Herbs and their uses
Many of the more than 5,000 medicinal plants are normal ingredients in the most popular Mexican dishes. Here there are some of the most important herbs that Mexican people use:
CILANTRO
Cilantro or coriander, is considered to strengthen the heart and work as a stomach tonic. The leaves of this plant show up in many Mexican soups, stews and sauces.
ROSEMARY
Fresh rosemary or romero is prepared as a vegetable dish to go along with fish or seafood meals.
EPAZOTE
An epazote leaf (chenopodium ambrosioides) is often added to tortilla dishes such as quesadillas for its flavor and anti-parasitical properties.
NOPALES
Fresh “nopales”, the thick leaf or paddle of the prickly pear cactus is known to be an effective control of blood sugar and cholesterol level.
Berro
Berro (watercress) leaves applied to the temples to ease headaches.
ALBAHACA
Albahaca oil is used to clear sinuses. It possesses the properties of anti-oxidant agents thus helps in flushing our all toxic material from the body, and it is the best remedy on morning cold and cough. This traditional herb is very effective in the treatment of asthma and diabetes.
THYME
Thyme (tomillo) has strong antiseptic properties and is known as an excellent digestive aid. One teaspoon of leaves in hot, not boiling, water is used to make an infusion of which the ailing person drinks a cup of two or three times a day.
Toronjil
Toronjil (a member of the mint family) provides both flowers and leaves for a delicious tea with a light lemon taste that is said to be good for an upset stomach and to cause a deep and peaceful sleep.
LAUREL
The fragrant foliage of a small tree called the Mexican Laurel (litsea glaucescens) makes a tea that is used to alleviate colic or used as a gargle for sore throats.
Arnica
Arnica, which has the same name in English, is one of Mexico's most versatile herbs. It is used in the form of a poultice or an infusion (soaked in alcohol) for wounds and bruises. For sores and other open wounds, an infusion of árnica is made with water. Tea from the flowers of this plant is used to cure colds, clear the lungs and combat fatigue.
MANZANILLA
Manzanilla (or Chamomile) tea is very popular in Mexico. It is favored for its delicate apple flavor and prescribed for almost every stomach discomfort, for stimulating the appetite and as an aid against sore throats and mouth infections
SÁVILA
The Mexican sávila (aloe vera) plant is now famous around the world for being a really good cure for skin disorders.