Naturally, spices and herbs are present in Sabinea Blend's seasoning and herbal blends.
But, what are these herbs really? And do they actually help with wellness? Are they safe for consumption?
These might just be some of the questions our customers ask themselves when they first see what kinds of products we produce. At Sabinea Blends, promoting accessible wellness means educating our customers on their options and the ones we provide.
What are Herbs?
The word "herb" refers to any green or leafy component of a plant used for seasoning and flavoring a recipe but not utilized as the main ingredient. What exactly does this mean?
Here's an example: Spinach is a green component, but it's classified as a vegetable and not a herb because it is eaten as a meal rather than added as a seasoning for another dish.
So, herbs are actually plants that have a strong scent or aroma. They can flavor food, make perfumes, and create natural medicines. For example, basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and dill are all herbs. It's worth noting that the herb in each of these cases is the green or leafy part of a plant.
Do Herbs Help with Wellness?
Herbs have been utilized for medicinal purposes since ancient times, primarily in teas and tinctures. Their nutritional value as a culinary ingredient has just lately been discovered. Herbs, for example, provide food with a pop of flavor, allowing you to reduce salt without reducing taste. Besides that, several herbs, such as parsley, contain significant amounts of the essential vitamins A, C, and K.
But the true strength of herbs lies in their wealth of protective polyphenols — plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Many studies show that polyphenols in herbs help combat cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and more. Polyphenols are anti-microbial, so they can help protect us from harmful bacteria as well. Although many of the studies on herbs' effects have used concentrated solutions of the leaves' active components, there is evidence that their advantages still apply when they
are cooked and taken as part of a regular meal, too.
Are they Safe to Eat?
Although taking herbs has become a popular way to relieve various medical symptoms, including pain. If you consider adding herbal tea to your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Herbal plants can interact with other medications you may be taking and cause side effects you might not expect.
Being cautious when adding herbs to your diet is essential as the accessible formulations are not controlled or researched in the same way that prescription drugs are. Although there have been studies done to evaluate the claimed benefits of some herbs, most remain unproven. Allergies, liver and heart effects, and blood-thinning are all possible side effects, which can be mild or severe. Furthermore, many contemporary formulations contain multiple ingredients, which increases the risk of side effects or interactions. Combining herbal therapy with prescription pharmaceuticals increases the risk of interactions and adverse effects. Finally, the amount of herbs needed to achieve the desired effect is mainly unknown.
That's why it's crucial to speak to a healthcare provider or do your own research before adding specific herbs to your diet. There are many online resources available for this purpose.
At Sabinea, we offer several herbal teas and seasonal blends that infuse multiple herbs to promote different effects, such as calming your mood or energizing yourself for the day. Treat yourself to a blended herb mix that brings the flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen.