Greetings
With the cost of living again increasing, I, like many of you, cook more meals at home these days. I LOVE going out with friends and supporting the wonderful local eateries that Grand Rapids has to offer, but it’s just not in my budget on a regular basis anymore.
One way I’ve found to combat the doldrums of cooking for myself – and eating limited food choices (since I live alone, there are lots of leftovers), is to use varied herbs and spices in the cooking process, and at the table for sprinkling.
Moondrop Herbals carries its own line of cooking blends that can be packaged in appropriate glass bottles, or by the ounce to save you money and reduce the environmental footprint.
House Spice Blends
Single Herbs & Spices
I’ve put together the following table of health benefits and pairing ideas for a few common herbs and spices available for sale at Moondrop Herbals. I’ve also categorized them by plant part.
Tues – Thurs: noon – 6p | Fri: 11a – 5p | Sat – Sun: 11a – 4p | Mon: closed
SEEDS
Cardamom | Digestive support, gastric tonic
Foods: Fruits, baked goods, ice cream, beef, chicken, lentils, rice, squash, stews. With citrus, cumin, curries, ginger, honey. Used in Asian, Indian, Indonesian, North African, and Scandinavian dishes.
Celery Seed | Inflammatory arthritis, kidney tonic, anti-inflammatory
Foods: Meats, breads, shellfish, potatoes, stews, dressings. With allspice, rosemary, coriander, savory herbs. Used in Cajun, German, Italian, and Russian dishes.
Coriander | Rheumatic disorders, indigestion, calming
Foods: All purpose spice that can be used in many types of herb/spice blends, and on most foods. Used in Indian, Latin American, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, North African, North American, Southwestern, and Vietnamese dishes.
Cumin | Cardiovascular, cholesterol, diabetes, digestive support, gastric tonic
Foods: Fruits, legumes including chickpeas and lentils, meats including fish and shellfish, eggs, breads, and eggplant. Found in curry and chili blends. Used in Indian, Indonesian, Mexican, Moroccan, Spanish, Tex-Mex, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
Fennel | Digestive Support, gastric tonic, anti-inflammatory
Foods: Key ingredient in many Italian seasonings. Soups, stews, braised meats, Italian sausage. Used in Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian dishes.
Mustard | Cardiovascular, cholesterol, gastric tonic, inflammatory arthritis, immune support, inflammation, memory, respiratory tonic.
Flavor affinities: Mustard + Curry Leaves + Cumin | Mustard + Garlic + Shallots + vinegar. Used in French, German, Indian, Irish, Italian, Mediterranean, and Scandinavian dishes.
ROOTS, RHYZOMES, BULBS
Garlic | Cardiovascular health, cholesterol, diabetes, immune support, anti-inflammatory, respiratory support
Foods: Used in Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Korean, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
Ginger | Cardiovascular health, digestive support, immune support, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, respiratory support. May help with cholesterol levels, diabetes, and pain relief.
Foods: Ginger’s heat hits at the back of the tongue and throat, rather than the front of the tongue, like capsicum. I tolerate ginger’s heat better than I do strong capsicum heat and will often substitute it in recipes that call for cayenne or jalapeno. It is lovely in cranberry and watermelon salsas! Used in Asian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, North African, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
Turmeric | Anxiety, cardiovascular, health, digestive support, immune support, neuro-protective, skin health and healing, anti-inflammatory. May help with cholesterol levels, hypertension, joint disease, and diabetes.
Foods: Use fresh when available. Try with eggs, fish, lentils, rice, creamy sauces, soups, stews, and root veggies. Used in Asian, Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, North African, and Thai dishes.
LEAVES & STEMS
Marjoram | Digestive support, stress management, anxiety, antiseptic
Foods: Most meets, most veggies – especially artichokes, beans, and root veggie including potatoes. Flavor affinity: Marjoram + Chicken or Fish + Lemon. Used in French, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, North African, and North American dishes.
Peppermint | Uplifting, digestive support, respiratory health, stress management, anti-inflammatory, nausea, and hot flashes.
Foods: Dried – beef, bold-flavored foods, feta cheese, cucumbers, chicken. Fresh – berries, chocolate, ice cream, strawberries. Used in Mediterranean dishes.
Parsley | Kidney tonic, oral health, deodorant, liver support. May help with hypertension and inflammatory arthritis pain.
Foods: All purpose herb, blends easily into herb mixtures for proteins, veggies, and starches. Use chopped, fresh to make tabouli salad, try mixing in to a tossed salad. Used in French, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, and Spanish dishes.
Rosemary | Uplifting, neuro-protective, cardiovascular support, respiratory support, cognitive support. May help with hot flashes and depression.
Foods: Powdered, dried rosemary and celery seed makes a tasty all-purpose blend that stands alone, or can be added to other herbs and spices . Flavor affinities: Rosemary + Fish + Garlic | Rosemary +Parmesan + Polenta | Rosemary + Garlic + Potatoes (use fresh or dried, depending on preference). Used in French, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes.
Sage | Oral health, respiratory health. May help with inflammatory arthritis management and hot flashes.
Foods: Tea for hot flashes. Mushrooms, meat, veggies, starches. White bean dip. Flavor affinities: Sage + Marjoram +Thyme | Sage + Pasta + Walnuts. Used in European, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, North American, and Spanish dishes.
Thyme | Respiratory health, oral health, antimicrobial defense.
Flavor affinities: Thyme + Goat Cheese + Olive Oil | Thyme + Savory flavors. Used in French, Greek, Italian, Jamaican, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Spanish dishes.
FLOWERS
Calendula (petals) | Digestive tonic, kidney tonic, oral health, skin health and healing, anti-inflammatory
Foods: Petals only. Fresh in salads, rice dishes, baked goods. Dried in tea, soups, stews.
Clove Bud | Oral health, pain relief, indigestion, stress management, anti-fungal.
Stir-fry, desserts, baked goods. Blends with Szechuan pepper, spicy and savory herbs/spices. Used in Chinese, English, German, Indian, Mexican, and Sri Lankan dishes.
Lavender | Uplifting, relaxing, skin health, neuro-protective, May help with hot flashes, memory, and depression.
Foods: Baked goods, lemonade, chicken, beef, pork, potatoes, ice cream, ricotta cheese. Used in mainly in French dishes. Use sparingly or it can overpower a dish.
FRUITS
Allspice | Digestive support, Antispasmodic
Foods: Apples, baked goods, root veggies, beef, chicken, mushrooms, breads, chickpeas, fish, broths, grains, with garlic, ginger, black pepper. Used in Eastern Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.
Black Peppercorn | Digestive tonic, nutrient absorption, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant.
Foods: Basically, it goes with everything, and is used the world over!
Capsicum | Cardiovascular support, digestive support, immune support, anti-inflammatory, respiratory health, satiety (feeling of having had enough to eat).
Foods: Chocolate, fish, shellfish, proteins, rice, sauces. With savory herbs. Used in Cajun, Mexican, Southwest, Indian, and Italian dishes.
Adjust Your Heat: Ancho & Paprika = mild | Chipotle = Med/Hot | Cayenne = Hot | Bird’s Eye = Crazy Hot
Star Anise | Digestive Support, anti-inflammatory, immune support, pain relief.
Foods: Baked goods, chocolate, pineapple, beef, chicken, pork, fish, broth, stocks, sauces. With citrus peels, baking spices, cumin, ginger. Used in Chinese and Indian dishes.
Sumac Berries | Astringent, toning, immune support, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
Foods: Sumac-ade (make same as lemonade). Grilled meats, esp. chicken, fish, seafood, beets, eggplant, chickpeas, hummus. With spicy and baking spices. Used in Lebonese, Middle Eatern, Moroccan, and Turkish dishes.
BARK
Cinnamon | Cardiovascular support, immune support, circulatory stimulant, pain relief.
Foods: Fruits, baked goods, chocolate, warm drinks, yogurt, ice cream, desserts.. Ingredient in mole, garam masala, and Chinese five spice blends. Used in Asian, Indian, Indonesian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, South American, and Spanish dishes.
Reference Sources
*Spice Apothecary by Bevin Clare
Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine by Brigitte Mars
The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
Hebalpedia digital media
Please Note
The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and does not indicate a suggested treatment or prescription for any ailment, condition, or desired outcome. Please arm yourself with quality information found in texts written by noted professionals in Herbal Medicine. For serious medical conditions, please consult a qualified health professional.
Tues – Thurs: noon – 6p | Fri: 11a – 5p | Sat – Sun: 11a – 4p | Mon: closed
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Parking & Bus Stop Information
Limited Parking | Access our parking lot from the west side of building (by Vitos Pizza) and drive around back. This is a shared space for three businesses so please park neatly and don’t leave your car in the lot for extended times.
Loading Zone | Use flashers and park in the Loading Zone in front of Clear Skies Eyecare for quick stops.
Handicap Access | Front entrance has steps leading to the door. There is one handicap parking spot in the private lot behind the building (see above). It’s helpful if you call prior to visiting so I know to be ready for your arrival. Once you arrive and are parked, call or text the store: 616 735 1285 and I will let you in the through the rear service entrance.
Street Parking | Eastbound side of Fulton in front of my building is metered | Westbound side is FREE parking.
Metered Parking | Enforced M-F 8a- 7p | $2.00/hour | Pay by coin, card, app, or phone call.
Public Lot | Fulton and Straight which is just a few blocks west of Moondrop Herbals.
Laker Line | Moondrop Herbals is in between the Straight Street stop and Pew Campus stop on the South side of Fulton Street.