Kitchen Remedies

Spices and herbs have been used by our ancestors for centuries for their medicinal qualities as well as for their culinary enhancements.  There have been many recent studies validating the historic habit of using spices for health benefits and researchers continue to study the healing properties that can be offered by these natural remedies. The true medicinal value of spices is only now beginning to be unveiled. 

Below are the healing properties of some commonly used spices:

ALL SPICE:  Improves digestion and is beneficial for the nervous system. 

ANISE: This is good for colic, cramps, nausea and indigestion.  Also freshens breath.

BASIL: For headaches, indigestion and whooping cough. Effective in drawing poisons from insect bites and stings.

CARAWAY:  Helps prevent fermentation in stomach. Used for indigestion, colic, intestinal and uterine cramps.

CARDAMON:  Relieves nausea; settles upset stomachs; effective against allergies caused by dairy products and is good for respiratory disorders. 

CAYENNE/CAPSICUM:  Contains antioxidant activity, which is beneficial to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin.  Helps rebuild tissue in stomach and benefits ulcers. For hemorrhaging externally and internally.  It also has antioxidant properties that neutralize the free radicals that damage tissue and cells.  The anti-inflammatory action used in topical creams with capsaicin may reduce joint pain.  Capsaicin also helps to topically treat eczema by drawing blood to the skin.

CINNAMON:  Stimulates appetite, relieves stomach upsets and supports digestive functions Constricts and tones tissues.  Relieves pain and stiffness of muscles and joints as well as menstrual discomfort.  Anti-inflammatory compounds relieves arthritis and its a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill E. coli and other bacteria.  It’s powerful anti-microbial agent can destroy E. coli and stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including Candida.  It also contains anti-clotting action, which decreases unwanted clumping of blood platelets.  A recent study suggested that cinnamon significantly reduce blood-sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes.  In addition, the study showed cinnamon reduced triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

CLOVES: The active components in cloves are eugenol and isoeugenol.  Contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.  Applied topically, it soothes toothache.  It can also be taken for gastric upsets and it relieves nausea. Provides relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria. Also provides relief for muscle pains from injuries as well as arthritis and rheumatism. Has anti-coagulant effects, (anti-platelet aggregation), and its main ingredient, eugenol, is anti-inflammatory.

CORIANDER: It is a digestive, an appetizer, stomachic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antipyretic. Is a stomach relaxant and can be used to soothe hemorrhoids and joint pain. 

Cumin: Stimulates appetite and is good for digestive problems. Helps to reduce nausea in pregnancy. They are also source for iron and traditionally have benefits to the digestive system.

FENNEL: has been used as an estrogenic agents. It has been reputed to increase milk secretion, promote menstruation, facilitate birth, alleviate the symptoms of the male climacteric, and increase libido. 

GARLIC:  Contains multiple anti-cancer compounds and antioxidants.  Broad-spectrum antibiotic that combats bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses. Acts as a decongestant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory agent. Boosts immune responses. Has anti-diarrhea, estrogenic and diuretic activity. 

GINGER: The active component, gingerol, has been shown to exhibit chemopreventive potential. As an antibiotic, kills salmonella and staph bacteria and an anti-ulcer agent.  Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.  Regular consumption of garlic can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also aids digestion and prevents flatulence. Its nausea-fighting properties can be helpful for people suffering the side effects of chemotherapy; relieves nausea, eases motion and morning sickness.  Relieves dizziness as well as encouraging bile flow.  The anti-inflammatory activity is believed to be a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. . Also, has anti-depressant, anti-diarrhea and strong antioxidant activity. High in anti-cancer activity.

HORSERADISH: For sinus congestion, respiratory and urinary infections. 

MARJORAM:  is a bronchial dilator and is useful in asthma, violent coughs, indigestion and abdominal cramps. Use externally as liniment or poultice for backache.

MUSTARD: is a stimulant that can be used to relieve respiratory complaints and is an excellent pain reliever. 

NUTMEG:  Has been known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, increase circulation, and improve concentration.  Aids anxiety and insomnia (can produce drowsiness so it can be taken to relax or sleep).  It also calms muscle spasms, eases joint pain and gout, nausea and vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea.  Nutmeg oil is beneficial when applied to toothache.

OREGANO:  Oregano also may be beneficial against several cancers, including breast cancer and ovarian cancer

PARSLEY: Good for all liver and spleen problems. Fresh juice helps inflammation of eyelid.

PEPPERMINT: Soothing to the digestive tract and relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and asthma. Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus.

RED CHILI: whose active component is capsaicin, determines the “hotness” or “spiciness”of food. Capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis in the nerve endings and thus induce “anesthesia” or numbness. It is used in the treatment of certain kinds of headache and pain. Because it selectively induces apoptosis of tumor cells 35, its potential as an anticancer agent

ROSEMARY:  in some studies, has shown that it may help fight cataracts.  Excellent for all women's ailments. Good tonic for reproductive organs.

SAFFRON: This is good for colds, relieves drowsiness and aids in female menstruation.

SAGE:  Used for excessive mucus discharges.  Beneficial for mental exhaustion and strengthening ability to concentrate may give your memory a boost.  Beneficial for night sweats.

SPEARMINT:  Excellent in stopping nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.   Gentle and effective for colic in babies.

THYME:  Destroys fungal infections, as in athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as lice.

TUMERIC:  is an anti-inflammatory agent.  Extensive research has indicated that curcumin, the active has been said to inhibit tumor growth and help with rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals and therefore protects against cancer. It has also been shown to prevent the activation of genes that cause cancer.  In tests, it lowered cholesterol, hindered platelet aggregation (blood clotting), protected the liver from toxins, boosted stomach defenses against acid, lowered blood sugar in diabetics. Anti-cancer activity. The anti-inflammatory and the antioxidants in turmeric fight the free radicals responsible for joint inflammation and damage.  Recent research indicates that eating food with low doses of curcumin slashed the accumulation of Alzheimer's-like plaque in the brains of mice by 50 percent.

VANILLA: Improves appetite and assists in digestion.

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