Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
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Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Chopped cabbage & yellow squash tossed with chopped rosemary and avocado oil for roasting

Use Fresh Herbs in Your Daily Food

Fresh herbs are some of the most underrated and under-utilized natural food flavorings! They are a powerhouse of nutrition, and no matter what, all fresh herbs provide us with some kind of phytonutrient health benefit. Most of us remember to eat more vegetables when trying to promote health, but we forget to increase our intake of herbs. Keep reading below to find out why you should be eating more of these flavor boosters and how to include more of them into your daily eats.

HERB
BENEFITS
USES
Basil Basil is a natural adaptogenic that helps improve our stress response, helps reduce inflammation and pain related to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and fights off disease.
  • Use it to make a healthier salad dressing
  • Add more flavor to your traditional chicken soup recipe by stirring in fresh chopped basil
Chamomile      Chamomile improves skin health and clarity, promotes healthy digestion and reduces nausea, helps with sleep, and reduces inflammation
  • Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in a covered mug for 4-5 minutes; the process of covering the tea traps in volatile oils makes this tea a medicinal dose of herbs
  • Add to a smoothie: Combine 1 cup chilled chamomile herb tea, 1 cup frozen strawberries, ½ cup frozen mango, ½ banana and 1 small piece of ginger. Blend and enjoy!
Parsley Parsley helps the body naturally rid itself of toxins, aids digestion by helping to fight gas buildup in the intestines, and supports healthy thyroid function
  • Season roasted cauliflower with fresh chopped parsley and Himalayan sea salt
  • Add a handful to your favorite green juice recipe to boost detox benefits
Peppermint Peppermint helps fight off fever and nausea, aids colic, is a natural anti-diarrheal, and improves headaches
  • Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in a covered mug for 4-5 minutes; the process of covering the tea traps in volatile oils makes this tea a medicinal dose of herbs
  • Combine fresh chopped mint leaves, orange sections and raw fennel over greens for a quick and refreshing salad
Rosemary Rosemary improves memory function and supports a healthy brain, supports oral hygiene, and freshens breath
  • Toss cubed sweet potato and chopped cabbage in olive oil and fresh rosemary; roast in the oven until tender
  • Sprinkle avocado toast with fresh rosemary and a squeeze of lemon
Cilantro Cilantro is a natural appetite stimulant, fights indigestion, helps with bad breath, and is a natural chelator of heavy metals
  • Consume raw vs. cooked for more medicinal benefits: chop and sprinkle atop your favorite guacamole recipe
  • Switch up your pesto by using fresh cilantro instead of basil; add to a food processor with walnuts, minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon; and blend with olive oil to desired consistency and serve over zucchini noodles
Oregano Oregano is a potent antioxidant; helps fight off parasites, bacteria and yeast overgrowth; and stimulates the immune system
  • Make your own tomato sauce instead of buying it! Add fresh or dried oregano to freshly chopped tomatoes and saute with garlic, olive oil and chopped onion until cooked down to a chunky sauce
  • Add oregano to ground turkey or lamb for greek-inspired meatballs
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Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs
Food As Medicine: Increasing the Culinary Use of Herbs

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted