Spices and
Herbs often have more disease-fighting antioxidants than even most fruits and
vegetables! Therefore, including more fresh herbs, spices, and oils in
your food will not only create more delicious tasting meals, but may also
benefit the health of both; you and your family!
Anise (Pimpinella
anisum) alleviates
abdominal pain, improves salivary secretion and thus promotes digestion,
reduces spasms of the trachea and bronchial tree, and provides antimicrobial
protection; also is known to improve the flow of breast milk
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) improves
appetite, alleviates abdominal cramping, promotes bile flow, and helps to
protect the digestive tract from viral and bacterial infections,. helps to
expel phlegm from the respiratory tract, and protects from, as well as fights, bacterial
infections.
Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) promotes
appetite, alleviates digestive discomfort, improves digestion, protects from,
and fights, bactrial infections of the digestive tract, helps to expel
mucus from the respiratory tract, and reduces inflammation of the respiratory
tract as well as the genitourinary tract.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) promotes
appetite, supports bile flow and digestion, reduces abdominal cramping and
flatulence (gas), helps to expel mucus from the respiratory tract, and protects
from, and helps to fight, fungal, viral, and bactrial infections.
Cayenne is used to provide relief to
rheumatic and arthritic pains and from throat pain or sore throats. Cayenne is
also used as an effective remedy for digestive tract ailments such as stomach
cramps, acidity, acid reflux and gas, as well certain circulatory system
ailments.
Celery
Seed is used to
treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and to lower cholesterol. It is
also known to be antiseptic and antibiotic in nature as well as have
anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) supports
a healthy appetite and digestion, promotes sweating, helps to
protect from, and fights, bacterial and fungal infections, and
tonifies the cardiovascular system.
Cloves are high in nutrients as they have a
significant amount of proteins, iron, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium,
sodium and hydrochloric acid. They are also rich in vitamins like A and C,
manganese, and dietary fiber. They are also used to treat indigestion,
diarrhea, and to boost the immune system.
Coriander is used to treat colic and
nausea. It also calms the digestive system.
Cumin (Cuminum cynimum) has antimicrobial
properties, promotes a healthy appetite and digestion, and reduces abdominal
spasms; also used for infrequent or weak menstrual flow.
Fennel is used for relief from anemia,
indigestion, flatulence, constipation, colic, diarrhea, respiratory disorders,
and menstrual disorders.
Garlic is used against infection as it
improves immune function, helps lower our cholesterol levels, and helps to
control our blood pressure by thinning our blood therefore lowering the risk of
heart disease.
Ginger is used for nausea, motion sickness,
and nausea due to chemotherapy. It can be consumed when you are feeling
car or airplane sickness, or even if you are simply nauseous from something bad
you ate!
Nutmeg (especially nutmeg oil) is used
to treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, indigestion, blood
pressure, cough and bad breath. However, nutmeg is toxic in large doses so care
should be taken when using it.
Olive Oil
(Extra Virgin) is
known to decrease the risk of heart disease, as well as benefit bone health,
digestive health and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Oregano (and Oil of Oregano) is used for
protection against viral and bacterial infections. It also has
anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.
Rosemary is used to calm the digestive
system as well as treat headaches.
Sage has
anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and can be used by those with
inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), as well as bronchial
asthma, and atherosclerosis.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) promotes a healthy
appetite and digestion, alleviates inflammation of the respiratory and
digestive tracts, protects from, and helps to fight, bacterial, fungal, and
parasitic infections, and promotes flow of urine.
Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory
and may provide an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease such as
Crohn's Disease. It can also provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis,
help with cystic fibrosis and is thought to help prevent cancer.
