New research by Professor Tim Jacob, from Cardiff University, has revealed that a daily diet of fresh herbs can help combat stress. Stress causes high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety, so the finding that herbs can reduce stress is encouraging.

Basil, chives and coriander have particularly powerful health-boosting and calming properties.

Basil is rich in eugenol, an anti-inflammatory agent which acts as a natural anaesthetic and helps relieve pain. Basil also has a high linalool content which promotes sleep and calms the nervous system.

Chives stimulate the circulatory system while also helping to lower blood pressure and protect against cancer.

Coriander cures anxiety and insomnia, according to recent research in Iran.

Fresh herbs will ease mild anxiety & protect against high blood pressure or insomnia, according to this research from Cardiff.

This is part of a series of posts about herbs to help celebrate HerbDay2007