English

Noun

herbs

1. Plural of herb

A(n) herb ( or /ˈɝb/; see pronunciation differences) is a plant that is valued for qualities such as medicinal properties, flavor, scent, or the like.

Herbs have a variety of uses including culinary, medicinal, or in some cases even spiritual usage. The green, leafy part of the plant is often used, but herbal medicine also makes use of the roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, inner bark (cambium), berries and sometimes the pericarp or other portions. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. In medicinal or spiritual use any of the parts of the plant might be considered "herbs" .

Culinary use of the term "herb" is more restricted. Culinary use typically distinguishes between herbs, from the leafy green parts of a plant, and spices, from other parts of the plant, including seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, and even occasionally leaves. Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that like spices they are used in small amounts and provide flavor rather than substance to food.

Many plants contain phytochemicals that have effects on the body. Even when consumed in the small levels that typify culinary "spicing", there may be some effects, and some herbs are toxic in larger quantities. For instance, some types of herbal extract, such as the extract of St. John's-wort Hypericum perforatum or of kava (Piper methysticum) can be used for medical purposes to relieve depression and stress. However, large amounts of these herbs may lead to poisoning, and should be used with caution.

See also

• Herbaceous plant
• Pot herb
• Apothecary
• Herbalism
• Herb garden
• The Herb Society of America
• International Herb Association
• List of herbs and spices
• Remedy
• Prehistoric medicine

References

External links

• All about Organic Herb
• Guide to Herbal Medicine
• Research and Find Herbs
• The Herb Hunters Guide American Medicinal Plants Of Commercial Importance
• Guide to Growing Herbs
• How to Grow Herbs Information about planting, propagating and growing herbs