Herbs and spices have been used since the beginning of time to heal ailments and to enhance people’s health. However, over the past fifty years or so our food has moved with the times, and traditional meals have been replaced with ‘instant meals’.We now tend to flavour our food with ready-made sauces, which are full of sugar, salt and laden with oil, rather than using natural resources. Herbs and spices have numerous health benefits, such as helping to maintain blood sugar levels and stimulating the metabolism.They have anti-inflammatory properties, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, help to eliminate toxins and boostingour overall well-being.
Basil is very effective for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies and digestive problems. It contains beta carotene which helps to eliminate free radical damage. It is a fantastic source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, iron, manganese, potassium and vitamin C.
Cinnamon is known for helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Scientific studies have shown that by taking just two teaspoons of it a day, reduces blood sugar levels by about 20- 30 percent in patients with type 2 Diabetes. It also helps to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon also contains anti-inflammatory agents, so it is beneficial for arthritis. Chewing cinnamon gum can help to improve the memory and attention span.
Cayenne is beneficial for stimulating your metabolism and studies have also shown that it is the dieters friend. When participants ate food flavoured with cayenne, they consumed about 15% less food. In the past, people with stomach problems have been told to avoid this potent spice, but new research has shown that it actually encourages the flow of digestive enzymes, which in turn helps to deter stomach ulcers. It also reduces bad cholesterol, which inhibits the development of blood clots and heart attacks. Additionally, it is great for clearing the sinuses and reducing inflammation in the joints.
Cloves contain antiseptic agents that help to ward off infections, relieve digestive problems, and arthritic pain. One of cloves best known uses is its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain. Clove oil helps to heal fungal infections, bites, bruises, scrapes and digestive problems.
Cumin is excellent for the digestive system. It assists the gallbladder and pancreas to secrete enzymes and bile, that break down food into usable nutrients your body can use. Cumin also helps detoxify the body, and relievesasthma and bronchitis. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels within the body, so it is good for diabetics and people with weight problems.
Turmeric contains curcumin which is the main ingredient in Turmeric. It is an extremely effect anti-inflammatory. It is beneficial for bowel conditions and arthritis. Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that it helps to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This is due to the herbs ability to decrease inflammation and oxidation in the brain.
Rosemary is beneficial for the memory, concentration, depression, circulation and it also helps the digestive process, and boosts the immune system. Rosemary can also help to eliminate the carcinogenic effect of barbequed meat, if you marinate the meat for hours before you barbeque it with liquid mixtures of the herb. This will prevent the harmful effects of HCA’s forming on the meat.
Ginger is well known for helping to treat nausea and vomiting. It is a safe herb to use for pregnant women for morning sickness. It is very beneficial for the digestive system in general, as well as the immune system, and skeletal system.
Thyme is an immune booster and decongestant. It is excellent for relieving chest infections, sore throats, laryngitis, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems and infections.
