
Turn your kitchen into a natural pharmacopeia! Harness our ancestor’s age-old, tried-and-true herbal remedies to treat everything from sore throats to depression.
Herbals are not regulated by the FDA and should always be taken with caution. Many herbs can be toxic when consumed in large amounts or used with certain prescription medications.
Chives
These small, bulbous herbs look a bit like onions and garlic and pack a powerful nutrition punch. They are a great source of vitamin C, folic acid and Vitamin K. Chives also help protect the heart, improve vision and enhance hair and skin health.
Like other members of the allium family (garlic, leeks and scallions), chives have antibacterial and antiviral properties and carry healing energy that unblocks qi and disperses cold phlegm. They can be used for throat problems, digestive issues and even to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander and Chinese parsley, has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It has been shown to reduce the risk of food born illness such as Cyclospora and ward off gastrointestinal parasites.
It contains a good amount of Vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption and protects against eye disease and vascular problems. It also provides folates that help in forming red and white blood cells, transforming carbohydrates into energy and RNA/DNA production.
Cilantro is a powerful cleansing herb that can help remove heavy metals from the body. It is a great choice for detoxification, cleansing cleanses and to support the liver.
Oregano
Oregano is a common Mediterranean herb grown in sunny, temperate climates. Its pungent leaves can be added to a variety of dishes for a flavorful Mediterranean taste or dried and used as an aromatic spice.
Origanum vulgare plants produce oil rich in carvacrol and thymol, which display antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies show that these compounds thwart the growth of microbes that are resistant to antibiotics.
Oregano oil can be used to sanitize superficial wounds, reduce pain and inflammation and soothe the skin. It also exhibits antiviral effects and prevents cellular changes that can lead to cancer.
Paprika
Paprika adds vibrant, eye-catching crimson color to dishes and soups. It also provides a range of benefits for your eyes, digestive tract, and blood.
Phytonutrients in paprika such as capsaicin relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure and provide pain relief. They also prevent apoptosis (death of healthy cells) and promote cell growth in your body.
Vitamin B6 found in paprika has a positive effect on sleep and mood and boosts the production of melatonin, your natural sleep hormone. It also supports normal blood pressure and the formation of red blood cells and enables you to absorb iron.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot, also known as Maranta arundinacea or West Indian arrowroot is a plant that produces starchy roots that are edible and used for a wide range of health benefits. It can be used to create a light shade of homemade blush, dry out blemishes and replace baby powder as well as make an all natural deodorant (check out my recipe here).
Fresh root vegetables are rich in folates and help in aiding the formation of healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. It also contains potassium that is a vasodilator, meaning it eases the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels thus reducing hypertension and the risk of heart attacks or stroke.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a plant that grows like a wildweed in most parts of the world. Its leaves are used for salads, spring tonics and as a diarrhea remedy. It is also used to treat bronchitis and sinus infections in combination with other herbs.
Sour sorrel is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, C and K. It is a good source of potassium and iron, both of which help to reduce stress on the heart and blood vessels.
Sorrel is also high in oxalic acid, which could be a problem for those with kidney disease or gallstones. It is therefore recommended to consult a health care professional before using sorrel as medicine.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort benefits include treating mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and conditions that go along with them such as heart palpitations, menopause symptoms, premenstrual syndrome and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also speeds up wound healing and improves mild rheumatic pain and premenstrual cramps.
It's important to talk to your health care provider before taking this herb. Research shows that it interacts with many prescription drugs and can cause serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by a rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, sweating and anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?
There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.
In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.
The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.
Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.
Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.
Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.
Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.
Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.
What herbs should you take daily?
Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.
Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.
As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.
There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.
This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.
But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.
So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.
This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.
The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.
This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.
Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.
You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.
There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.
What spices assist in recovery?
The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.
Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.
Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.
Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.
Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.
These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.
In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.
Statistics
- Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
- For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
External Links
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- Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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- Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
- Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB
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How To
What to look for in herbs?
Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.
Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.
The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.
When buying herbs, look for the following:
- Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
- Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
- Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
- Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
- Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
- Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.
Resources:
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