With the thousands of over the counter miracle-in-a-bottle pill bottles we face at the grocery stores and conventional markets (not to mention tens of thousands more prescription drugs that promise to alleviate symptoms of daily and chronic ailments), how do you know which chemical concoction is the best and most reliable? Remember that every drug (over the counter, generic or name brand) does not carry out in the body and deliver results-whether good or bad-without side effects. In Oriental, Ayurvedic and Eastern Asian medicines, most healing and chronic infection prevention can be found in our modern kitchen cabinet. Make sure you are well versed in the following herbs and spices, for they may just be the ingredient to stave away disease and booster health to optimum levels!
Source: Natural News.com
Possibly one of the greatest spices in the world, this extraordinary member of the ginger family has not been dubbed the "king of all spices" for no reason. Both the short and long-term health benefits of turmeric make it a "superfood" of the highest order, offering support for bone, joint, skin, immune, digestive, circulatory, and neurological health. Rich in disease-fighting curcuminoids, turmeric is virtually unmatched when it comes to providing both immediate and perpetual relief from a variety of ailments. Turmeric has even been shown to help prevent and treat cancer, which is a leading cause of death today.
"Extensive research over the past five decades has indicated that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) reduces blood cholesterol levels, prevents low-density lipoprotein oxidation, inhibits platelet aggregation, suppresses thrombosis and myocardial infarction, suppresses symptoms associated with Type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease; inhibits HIV replication, suppresses tumor formation, enhances wound healing, protects against liver injury, increases bile secretion, protects against cataract formation, and protects against pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis," explains a comprehensive analysis on the benefits of turmeric. (http://www.wellnessresources.com)
Cinnamon is a wonderful blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering spice. In a German study of type 2 diabetics, taking cinnamon extract daily successfully reduced blood sugar by about 10%. It also slashed cholesterol by 13% and triglycerides by 23% in another study, reducing heart related risks greatly. (www.prevention.com)
Get those high levels of carcinogens out of the body by consuming Rosemary on a regular basis. How? Rosemary contains carnosol and rosemarinic acid, two powerful antioxidants that destroy carcinogens that enter the body through the cooking of foods (especially meats).
Not only that, Rosemary has been found to minimize cancer and stop tumors from progressing.
The health benefits of garlic are numerous, which is why this common herb often makes an appearance as one of the most beneficial herbs for promoting health and wellness. Rich in a medicinal compound known as allicin, garlic has the potential to revolutionize your health, as it can help effectively prevent colds and flu and reduce the risk of cancer, among many other benefits. Fresh garlic is especially beneficial for wellness, as it contains the highest levels of therapeutic allicin. (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/garlic)
It is a very powerful anti-cold, anti-flu, anti-fungal spice that also helps rid people of headaches! Not only does it promote salivation, it aids in digestion, reduces the chance of blood clots and stroke, and helps the body detox (when combined with lemon and honey). Cayenne pepper is also a great topical remedy for snake bites and arthritis pain and is a great agent against gum and tooth disease. (Source: globalhealingcenter.com)
Ginger is my number one go-to for nausea and upset stomach/digestive comfort. (This also goes for mamas who are pregnant, people who are sensitive to motion and those going through chemotherapy).
Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and works by blocking the effects of serotonin, a chemical produced by both the brain and stomach when nauseated. Ginger has the ability to stop the production of free radicals (another cause of upset in your stomach).
Ginger has also been shown to decrease blood pressure, arthritis and inflammatory pain as well as decrease cancer risk.
Not just because it smells so wonderful and tastes like heaven with any Italian dish, Holy Basil is great in fighting off stress by increasing adrenaline and noradrenaline and decreasing serotonin. It also relieves indigestion and headaches, inhibits breast cancer growth by reducing cancer's blood supply and stopping the spread.
Parsley is a great source of vitamin K, C , and A, has been shown to inhibit cancer growth, is packed with heart-healthy antioxidants, can decrease the inflammation of the body and the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, colon cancer, diabetes, and asthma as well as decrease the heart health risk. It is delicious, acts like an internal "cleaning brush" and can be added to just about any dish.
Perhaps one of the most potent herbs that is packed with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidants. Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, two oils which have remarkable bacteria-fighting power. It is a rich source of vitamin K, which builds and cleans the blood and bones. Oregano is also high in minerals such as Manganese and Iron, full of fiber when eaten fresh and whole and its oils mimic those of natural antibiotics. Indeed, every home needs a good oregano source (fresh, dried and oils of oregano).
