Healing Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices do more than simply adding flavour to your food. They let you cut down on some unhealthy ingredients like salt, sugar and saturated fat. In fact, some of these also have inherent health benefits

You might have heard your grandmother speak of certain spices that have great medicinal values. We usually tend to ignore them because we believe that modern drugs are more effective than these traditional techniques. However, it’s time we change our perception. Let’s see how some of the spices and herbs cure diseases.

• Basil: The herb is very effective against stomach problems. It consists of a compound named Eugenol that helps in relieving gas and acidity problems. There have been reports that the herb also disrupts the development of hazardous disease cancer. You can apply fresh basil to hornet bee or wasp stings. In a tea, it can be helpful for nausea, stomach cramps as well as for treating headache, naturally.

 

 

 

 

• Turmeric: Turmeric is not only to add colour in food items, but also has strong properties that help in healing wounds. Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a source of vitamins A, E and C along with antioxidants. Turmeric consumed with hot milk provides relief against cold and cough. It can also be used in eyewash for discharge from the corners. These days, it has been grabbing some grave attention for being a potentially powerful cancer fighter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Cayenne: This a powder made from red chilli peppers. The powder is rich in alkaloid capsaicin that gives reduced pain. When added to food, it enhances appetite and works against problems like indigestion, gas and nausea. Sprinkle some onto your soup to treat cold. It is also a metabolism booster, speeding up your calorie-burning furnace. It can be helpful for the heart, as it prevents bad cholesterol from turning into artery-clogging form. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. The herb can reduce the risk of ulcers by enhancing the ability of stomach cells to resist infection.

 

 

 

Garlic: This spice is beneficial for people having high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. It prevents development of atherosclerosis which affects the arteries and the heart. Consuming one clove of raw garlic everyday can prevent digestive problems. Strong antibacterial and antifungal properties help with yeast infections, sinus infections, and common cold. It can even repel ticks, friends and family, if you eat enough of it.

 

 

 

 

 

• Mint: It is also known as peppermint. Fresh mint leaves are primarily used for garnishing and in sauces. Mint, consumed in different forms, can bring relief to acidity problems, muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting. It is believed that the herb is effective against different types of micro-organisms leading to better health.

 

 

 

 

• Ginger: This spice has great medicinal properties. It not only helps in controlling motion sickness, but also increases salivation to enhance digestion. It is exceptionally helpful for people suffering from diarrhoea or high cholesterol levels. Ginger tea is a fantastic remedy for morning sickness and general nausea. It also works as a natural blood thinner as well as pain killer for people suffering from arthritis. It works against migraines by blocking inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing and slowing the growth of cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

• Cinnamon: It is hard to believe that cinnamon powder on a toast can have health benefits. Well, it actually is one of the most powerful healing spices. It has an ability to improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients. Although used in small amounts, it helps in eliminating bacteria that cause illness. It also helps to reduce the stress, anxiety levels, indigestion and nausea caused due to seasickness or high altitudes. It is high in fibre and can help in reducing heartburn in some people.

 

 

 

 

• Fennel: The herb is rich in volatile oils and must be consumed by mothers of newborn babies as it increases the milk levels. Also, it helps in preventing body odour and bad breath. Use fennel in warm water for an eye rinse for sore eyes. It is also one of the best remedies against heat.

 

 

 

 

• Clove: Combining the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this spice has heaps of health benefits like boosting protection from heart disease, helping stave off cancer, as well as slowing the bone cartilage and damage caused by arthritis. Clove oil consists of Eugenol, which is very effective for toothaches. It also helps the human body to use insulin enabling to lower sugar levels in blood.  In a tea, it can help bronchitis symptoms and prevent vomiting.

 

I think it is enthralling how some of the spices and seasonings, we characteristically only think of for cooking, serve as natural home remedies for sickness. The next time you aren’t feeling well, search your kitchen cupboards for a natural home remedy in your spices.