5 Incredibly Beneficial Herbs and Spices (& why) You Probably Already Have in Your Kitchen
You might be surprised at the volume of home remedies you have in your cupboards, or at least surprised at how powerful some of them are. Many of your everyday spices and herbs are full of antioxidants, boast anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, are digestive aids, probiotic, the list goes on. Although many of the best natural remedies have not been approved (or even particularly researced) by the FDA, there is an abundance of scientific proof and hundreds, if not thousands, of years of antidotal proof of their health benefits. These 5 spices can change your life. For further information check out a variety of sources, including https://www.healthline.com where you can search for whatever herb, spice, etc is of interest. For great recipes, take a look at the huge variety offered in https://www.allrecipes.com where you can search for any ingredient and find lots of tried and true recipes.
*As with all medicinal additives, please consult an expert before incorporating significant amounts of any of these into your diet.
*Photos taken of articles in Prevention Magazine’s Natural Home Remedies.
Cinnamon (My personal favorite). Derived from the bark of a variety of Cinnamomum trees and has been used for both flavoring and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Health benefits of Cinnamon
loaded with antioxidants
anti-inflammatory properties
can reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar, protecting against heart disease
can improve the body’s use of insulin for those who are resistent
proving to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain which is prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients. It’s also showing promise in protecting neurons and improving motor function for those with Parkinson’s disease
showing promise in reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, causing those cells to die.
can prevent bacterial and fungal infections, and the antimicrobial effects may help prevent tooth decay and bad breath
may have anti-viral properties
There are two types of Cinnamon - Cassia (which is cheaper and easier to find) and Ceylon. Cassia contains significant amounts of coumaran which can be toxic if taken in large quantities. If you are considering adding cinnamon to your diet for medicinal purposes, Ceylon is the way to go.
2. Cloves. Cloves may seem related to Cinnamon, but cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree, while cloves are dried flower buds of the clove tree.
Health benefits of Clove
stabilizes blood sugar levels
contains nutrients such as fiber, vitamin K and manganese for brains and bones
high in antioxidants
the eugenol found in clove has been found to stop the growth of cancerous tumors and promote cancer cell death.
antibacterial, including against E. Coli
improves gum health and lowers plaque and mouth bacteria
may improve liver health, and has been shown to improve the health of livers with cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. HOWEVER, eugenol is toxic in high amounts, and can actually damage the liver if overused.
may reduce stomach ulcers
3. Mint. Belonging to the Mentha plant genus, there are over a dozen varieties of mint which can be ingested, absorbed into the skin or inhaled to relieve a variety of ailments.
Health benefits of Mint
rich in antioxidants and Vitamin A
peppermint oil has been shown to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome issues
peppermint oil and caraway oil taken together are powerful in treating indigestion and stomach pain
menthol oil has been effective in treating cracked, painful nipples associated with breastfeeding
breathing menthol may improve congestion associated with a cold
may be helpful in masking the odor and killing certain bacteria associated with bad breath
4. Rosemary. An evergreen shrub used medicinally and aromatically for many centuries.
Health benefits of Rosemary
research shows inhaling rosemary oil helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is an important chemical for brain function.
known to stimulate hair growth, especially for those suffering with Alopecia
rosemary oil has been shown to be an effective pain reliever
rosemary oil is a very effective bug repellant and pesticide
reduces stress and anxiety short term
may help expand your blood vessels, improving circulation
anti-inflammatory, rosemary oil is especially beneficial for arthritis
the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may fight cancer
releases bile, which helps in fat digestion and activates antioxidants which protect the liver
can inhibit the growth of bacteria which cause food poisoning, but requires a very small amount of food-grade oil
may increase the effectiveness of certain antibiotics
5. Ginger. Closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal, versatile ginger root offers a whole host of benefits.
Health benefits of Ginger
gingerol is the main bioactive compound responsible for its many medicinal properties, including digestion, nausea, and cold and flu symptoms
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
effective in naturally treating morning sickness and nausea associated with chemotherapy
may assist in weight loss
can assist in the pain of osteoarthritis
may lower blood sugar and improve the risk of heart disease
speeds up the digestion of food, which decreases symptoms of IBS. Ginger and artichoke together before a meal significantly improves indigestion
can be helpful in reducing menstrual pain
the compounds in ginger may help prevent alzheimer’s, parkinson’s and MS by inhibiting brain inflammatory responses that occur in these diseases
antimicrobial properties which fight bacteria and fungal infections, including staph, E.Coli and candida (which causes fungal infections in the mouth and vagina)
