Oregano

• Oregano.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Oregano is an aromatic herb, which can taste slightly bitter. It is widely used in Italian dishes, but can be found in anything from American, Greek, Turkish, Spanish and Filipino dishes. On fish, Oregano can be blended with pepper and butter for an easy spread.
  
  

Basil

• Basil leaves.Eising/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Basil is another fresh herb found mainly in Italian food, but has a large presence in Southeast Asian food -- specifically Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The basil leaf is fairly common in the kitchen, and comes in many different varieties such as Thai Basil, Lemon Basil and Holy Basil. Fresh basil is generally used last-minute in a dish, since cooking destroys the flavor. On fish, you can mix basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a marinade.
  
  

Mint

• Mint plant.Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  The mint leaf adds a fresh, cool flavor to dishes. Popular in British, American and Middle Eastern cuisines, mint has recently popped up in everything from ice cream to gourmet fish dishes. Pan-grilled salmon topped with mint leaves is a great dish, as well as fish topped with mint pesto, mint salsa or mint chimichurri.
  
  

Cilantro

• Cilantro has a very strong taste and odor and is one of the oldest used culinary herbs, dating back to 5000 B.C. It is used widely today in Spanish, Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Cilantro is said to aid the digestive tract, and is full of Vitamin C. Cilantro can be mixed with other ingredients to create a crust, or as a topping. Toppings can include cilantro-lime butter, cilantro pesto, a cilantro rub and cilantro chutney.