Healing Spices: Learn the Health Benefits of Spices
Health Benefits of Spices
Ten Powerful Healing Spices
Bay Leaf
Healing properties: Bay leaves are rich in parthenolides, a pain-killing compound which are often used to treat migraines. Bay leaves also contain a compound that controls blood glucose. Foods seasoned with bay leaves can help prevent Type II diabetes and help those with Type II diabetes from having to take insulin.
How to use: You can add bay leaves to soups or make a tea by steeping several bay leaves in hot water. Bay leaves should not be eaten.
Ginger
Healing properties: Ginger is commonly used to treat nausea. It is especially helpful in treating morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea related to chemotherapy. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants. It is useful in fighting cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How to use: Fresh ginger can be used in Asian dishes, as well as meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. Dried ginger is used in desserts like gingerbread cookies. You can also make a soothing cup of ginger tea.
Cayenne
Healing properties: Cayenne is a wonderful remedy for chronic pain and arthritis. It contains capsaicin, a compound that blocks a brain chemical involved in transmitting pain impulses and increases the production of endorphins (our body’s natural pain killers). Cayenne is also helpful in treating peptic ulcers by destroying the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, lowering bad cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and clearing congestion.
How to use: Add to Mexican dishes, vegetables, soups, dips, sauces, and more.
Oregano
Healing Properties: Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, two compounds that have powerful antibacterial properties. A study done in Mexico found oregano to be more effective in treating amoeba (parasite) than the drug tinidazol. Oregano is also high in antioxidant and phytonutrients.
How to use: You can use fresh or dried oregano in Italian dishes, egg dishes, meats, vegetables, and salad dressings.
Rosemary
Healing Properties: Rosemary contains five compounds that appear to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine which may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
How to use: Rosemary can be added to many recipes, including chicken and fish dishes.
Sage
Healing properties: Sage contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sage appears to improve brain function and has been found useful in treating arthritis, asthma, and atherosclerosis.
How to use: Add sage to meat dishes, vegetables, eggs, casseroles, soups, sauces, salad dressings, and more.
Garlic
Healing properties: Garlic is one of nature’s most potent antibiotics and can stop the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Garlic can also lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, thus preventing atherosclerosis.
How to use: Garlic is especially tasty in Italian dishes. It is best to not cook because it can lose its beneficial properties.
Cinnamon
Healing properties: Cinnamon can also inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can boost brain function, reduce bad cholesterol, and help control blood sugar.
How to use: Use in Mexican dishes, vegetables, curries, desserts, and tea.
Parsley
Healing properties: In animal studies, parsley has been shown to stop tumor formation, especially in the lungs. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta carotene.
How to use: Add to soups, casseroles, salads, vegetables, fish, and meat.
Turmeric
Healing properties: Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be just as effective as motrin and hydrocortisone. It is helpful in fighting rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.
How to use: Add to rice dishes, curries, beans, sauces, egg salad, and salad dressings.
Healing spices have been used for hundreds of years to prevent and treat common ailments and chronic diseases. Although the health benefits of spices are remarkable, never substitute them with medical treatment or medications without consulting your doctor first.
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