Cherish Your Chervil

photo via dirtdoctor.com

by Francine

A member of the parsley family, chervil has a mild flavor with hints of liquorice or anise. The leaves are delicate (feminine) and curly. The French love to add it to their omelets, salads, and soups.

Chervil has strong anti inflammatory properties. (Are you starting to get the idea that adding herbs of all kinds to your cooking is extremely good for you? It's true. And isn't it wonderful that nature has provided us with such wonderful flavors to enjoy. Yes, there are so many things that taste good and aren't really that good for us. But when you consider how many things are good for us--it makes it that much easier to thumb our noses at the bad stuff.

Here is some interesting health information culled from http://www.diethealthclub.com

• Chervil can be used to cure hiccups. 
• It can be used to lower blood pressure, as an aid for digestion, and as a mild stimulant.
• This herb is a great source for minerals like magnesium, selenium, potassium, manganese, calcium and many vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
• The above-mentioned minerals and vitamins combat free radicals and increase antioxidants which helps to boost the metabolism and improve the immune system.
• Its diuretic properties make it a good herb to have during menstruation.
• It is also beneficial for people who suffer from kidney disorders, bladder disorders and cystitis.
• Chervil combined with celery is very effective for cystitis.

Digestive Problems:
Chervil also has a good amount of fiber, so eating large quantities of chervil is good for digestion. Chervil alleviates stomach pain and other digestive problems, including internal and external allergy inflammations.

Skin Treatment:

• Chervil leaves are also very beneficial if you suffer from eczema and aggravated acne.
• The medicinal properties of chervil make it a favored ingredient in lotions and cleansers.
• Due to its effectiveness in skin treatments, this herb is also used in creams for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
• Chervil juice taken at periodic intervals can improve and heal the skin from injuries and scars.
• The medicinal benefits and uses of the chervil leaves include using them in a poultice to remedy for aching joints.

So what can you do with chervil and tofu? Lots. You can make a faux egg salad, using tofu, turmeric (remember--that yellow color?), and chervil. You can also make a tofu scramble--with a variety of veggies such as zucchini, peppers, and onions. Bon appetit, and 'Le'Chaim.' (To life!)