Most of us know various herbs for particular uses.  That is, we know certain herbs as culinary herbs, others as medicinal.  There might be a little bit of overlap, but there are some we just aren’t familiar with outside of that one particular context.  So let’s look at some ways that traditionally “medicinal” herbs can be used for cooking.  (I’ll assume that tea/tisane is obvious, so I’ve not listed that.)

By the way, I’m not familiar with these, either.  I’m compiling this information as much for my own use as yours.  If you have personal experience with one of these herbs – or a similar one – used for culinary purposes, please share in the comments!

DO be sure that any herb you choose to consume is safe for internal use!  Most medicinal herbs are, but there are a few that aren’t, so please check if you’re not sure.  Be careful that the PART of the plant you’re using is edible!  And make sure the particular plants you gather haven’t been sprayed with pesticides, “sucked up” gasoline runoff, etc.

Angelica

(Note: Angelica should be used with caution, or avoided, during pregnancy.  Internally, that is.)

The flavor of angelica is similar to licorice.

• Candied angelica
• Irish Christmas Cake (w/ candied angelica)
• Passion Fruit & Angelica Syllabub (w/ candied angelica)
• Angelica Liqueur
• Other ways to cook with angelica

Bee Balm

Bee balm has a strong flavor, mint-like but “herby.”

• Hummingbird Bread w/ Bee Balm
• Cranberry Bee Balm Jelly
• According to this source, the petals could also be used in fruit salad, or the tisane (tea/decoction) used in sorbet.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family.

I had a hard time locating recipes for catnip that were meant for people rather than cats!  But I did find one.  It might be interesting to experiment with substituting catnip for other mints.

• Catnip Cookies

German Chamomile

• Chamomile Lemonade

Lavender

• Lavender Sugar
• Lavender Shortbread Cookies
• More Lavender recipes
• Still More Lavender recipes

(This page has more information about cooking with lavender.)

Lemon Balm

• Lemon Balm Cookies
• Roasted Lemon Balm Chicken
• More Lemon Balm Recipes

Passionflower

Most people don’t use the actual flower as a food; rather they wait for it to fruit and use the fruit (passionfruit).  It’s ripe when it gets wrinkly. 

• Passion Fruit Jam

Plantain

Unfortunately, it’s hard to search for plantain recipes because the majority of what comes up in searches are recipes for the banana plantain, not the herb.  If you find any more, I’d love to see them.

• Plantain Pesto

Red Clover

• Red Clover Wine
• Red Clover Jelly

Sassafras

• Sassafras Root Beer

Wild Rose

• Rose Water
• Rose Cream (uses rose water)
• Turkish Delight (uses rose water)
• Rose Hip Jelly
• Rose Hip Leather
• More Rose Hip Recipes
• More Rose & Rose Hip Recipes

(Tips for Preparing/Storing Edible Flowers and More Tips for Using Edible Flowers)