In the globalization era, due to consumer resistance to chemical additives, herbs have become all the more important as sources of natural colours, flavours, antimicrobials and antioxidants for the food industry.
•There has also been a tremendous growth in the use of herbal and natural plant products in the cosmetics industry.
•In the emerging nutraceutical industry, herbs could play a role for many applications, their therapeutic use has been proven and scientifically validated, and the necessary safety evaluations have been performed.
•The essential oils of many herbs and spices are used nowadays in aromatherapy to relieve symptoms of various ailments such as aches and pains and emotional problems such as depression, stress and anxiety.