Chervil – Health Benefits and Uses

Chervil is one those herbs that have been used by our ancestors and is being continuously used by us too. The herb contains essential oils that are similar to the ones mentioned in the Bible. In the Bible, the resinous oil brought by the wise men to the baby Jesus. This is why ancient Romans called it “myrrhis.” For the same reason, some Europeans think of the herb as a symbol of new life. During religious festivals, believers prepare a tasty Chervil soup. Churches offer chervil in some form for their Holy Thursday celebrations too. The herb was introduced to France and England by Roman almost 2000 years ago.

Chervil is a delicate herb that belongs to the parsley family. It is known as Anthriscus cerefolium scientifically and is native to southern Russia and the Middle East. The annual herb is at its peak from May to September. It is an aromatic plant that is very much like French parsley in appearance. Chervil leaves look like a short feathery version of parsley leaves. The leaves are beautified with flimsy white flowers. However, the taste is fragrance of it matches with that of the anise seed or licorice. Because of this mild sweet flavor and great taste, it has made a place as an ingredient in several famous French dishes. It tastes especially good when added with eggs. Be it poached, omelets or scrambled eggs, it accentuates the taste of the dish. It is also an excellent add on to salads. Other than its use in the kitchen, the herb has countless medical uses.

Some uses of Chervil have been mentioned below:

•  It stimulates digestion, improves circulation, helps alleviate liver problems and treats chronic respiratory ailments.

• It contains essential oils and bitters.

• It is a source of vitamins C and A, which improves vision. Benefit of the vitamins can be noticed better if it is taken along with fat.

• It is Rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. These are important for blood production and the healthy function of nerves and muscles.

• Chervil soup is a tasty dish to make during winter. An onion and diced vegetables have to be sauteed in two tablespoons of butter. Then a broth has to be made of it.sour cream, salt, pepper and coriander could be add to taste. The soup has to be stirred in low heat until vegetables are tender.

• Chervil tea is known in folk remedies is used seasonally as a blood purifier. So, it is a solution to springtime lethargy.

• Consuming chervil is an excellent way to increase your lagging vigor and reawaken low spirits.

• Chervil stimulates the digestion process and gently promotes the body’s natural waste removal system. Because of this, it is recommended to use little of the herb each day over a course of a few months.

• Cream butter with freshly chopped leaves is very tasty. It can be sprinkled over freshly steamed vegetables, or tossed into a salad. It is great addition to the already favorite recipes.

• The leaves of chervil can be soaked in vinegar and then consumed in order to stop hiccups.

• In early days, pregnant women took chervil baths. These baths were aromatic and calm.

• Chervil’s essential oils are used to make lotions. These cleanse the skin.

Most herbs like sunny conditions but chervil grow better in shade and thrives in cool and moist locations. If chervil is planted in the summer heat, it will seed in haste, whereas in other weathers it can be prolonged by pinching the top off. When choosing a location, it should be kept in mind that chervil does not respond well to moving. The roots of the herb are quite long so it does not respond well to crowding either. Fresh chervil can be used in many forms. It is advised to not use dried or heated chervil as it loses its flavor.

Chervil should is a very helpful herb but like any other natural home remedy, it should be discussed with a doctor because use. The tasty and useful plant is known globally for its properties by gardeners, scientists and users of all kind. It would not be wrong to state chervil as the modern herbal remedy.