Wild Countryside Herbs

North America

• North America features a varying climate that plays host to a variety of plant life. Herbs native to North America that grow in the countryside include black cohosh, cayenne, elder, common yarrow, mountain witch alder, cinnamon fern, cilantro, mint, New England aster, butterfly weed, horse mint and bee balm.

South America

• Literally thousands of herbs are native to South America. Native herbs growing in the wilds of South America include lapacho, yerba mate, guarana, passion flower, suma, cat's claws, muira puama, stevia, boldo, chinchona, jaborandi, papaya and ipecac. Chilies grow in the wild in Brazil and Peru. In the late 19th century, chili powder, derived from the chili herb, became very popular in Britain.

Europe

• Many of the herbs and spices found in your local herb gardens or your kitchen are originally native to Europe. Herbs found in the wild countrysides of Europe include basil and bay in the Mediterranean. Coriander, dill, horseradish, mustard, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme are found throughout the countryside of western Europe in the countries of England, Ireland, France, Ireland and Scotland.

Asia

• During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, European explorers traveled to Asia to trade and transport spices and herbs across the ocean. Asia is home to vibrant and flavorful herbs such as cardamom, ginger and garlic. All of these herbs grow in the countryside of central Asia and have been cultivated throughout history for their medicinal purposes.