Medicinal herbs in winter | Recipe: Parsley spread with chamomile flowers

When the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, it's time to support our health with the power of nature. Medicinal herbs such as thyme, sage or fennel are real treasures in the winter months that can relieve cold symptoms and strengthen the immune system. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the best winter medicinal herbs and show you how you can integrate them into your everyday life - including a recipe for a delicious parsley spread with chamomile flowers .

Your essentials this winter

thyme


  • Healing properties: The healing effects of thyme are mainly due to its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol , which have strong antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. These substances promote blood circulation in the mucous membranes, loosen stuck mucus and inhibit the growth of pathogens. At the same time, they stimulate the immune system. The flavonoids it contains (such as luteolin) have antioxidant properties and support the body in fighting free radicals.

  • Effect: Relief of respiratory diseases, promotion of mucus dissolution, strengthening of the immune system.

sage


  • Healing properties: Sage contains high concentrations of essential oils, including cineole , thujone and camphor , which have strong antimicrobial properties. These oils prevent the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. It also contains tannins (such as rosmarinic acid and Lamiaceae tannins) that have an astringent effect and relieve inflammation in the mouth and throat. The bitter substances also promote digestion and strengthen the metabolism.

  • Effect: Anti-inflammatory, antiperspirant, antiseptic, regulates digestion.

rosemary


  • Healing properties: The power of rosemary lies in its essential oils, such as borneol and camphor , which stimulate circulation, have a warming and antispasmodic effect. These oils stimulate the circulation and promote the oxygen supply to the cells. It also contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have an antioxidant effect and inhibit inflammatory processes in the body. Rosemary strengthens the nerves and improves the ability to concentrate.

  • Effect: Stimulates circulation, anti-inflammatory, strengthens nerves, promotes digestion.

yarrow


  • Healing properties: The healing properties of yarrow are supported by its essential oils (with chamazulene and achillein) and by bitter substances such as achillin and apigenin. These substances have an antispasmodic effect and promote bile production, which improves digestion. Its flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties, while the tannins it contains have a soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes.

  • Effect: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, reduces fever.

marshmallow root

  • Healing properties: The slimy consistency of the marshmallow root is due to the high content of mucilage . This forms a protective layer over irritated mucous membranes and thus prevents further irritation. The additional pectins and flavonoids contained in the root enhance the calming effect and promote the regeneration of the mucous membranes. The anti-inflammatory properties support the healing of colds.

  • Effect: Mucous membrane protective, anti-inflammatory, soothing for dry coughs and sore throats.

fennel


  • Healing properties: The essential oils of fennel, especially anethole and fenchone , have expectorant, antispasmodic and digestive properties. They have a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract, relieve flatulence and promote blood circulation in the mucous membranes. Fennel is rich in vitamin C and potassium, which strengthens the immune system and supports regeneration.

  • Effect: Antispasmodic, expectorant, immune-boosting, soothing for digestion.

Recipe: Parsley spread with chamomile flowers

Parsley is full of vitamin C and iron, ideal for the cold season. Dried chamomile flowers not only add a decorative touch, but also have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. A perfect mix of taste and health!

parsley spread ingredients
parsley spread

Ingredients:

For the spread:


  • 1 large bunch of flat-leaf parsley (approx. 50–70 g, including tender stalks)
  • 50 g sunflower seeds
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice → lemon squeezer
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (grated) → grater
  • 2–3 tablespoons of water
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of yeast flakes

Topping:


  • 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers (edible and decorative)
  • 1 pinch of roasted sunflower seeds
  • A few fresh parsley leaves (for decoration)

Preparation:


  1. Prepare parsley:
    • Wash the parsley thoroughly, shake dry and chop roughly. Tender stalks can be used as well.

  2. Roast sunflower seeds:
    • Lightly roast the sunflower seeds in a pan without oil until they smell fragrant and have a golden color. Allow to cool.

  3. Mix the spread:
    • Place parsley, toasted sunflower seeds, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and 2-3 tablespoons of water in a blender or food processor.
    • Puree everything until it forms a creamy mixture. If the spread is too thick, add a little more water.
    • Season with salt, pepper and optionally yeast flakes.

  4. Serve and top:
    • Pour the spread into a clean glass.
    • Sprinkle with dried chamomile flowers and optionally decorate with a few roasted sunflower seeds and fresh parsley leaves.

Medicinal herbs as faithful companions in winter

Whether thyme for colds, rosemary for circulation or fennel for digestion - medicinal herbs offer natural support in the cold season. With recipes like the parsley spread, you can easily integrate the healing powers of these herbs into your everyday life. This way you can stay healthy and enjoy the winter!

Try it yourself!