Spice up your wellness

Today the average person doesn’t think of spices and herbs as medicinal, only something to make our food taste good.  So let’s take a little jaunt through the spice cabinet and look at some common spices most of us have.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Lauraceae family

Cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamon tree. There are many kinds of cinnamon, but the one with the most medicinal value is Cinnamon zeylanicum. As a nutritionist, one of the first things I think of is using cinnamon to balance blood sugar issues. It has been proven to help lower blood glucose levels. Cinnamon improves circulation, thereby helping someone who has a cold. Cinnamon warms the body and has been used to help with chronic diarrhea, dysentery, poor digestion, coughing, and for clearing congestion. The Chinese believe it helps to build vitality. It is an easy one to reach for when a cold or the flu shows up at your home.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Zingiberaceae family

It is harvested from the rhizome of the plant and is grown in many parts of the world. It works great for nausea of all kinds.  It has warming properties, promotes circulation in the body and has been used for menstrual cramps. Ginger can help get the “gunk” up and out of the lungs. Because of its wonderful volatile oils, Ginger helps prevent flatulence and is a good digestive aid.

Garlic (Allium sativum) Liliaceae family

If you can’t have a fresh head of garlic on hand, at least have some good dried organic granules, but fresh is best. Garlic is great for a cold or the flu. It helps to stimulate immune activity, enhance circulation and lower cholesterol. It can increase urine output, as well as being a good expectorant. Garlic helps to rid the body of parasites and is wonderful for working with a fungus. Garlic is high in potassium, making it good for the heart. It is also packed with Vitamins A, B, and C. Newer research has shown it to help with lowering blood pressure and reducing blood clots.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Mint family

There is an old saying, “Rosemary helps you to remember.” Rosemary also helps with the cellular uptake of oxygen and relieves respiratory congestion. It is another one of many herbs that help control parasites. In the old days, meats were rubbed with rosemary, garlic, sage and other spices to help keep the bugs away.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Mint family

Thyme always helps me with stuffy noses. I just put some in a steamer and inhale. There isn’t enough space to give you all the instructions, but if you email me, I’ll send them to you. Thyme is one of the best herbs for stimulating the thymus, a major gland in the immune system. I love how the names are so similar. Feeling low on energy? Have a cup of Thyme tea. Just remember to keep the pot covered so you don’t lose all those wonderful volatile oils. Another good use for a strong cup of Thyme tea is whooping cough. Let it cool and it makes a good mouthwash; it can kill bacteria in under a minute.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Mint family

Sage is great for the cold season. Have you ever had one of those coughs that just won’t go away? The kind that doesn’t bother you most of the day but the minute you lie down, you start to cough? Most folks don’t realize that this is caused by postnasal drip and sage will help dry it up. But don’t overdo it because it can also dry you out too much. Make a strong cup of tea, making sure to keep the lid on the pot tightly closed so you don’t lose the volatile oils. Let the tea steep for 10 – 15 minutes, then strain and drink. You should then be able to sleep soundly with no more coughing. An important reminder is that drinking sage tea can cause uterine contractions; so pregnant women shouldn’t drink it. You can also combine sage tea with some apple cider vinegar and use as an excellent gargle for sore throats. Sage is not just for turkeys anymore!

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) Solanaceae family

So you are probably thinking how the heck can I use cayenne as medicine? Well, it is an amazing styptic (stops blood flow). Cayenne is reported to assist in the clotting of blood and will even work on open wounds.  It is said to burn slightly for a few seconds but the resulting stoppage of bleeding is well worth the burn.  Cayenne is another of our great circulation plants.

Basil (Ocium basilicum)
Mint family

Everyone loves basil and most kitchens would not be without it. There is something so wonderful about the smell. That being said, this herb is a great tonic for those melancholy days of winter. Feeling sad and blue? Drink a strong cup of basil tea.  It has been used to help with stress-induced insomnia and tension as well as nervous indigestion. Basil is also one of the better-known aphrodisiacs. Basil can be used as a final rinse for your hair to help rid the scalp of dandruff. Your hair will feel silky and smell wonderful. Basil tea combined with nutmeg and honey has been used to ease childbirth and to bring on the mother’s milk.

Now it’s time for you all to walk to your spice rack and start to label those jars. I promise you it’s fun and a perfect past time for a cold rainy winters day.

Disclaimer
Statements made in these articles have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products or protocols are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or be used as a substitute for appropriate care of a qualified healthcare professional. The ideas and options of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc.