The art of cooking can be the art of herbal healing, too. Let’s look at some standard combinations of food and herbs in traditional English cooking.

• Roast beef and horseradish. Horseradish root (Cochlearia armoracia) has an antibiotic action which is recommended for respiratory and urinary infections. It is a strong stimulant for the system and has been used internally to clear the nasal passages and intestines. It is recommended for digestion, metabolism and kidney function. Sounds like it will help digest and assimilate the nutrients in roast beef while helping to eliminate the unwanted elements in it, too, doesn’t it? If that wasn’t enough, horseradish is rich in vitamins C,B1,sulphur and potassium. It also contains vitamins A, P, B-complex, some calcium, phosphorus, iron and sodium.
• Lamb and mint sauce. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) stimulates the salivary gland and relaxes the stomach while also encouraging peristaltic movement which aids both digestion and elimination.  It has is effective as a nerve stimulant and brings oxygen into the blood, which improves all cellular performance. Peppermint contains vitamins A and C. It also contains magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, copper, iodine, silicon, iron and sulphur.
• Parsley as a garnish to everything. Have you pushed aside that sprig of parsley decorating the corner of your plate in favor of the mashed potatoes or slice of ham sitting nearby? Well, you may feel differently when you read about the amazing properties of parsley. It is rich in iron, chlorophyll, and vitamins A and C. It is high in vitamin B and potassium. It is so nutritious that it increases resistance to infections and diseases. Parsley increases iron content in the blood. The roots or leaves are recommended  for liver and spleen problems and have a tonic effect on the urinary system.  It contains some sodium, copper, thiamine and riboflavin. It also contains some silicon, sulphur, calcium and cobalt. Mom was right when she told you to eat your parsley.

Adding herbs to foods on a daily basis will significantly improve your nutrition and wellness because of the constituents and actions of these wonderful gifts from nature. (Remember to always consult your professional health practitioner when considering the use of significant amounts of herbs for specific health reasons.)

Let’s look at the traditional turkey stuffing which contains parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. In Part 1 I discussed the amazing nutritional value of parsley. Let’s look at the other 3 herbs usually found in stuffing.

Sage: Useful for excessive nasal congestion and coughs. It is beneficial for mental exhaustion, improving memory and strengthening the ability to concentrate.  Sounds like it will help with the winter cold we often have at holiday time and may help us recover from the stupor of eating a huge meal! It contains vitamins A and C, vitamin B-complex, a lot of calcium and potassium.

Rosemary: It is a strong stimulant for the circulation and a tonic to the heart.  Being high in calcium, it’s a powerful remedy to strengthen the nervous system. It is very good for headaches caused by nerves. Sounds perfect for that holiday gathering that brings together all types of family members, some of whom we enjoy more than others. 

Thyme: This herb is a powerful antiseptic that helps with intestinal disturbances including worms in the belly (Culpeper). It is reputed to help with colic and gas, too. These are just some of its many uses.  It contains B-complex which supports us during stressful times, vitamins C and D.

The English call ‘stuffing’ by a different name. They call it ‘dressing’. Perhaps you do, too, if you have English ancestry. I think that is a more appropriate word as it truly is an adornment to the turkey and the meal. It is not just a filler, a tasty way to stretch the meat to go a little further. It contributes to the health of the meal as well as the flavor; a true adorning accompaniment that we may all appreciate just a little more now we know of its amazing properties. Here’s to your good health and happy eating!