‘American herb’ is a term that broadly refers to any plant either wholly or in part, native to the American continent, which has been reported to have culinary or medicinal value. History has revealed, how, many of the innumerable herbs that are found across America offer a wide range of favourable benefits to the human race.
Benefits of American herbs
As a culinary ingredient, a herb may be able to stimulate better flavour and sensory characteristics to a dish. As a therapeutic agent, apart from being used to cure minor ailments herbs may help to prevent disease, treat certain conditions and promote better health. Based on the geographical divide herbal medicine in the American Continent may be categorised into North American Herbal Medicine and South and Central American Herbal Medicine.
North American Herbal Medicine
The varying climates and habitats of North America support many indigenous medicinal herbs. Some of the well-known herbs along with their uses are-
- Black cohosh root or the black snake root that contains isoflavones which mimic hormonal activity. It is primarily a woman’s herb because it is useful in hot flashes, vaginal dryness and depression associated with menopause. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve arthritic pains.
- Echinacea boasts of phytochemicals that increase immunity. It has proved to be most effective when taken at the first onset of cold, sinus, yeast infection, gum inflammation etc.
- Ginseng is one of the best known herbs known for its adaptogenic and restorative functions. It helps to balance blood pressure, helps to improve memory, stabilise mood, eliminate chronic fatigue and eradicate stress.
- Hawthorn berry or Mayflower has been used as valuable herbal tonic for the heart since centuries. It regularises heart rate and helps in treating Angina and Reynaud’s disease as well. Hawthorn is also effective in insomnia and as a digestive aid.
- Saw Palmetto is thought to be even more effective than certain drugs used in the treatment of BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It has proven to act faster with lesser known side effects. Saw palmetto berries have a toning and soothing influence on mucous membranes throughout the body. Coupled with its expectorant property, this becomes a useful remedy for colds and cough.
Central and South American Herbal Medicine
With the rich and diverse flora distinctive to this region, it is little wonder that some of the better known herbal medicines originate from these parts such as-
- Acai Berry - The juice and berries of acai are an important food for the indigenous populations of Brazil and prove to be a good source of energizing antioxidant nutrients. They act as a tonic to build up stamina.
- Cat’s claw or Una de gato in Brazil, Peru and other parts of Amazon, where the root and stem is harvested for use. Its bark is traditionally used for treatment of stomach ulcers and arthritis. Alkaloids present in the bark stimulate the immune system. As a result it is used as an adjunct in cancer and AIDS therapies.
- Stevia or sweet leaf is a very popular natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar by diabetics and weight-watchers. Studies show how the active phytochemical may help lower blood glucose levels. As Stevia does not crystallize or caramelize like sugar, it can be used in the Kitchen for the process of baking. It is also used to sweeten beverages like tea and coffee instead of artificial sweetners.
