Healing Spices and Herbs

Research repeatedly shows that many spices and herbs have medicinal qualities and can help prevent and treat everything from cancer to a common cold.

Mental health and physical health are so closely intertwined that properly addressing the ailments and their connection in necessary in order to restore optimal health. The most effective way to regain a balance between mind and body is to supplement with adaptogenic and other herbs that help balance both systems.

Natural plant products have been used throughout time for a variety of purposes. The history of spices is simply fascinating, wars were fought over spices and kingdoms were lost over them. Humans have been using spices on their foods as far back as 50,000 B.C. But beyond flavor, these dried seeds, fruits and the roots or bark can also add years to your life.

Spices are rich in phytonutrients and other active ingredients that protect against disease and promote healing. In numerous studies, spices have been linked to the prevention of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

Here are 5 of the top common spices:

Tumeric: Tumeric, the primary active component of which is curcumin, is one of the most clinically studied herbs today that contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A common healing herb in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Turmeric possesses a unique ability to ease and even cure systemic inflammation, which is a common cause of many health conditions and autoimmune disorders that affect people today. There are a range if turmeric benefits, including its ability to slow and prevent blood clotting, fight depression, reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis pain, manage diabetes and fight cancer.

Maximize the benefits: For general health adding the spice to your cooking whenever possible, For a therapeutic dose it is suggested that 400mg of curcurmin extract three times a day is appropriate.

Cinnamon: Lower Blood sugar. In a recent German study of type 2 diabetes, taking cinnamon extract successfully reduced blood sugar by about 10%.

It might also lower cholesterol, in another study of diabetics, it slashed cholesterol by 13% and triglycerides by 23%.

Maximize the benefits: to tame blood sugar, study subjects too 1 g capsules of standardized cinnamon extract daily.

Cinnamon has been proven to have:

Antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Anti-carcinogenic properties

Can help treats symptoms of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Anti-Inflammatory properties

Ginger: Ginger(Zingiber officinale)is the most widely used dietary condiment in the world today. The Chinese and Indians have used ginger tonics to treat aliments for over 4,700 years. The therapeutic benefits of ginger come from the oily resin Gingerol, that comes from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

These health benefits of Ginger have been proven by medical studies:

Nausea relief

Digestive support

Heals ulcers

Hoosts immunity

Improves diabetes

Anti-fungal

Reduces pain

Fights cancer

Weight loss

Anti-inflammatory

There are several ways to use ginger. It can be eaten raw, taken in a powder or supplement form, consumed in liquid form by making a tea, or used in topically oil form.

Garlic: Is a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It is high in a sulphur compound called Allicin, which is believed to bring most of the health benefits. It is absorbed from the digestive tract, where it exerts its potent biological effects.

It is a common ingredient in cooking, but throughout ancient history, the main use of garlic was for its health and medicinal properties.

Garlic is Highly Nutritious: A 1 ounce serving of garlic contains

Manganese-23% of the RDA

Vitamin B6-17% of the RDA

Vitamin C-15% of the RDA

Selenium-6% of the RDA

Fiber-0.6 gram

Garlic supplementation is known to boost the function of the immune system, helping to combat sickness, including the common cold.

The active compounds in garlic have also been shown to have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, which may lower the risk of heart

disease.

Antioxidant

Athletic performance

Detoxify Heavy metals

Bone health

Holy Basil -(tulsi)-The scientific name is Ocimum Sanctum and is one of the best medicinal herb that has been discovered. It has endless miraculous and medicinal values and has been worshiped and highly valued in India for thousands of years. It is incredibly beneficial for human health, primarily due to the unique composition of its essential oil, containing eugenol, camphor, flavonoids, nerol and various terpenes.

This rich blend of organic compounds has a number of benefits:

Fever

Respiratory

Asthma

Lung Disorders

Heart Diseases

Stress

Oral Care

Dental Care

Kidney stones

Skin Care

Headaches

Anti-aging

Immunity

Eye care

You can consume tulsi leaves in various ways, ranging from eating the leaves raw to brewing the dried leaves into a potent tea. This is the most common and popular use of this herb. Place 2-3 spoons of the powder into a boiling cup of water and allow to steep for 5-6 minutes.