Herb Glossary: Lavender to Oregano
Culinary Uses of Lemon Balm, Lovage, Mustard, Nutmeg and More
These plants have a myriad of medicinal, culinary and decorative uses, several of which are detailed here.
This glossary lists the Latin and common names of each herb and spice, many of which can be grown by the average home gardener.
Lavender - Lavandula spp. - this herb has edible flowers which can add a subtle, flowery flavor to baked goods. Lavender also makes a relaxing and soothing tea. The dried flower heads are added to dried flower arrangements and potpourri blends.
Lemon balm - Melissa officinalis - the leaves lend a delicate lemon flavor to baked goods and desserts. Lemon balm is also used to make a calming herbal tea.
Lemon basil - Ocimum x citriodorum - the leaves and flowers are used as a culinary herb, this is a favorite herb to add to desserts such as fruit salads and cookies.
Lemon grass - Cymbopogon citriodora - the dried leaves can be used in potpourri blends and in teas while the bulbous leaf bases are used in Asian style cooking. The leaf bases can be a bit tough, so they are usually crushed before being added to recipes. They are removed prior to serving.
Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra - the dried roots can be used medicinally to help sooth a sore throat. Licorice adds a naturally sweet taste to herbal teas. Anyone with high blood pressure should exercise caution when using this herb as it may worsen that condition.
Lovage - Levisticum officinale - the leaves and stems have a celery-like flavor. The stems, which are hollow, can be used as a natural straw.
Marshmallow - Althaea officinalis - edible leaves and flowers. Marshmallow root was at one time used to make authentic marshmallow lozenges which were used medicinally to help sooth a sore throat. The modern-day marshmallow candy is a mixture of sugar, cornstarch, water and gelatin and contains no marshmallow root.
Milk thistle - Silybum marianum - the spotted leave of milk thistle can be used as an ornamental plant in the garden. The spines on the leaves can be trimmed off so that it can used like spinach. The flowers can be cooked and eaten similar to artichokes. This herb is also used in alternative medicine as a liver cleansing herb.
Mustard - whole mustard seeds are used in pickling spice blends and in grainy-style mustards. Ground seeds are used to make fine mustard pastes.
- White mustard - Brassica alba
- Brown mustard - Brassica juncea
- Black mustard - Brassica nigra
Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus - edible flowers, leaves and seeds which also makes a wonderful ornamental plant. The Alaska variety have variegated foliage. The unopened flower buds can be pickled and used as a caper substitute.
Nutmeg/mace - Myristica fragrans - nutmeg and mace come from the same tree. Mace is the lacy aril covering the nut while the nutmeg is the seed kernel which is found after removing the mace and cracking open the shell. Nutmeg adds a delicate spicy flavor to sweet and savory dishes such as puddings, gravies and baked goods.
Orange mint - Mentha piperita ‘citrata’ - the leaves and flowers are used as a culinary and tea herb.
Oregano - Origanum vulgare - the leaves and flowers are used as a culinary herb.
