You may find yourself in a situation where you must cut back on your favorite seasonings or you may just want to explore the herbal culinary world. Either way, the clever use of herbs can replace some of our favorite culinary additions. 

I have spent tons of time and money tracking down exceptional salt and I know you salt lovers out there are aware that there really is no real substitute for salt, but, herbs can give that little bit of extra flavor that your looking for. Those on a salt-free diet can flavor their food deliciously by using such herbs as celery, summer savory, thyme, lovage, and marjoram. Try adding finely chopped lovage to unsalted butter- this can be used in your vegetable dishes or anywhere you like butter.

Basil, summer savory, thyme, marjoram, and nasturtium can help replace pepper in cooking for those who have digestive disturbances. I particularly like adding nasturtium leaves with other greens in my salads or tucked into omelets and turkey sandwiches.

Not only do these herbs make it possible to use sometimes half the usual quantity of sugar in a recipe, but they can also add delicious flavor. Some herbs often used as sugar substitutes in cooking are lemon balm, sweet cicely, angelica, and stevia. These herbs are particularly good in tart fruit pies made of red or black currents, rhubarb, gooseberry, plums, and of course tart apples. I like chopped sweet cicely added to lightly honey sweetened strawberries for a refreshing treat. Enjoy!

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals.

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.

Jessica Morgan, M.H.