Think globally, act locally

There are certain herbs, spices, seeds, fruits, and nuts that are native to a particular region, ecosystem or country, and can only be grown according to certain conditions or climates. In this age of globalization though, it’s possible to acquire the means of germinating these vital herbs in your own local garden.

However, by adopting such a course of action, the issues of introduced species, weeds, and cross-pollination come to the fore. If a certain species isn’t native to a particular region, is it sound practice to introduce it? Using locally available herbs is fantastic in terms of centralized agriculture and solid eco values, yet on the other side of the debate there are certain health benefits unique to specific herbs, seeds, nuts, and fruits that are essential to a healthy living.

Think locally, act globally?

While this may present a topsy-turvy take on the old adage, when it comes to sourcing clinical and culinary herbs it’s a relevant consideration. For Australians living overseas, for instance, the health benefits of wild rosella, native peppermint, and forestberry herb are know and championed, though without sourcing these from overseas, they’re virtually impossible to get one’s hands on.

It is possible though to find Australian herbs, and discover more about their healing potential, in countries all throughout Europe and North America. A few years ago there was a special health & well-being hamper UK being sold throughout London that contained, amongst other tempting treats, lemon myrtle and aniseed myrtle, and an herbal infusion of Australian mountain pepperleaf intended to be used in the treatment of arthritis.

Culinary usage of Australian herbs, seeds, and nuts is also common throughout Europe and North America. Think about that next time you tuck into a delicious dessert containing macadamia nuts! Australian herbs are common ingredients when basting a three bird roast, and wattleseed is often featured in Australian cuisine-inspired salads. Rich in protein, unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates, wattleseed is a highly nutritious staple in the hamper of the Australian Aboriginal desert people, and in a surprising modern-day application, serves to enhance the emulsion process and helps hold whipped cream products together naturally.