Herbal Hows

One of the first modern drugs to be isolated from a plant was morphine from crude opium poppy which has by far been exploited for non-medicinal use. Similar techniques for isolating gave us aconitine from a plant monkshood and quinine from Peruvian bark. The breakthrough came in 1852 when salicin found in willow bark was artificially synthesized for the first time. Later,this drug was modified to be less harsh on the stomach and acetylsalicylic acid was launched as aspirin. This perhaps became the most fast moving drug on the pharmacy shelves,the same way as cheese and jam in grocery stores.

Agreed that herbs are natural,but that definitely does not mean they are safe. Every morsel we put in our mouth has the potential to interact with something else. Some drugs interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Similarly,some herbs and foods can lessen or increase the impact of a drug. People I meet or consult as first time patients take great pride while doing their dietary recall in their food journal,listing down the many natural therapies and self-imposed dietary rituals. The most common ones are honey lemon in hot water in the morning or juice of bottle gourd for a healthy heart,juiced karela for blood sugar control,scoops of aloe pulp,garlic pearls for lowering cholesterol etc. Such self-prescribed therapies based on hearsay can be dangerous when followed unsupervised. A lot of herbs and plant are gentle in their effects,such as chamomile,cinnamon,oats and plenty of others. But not every herb or plant should be consumed every day. On the contrary,some herbs are so potent; they should only be used under the supervision of qualified professionals. An interesting study on a plant called Rauwolfia serpentina commonly known as the Indian snakeroot comes to my mind speaking about the potency of plants. For centuries,the extract was used for curing a range of ailments including snakebites,anxiety,headaches,fevers and abdominal pains. Mahatma Gandhi used to drink snakeroot tea at night to cure any of these ailments. In the West,this root was valued for its tranquilizing effect and was used for curing high blood pressure. The drug made from this plant marketed as Serpasil and later as Resperine had unfortunate side affects like depression and slow beating of heart that it had to be taken off the counter and finally be banned.

Herb and plant extracts which are common and mild in their effect should also be taken in moderation. For example,a cup of lemongrass tea or cinnamon tea,or mint tea in the morning has a wonderful mood-lifting effect and should be taken on rotation. Juice or pulps of aloe and karela everyday could prove harmful if taken regularly. It is all about maintaining balance in the body. The Upanishads instruct: ‘From food are born all creatures,which live upon food and after death,return to food. Food is the chief of all things. It is therefore said to be the medicine of all diseases of the body.’

SEASONING BLEND
The herb mix can be used not only to flavour any dish but as an effective salt substitute as well.

Ingredients
1 tbsp mustard powder,2 tsp dried Savory,1 tbsp garlic powder,2 tsp dried Thyme,2 tbsp dried Parsley,2 tsp Paprika,2 tbsp dried Dill,2 tsp ground White Pepper,2 tbsp Onion Powder,1 tsp dried Lemon Peel,finely chopped

SAVORY STEAK RUB
1 tbsp dried Marjoram,2 tsp dried Thyme,1 tbsp dried Basil,1 tsp dried Rosemary,crushed,2 tsp Garlic Powder

3/4 tsp dried Oregano

Method:Combine all ingredients and store in a covered container. Rub over steaks before grilling or broiling.

BOUQUET GARNI
A bundle of herbs tied together with string is mainly used to prepare soup,stock,pulaos and stews. The bouquet is boiled with the other ingredients,but is removed prior to consumption. Parsley,Thyme and Bay Leaves form the foundation for bouquet garni. Add other dried herbs,such as Marjoram,Oregano,Parsley,Chives and any others that you enjoy,put through processor and chop coarse. Drop this bundle into food during cooking.

(The writer is a city-based food and diet consultant who can be contacted at dda.mehrotra@gmail.com)