

Most people have enjoyed marshmallows at least a few times in their lives — whether roasted over an open flame to make s’mores or placed atop a hot mug of cocoa. While these treats are considered guilty pleasures, marshmallow root — the plant that was once used to make marshmallow candies — is actually really healthy.

It has a long history in traditional medicine and it was supposedly used to treat coughs, sore throats, and congestion as far back as 2,000 years ago. The fibrous extracts from the plant swell up in the body and form a soft, slippery substance that can help break up mucus, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria naturally.

For respiratory issues like a sore throat, cough, or cold, I recommend 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered marshmallow taken several times a day in at least 8 ounces of water. And to soothe chapped, dry, or damaged skin, apply a skin ointment or balm containing marshmallow root directly to the affected area.

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, inhibits the body's production of NF-Kappa B — a potent inflammatory protein.

I use the fennel bulb as a vegetable, but the fennel leaves are actually a great herb to cook with as well. Fresh fennel leaves are lovely in Italian, Greek, and French dishes, especially when sprinkled over fish. Fennel is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and nitrates to improve blood vessel function.