lifestyle

Italian Herbs Are For More Than Just Cooking

Published on July 31, 2019


Even though it’s not always apparent, sometimes the things we use every day help us more than we know. Take your spice rack, for example. Your seasonings do so much more than add flavor and zest to your food. Italian staples like Rosemary, Oregano, and Olive not only make your food taste incredible, but also have many traditional uses. For generations, people have passed down stories, folklore, and recipes with these herbs.

Rosemary

For thousands of years, people from many backgrounds from poets to physicians have admired and celebrated this perennial herb. Native to the Mediterranean near modern Greece, the name Rosemary derives from the Latin for “dew” (ros) and “sea” (marinus). Appropriately named, it can survive with just the sea mist and ambient humidity in its native range. Rosemary has many culinary uses and was often used as a preservative for meat prior to refrigeration. Loaded with antioxidants, Rosemary supports healthy digestion, liver health, and cognitive health.* It also supports a healthy response to daily stress.*

Loaded with antioxidants, Rosemary supports healthy digestion, liver health, and cognitive health.* It also supports a healthy response to daily stress.*

Looking for a way to add Rosemary to your wellness routine? Try these great Gaia Herbs supplements that contain Rosemary.

Turmeric Supreme® Pain

Turmeric Supreme Pain combines Turmeric, Rosemary, Ginger, and Black Pepper to support the relief of occasional physical aches and pains for times when you overdo it.*

Agile Mind®

Agile Mind supports healthy brain function and helps maintain healthy recall.* Containing a synergistic formula of Rosemary, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola and Bacopa, this blend provides adaptogenic support to help your mind stay sharp.*

Emotional Balance™

Emotional Balance™ features Rosemary, Passionflower, St. John’s Wort, all herbs that are traditionally used to help the body cope with daily stress and support a balanced mood.* This award-winning formula can also help maintain emotional well-being.*

Olive

The Olive tree was a sacred symbol of the goddess Athena, who was revered for her wisdom and compassion. For over 3,000 years, Olive was used by Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians as a source of food and well-being support, and referenced it in their writings as a symbol of peace, purity, and goodness.* Egyptians also used Olive oil in the mummification process for both practical and spiritual purposes. To the ancient Greeks, Olive was considered a symbol of life.

Olive leaf and extra virgin Olive oil have been used to support heart health.* The leaf was also traditionally used to support healthy glycemic, cardiovascular and immune health.*

Looking for easy ways to add more Olive into your regime? Gaia Herbs offers several herbal supplements featuring Olive leaf. 

Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf is a revered herb with antioxidant properties that is traditionally taken to maintain immune defenses. It also helps to support overall well-being.*

Olive Leaf, Certified Organic

Olive Leaf, Certified Organic is a USDA Certified Organic herbal liquid extract of the plant. It also offers antioxidant benefits and supports the body's immune defenses.*

Oregano

Native to the Mediterranean and Eurasian areas, Oregano was cultivated in Egypt for over 3,000 years, and has only been grown in Europe since the 13th century. 1 The name Oregano is derived from Greek, meaning "mountain of joy" or “joy of the mountains.” Similar to Rosemary, Oregano is a perennial herb in the mint family, which was also used to preserve meat in ancient times.

High in antioxidant activity, Oregano has many volatile oils that help support overall well-being.* It contains key constituents that function synergistically to help you stay feeling your best.*

Interested in using Oregano out of the kitchen? The following Gaia Herbs supplements may help.

Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano provides antioxidant support and is traditionally used to sustain overall well-being.* It helps maintain immune defenses to help you stay healthy.*

Oregano Leaf, Certified Organic

Oregano Leaf, Certified Organic is traditionally used to support immune health so you can keep on keeping on with your day.* This Certified Organic liquid extract also provides antioxidant support.

Sinus Comfort Tea

Sinus Comfort Tea is a comforting herbal brew made with herbs traditionally used for sinus support to help you stay feeling well.* The aroma of Rosemary leaf and Sage greet you upon the first sip, followed by Oregano, Thyme, Cinnamon and Ginger.

Easy Recipes with Rosemary, Oregano, and Olive

With strong aromas and delicious flavors, we love using these herbs in cooking. Try these recipes to add these herbs into your life.

Rosemary-Infused Olive Oil Recipe- by Epicurious

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1/2 cup

Herb-infused Olive oil is a wonderful addition to salads, as a drizzle over pasta, or as a dip for bread.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 fresh Rosemary sprigs (each 5 inches long)

Preparation:

  • In small saucepan, combine Olive oil and Rosemary.
  • Cook over low heat until a thermometer reaches 180 F, about five minutes.
  • Remove and let cool to room temperature
  • Transfer the sprigs to a bottle, then add the oil.
  • Seal and refrigerate up to one month.

Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary and Oregano Recipe- by Fine Cooking

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

These potatoes are the perfect side dish for so many delicious meals!

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 lb. baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 large sprigs fresh Oregano
  • 2 large sprigs fresh Rosemary
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

  • Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.
  • On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes with the Garlic, Oregano, Rosemary, Olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper, and spread them out on the baking sheet so they’re evenly spaced.
  • Roast, tossing halfway through, until the potatoes are deep golden brown and tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly and season to taste with more salt and pepper before serving.
References:
[1] Oregano and Marjoram An Herb Society of America Guide to the Genus Origanum. The Herb Society of America. https://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/b30630e2-d0a9-4632-a7da-14af53a07a67