[Biology Class Notes] on Herbs and Their Benefits Pdf for EXAM

Herbs are the plants with savoury or aromatic belongings whose leaves or seeds are used for medical purposes, flavouring and garnishing foods, or for fragrances; excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients. Herbs are plants containing a lot of uses which includes culinary, medicinal, and in some cases, spiritual. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Generally, herbs refer to the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant either dried or fresh., whereas spices are usually dried and produced from seeds, bark, roots and fruits. Generally, usage of the term “herb” differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs; in therapeutic or spiritual use.

Herbaceous Plants – What Are Herbaceous Plants

Herbaceous plants are the plants which can be defined as non-woody vascular stems. The stems reach their full height and produce flowers within one year, before dying back in the winter and then reappearing in the coming spring ready for a repeat performance. In winter, their above-ground growth dies back in the temperate zone, but they may still have underground plants parts like roots, bulbs, etc that survive. Herbaceous plants include grasses – like plants grouped as graminoids, forbes, and ferns. Graminoids are the plants with grass-like appearance, including the true grasses and rushes. Forbs are generally mentioned as herbaceous broad-leafed plants. Banana plants are considered as herbaceous plants because the stem does not contain woody tissue. Technically, every annual plant is herbaceous, because an annual is a non-woody plant.

Herbaceous Perennials

Herbaceous plants are the ones that have an annual, biennial, or perennial life cycle. Annuals take it a step forward and end up entirely at the end of their lone growing season, both above and below the ground. Herbaceous perennials and biennial plants may have stems that die at the end of their growing season but still may leave parts of the plants which survive from season to season. 

As we read from the above discussion that herbaceous plants reappear in the springtime. The term ‘perennial’ essentially means that the plant will live for more than two years.

Types of Herbs

There are 27 types of herbs, a mega list as following:

1. Parsley(scientific name: Petroselinum Crispum)

2. Mint(scientific name: Mentha)

3. Dill(scientific name: Anethum Graveolens)

4. Basil(scientific name: Ocimum Basilicum)

5. Sage(scientific name: Salvia Officinalis)

6. Rosemary(scientific name: Rosmarinus Officinalis)

7. Thyme(scientific name: Thymus Vulgaris)

8. Cilantro/coriander(scientific name: Coriandrum Sativum)

9. Fennel(scientific name: Foeniculum Vulgare)

10. Chamomile(scientific name: Matricaria Chamomilla)

11. Tarragon(scientific name: Artemisia Dracunculus)

12. Lavender(scientific name: Lavandula)

13. Chives(scientific name: Allium Schoenoprasum)

14. Bay leaves(scientific name: Laurus Nobilis)

15. Culantro(scientific name: Eryngium Foetidum)

16. Chervil(scientific name: Anthriscus Cerefolium)

17. Winter savory(scientific name: Satureja Montana)

18. Peppermint(scientific name: Mentha * Piperita)

19. Stevia(scientific name: Stevia Rebaudiana)

20. Lemongrass(scientific name: Cymbopogon)

21. Oregano(scientific name: Origanum Vulgare)

22. Marjoram(scientific name: Origanum Majorana)

23. Lemon balm(scientific name: Melissa Officinalis)

24. Myrtle(scientific name: Myrtus)

25. Lemon verbena(scientific name: Aloysia Citrodora)

26. Cicely(scientific name: Myrrhis Odorata)

27. Spearmint(scientific name: Mentha Spicata)

So, these were the types of herbs.

Herbs Benefits List

1. Cinnamon lowers the blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect.

2. Sage can improve the functioning of the brain and memory.

3. Peppermint helps in relieving IBS pain and may reduce nausea.

4. Turmeric contains Curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Holy basil helps in fighting infections and boosts immunity.

6. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which helps in reducing appetite and has anti-cancer properties.  

7. Ginger helps in treating nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Fenugreek improves blood sugar control.

9. Rosemary helps in preventing allergies and nasal congestion.

10. Garlic combats sickness and improves heart health.

Solved Examples

Question 1: List a few herbaceous plants examples.

Answer: Few herbaceous plants examples are:

• Columbine

• Montauk daisies

• Larkspur

• Hardy mums

• Peonies

• Salvia

• Garden phlox

• Mayapple

• Leopard plant

Fun Facts

• Ants get confused by peppermint as it is highly aromatic. 

• Catnips are not just for the cat. Pesky insects hate beautiful herbal bouquets. 

• Basil has had ritual uses since ancient times. 

• It’s said that Marjoram can fight off the devils. 

• Oregano is a powerful substance in folklore. 

• Rosemary is best for strong memory and energy. 

• Many people miss out on the best part of garlic. 

• Allspice is not a combination of all spices; it is a dry berry.