Herbs are mainly defined as plants that are not used solely as ornaments or vegetables. Herbs usage ranges from medicinal, cosmetic, landscaping, industrial, culinary, fragrance, to decorative purposes (Norman, 72).
According to Norman, herbs include comestible florets such as nasturtiums, trees as bay or linden, vegetables such as garlic, decorative flowers like roses, oilseed shrubs, plants such as chrysanthemums, and many others (pg. 29). However, the article includes so many categories of herbs and spices making it too broad. It further outlines the process of processing herbs into products such as essential oils, dissolved powders, roots, barks, oleoresins, condiments, cosmetic products, seasoning products, heath foods, and naturally occurring concoctions such as resins and oil.
The competition in production and marketing of herbs has grown so intense. An article by the Government of Saskatchewan indicates that producers range from gigantic organizations to hobbyists and small-scale entrepreneurs (pg. 01). However, the market is still expanding and, therefore, there is an opportunity for those who wish to venture into the business to come in and equally thrive. The Government of Saskatchewan’s study indicates that the world market is extremely unpredictable with herb prices ranging from $ 1 -$ 100. More farmers have been attracted into the herb business due to the increased economic and social importance of herbs. The author identifies the U.S as a region where the production of herbs is continually increasing. The increase in production will help to stabilize world market prices for herbs and related products. Notably, the Government of Saskatchewan article contradicts Norman’s writings by indicating that the emergence of technology and civilization will adversely affect the existence of herbs while Norman believes that technology will help in the production of better herbs and related products.
Christine M. Kaefer and John A. Milner composed a peer reviewed journal, “The Roles of Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention,” to show the medicinal effects associated with uptake of herbs and spices. The authors highlight the epidemiological evidence that reveals the anticancer characteristics enabled by herbs and spices. In my opinion, the journal is controversial at some point where it specifies that herbs and spices are minor dietary constituents. They journal fails to address the actual exposures that result from herbs and spices to prevent cancer in human beings. At the same time, the authors successfully describe the strengths in the anti-microbial, anti-tumorigenic and antioxidant features developed after the use of herbs and spices (Kaefer, and Milner, 01). The article explains the intervention strategies that clearly explain the benefits developed by herbs and spices to prevent the development of cancer.
The article, “the surprising health benefit of common herbs and spices” by Patrick Allan indicates the unexpected benefits that arise from the intake of health and spices. In most instances, individuals take herbs and spices with the intention of adding a complex flavor to their meals but in the process, a plethora of health benefits develops in the human body (Patrick, 01). The author tackles the subject in a clear and distinctive manner highlighting that health and spices protects the body from the deadliest chronic infections including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The article is well developed as it goes further to indicate the specific herbs and spices and the benefits that they introduce. In my opinion, this article is well composed and professional aligned to point out and explain the unanticipated health benefits associated with intake of health and spices.
Works Cited
Government of Saskatchewan. "Herbs - Agriculture -." Agriculture -. N.p., 2009. Web. 7 May 2014. Retrieved from http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=b1d5ac77-718e-45d1-9aec-ccc6d293e4a1
Kaefer, C M., and J. A. Milner. "The role of herbs and spices in cancer prevention." Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2008): n. pag. Web. <10.1016/j.jnutbio.2007.11.003>.
Norman, Jill. Herbs & Spices. New York: DK Pub, 2002. Print.
Patrick Allan. "The Surprising Health Benefits of Common Herbs and Spices." N.p., 5 June 2014. Web. 5 June 2014. <http://lifehacker.com/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-common-herbs-and-spic-1571727455>.
