10 Herbs and Spices for the Kitchen Medicine Cabinet

By Tony Isaacs | June 24, 2011

Many of us have a cabinet full of herbs and spices we use to help improve the flavor of our meals. What many may not realize is how much common kitchen herbs and spices can also help improve our health. Here are ten top examples:

CAYENNE - Cayenne pepper has wonderful cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure. Famed herbalist Doctor John Christopher noted that a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper never failed to stop a heart attack in only minutes. When added to food, cayenne increases appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea and indigestion. It also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs.

GARLIC - Garlic is a natural antiseptic and powerful cancer fighter with numerous other health benefits. It helps lower cholesterol, reduces plaque, lower blood pressure, and lower the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea.

TURMERIC - The curcumin contained in turmeric provides powerful anti-cancer properties, especially for smokers and past smokers. Curcumin has clinically proven anti-inflammatory effects, including significant beneficial effects to relieve rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Turmeric is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, and may help

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CINNAMON - Cinnamon contains a compound that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon can also stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Cinnamon helps lower blood pressure and helps regulate menstrual cycles. In addition, cinnamon has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress

OREGANO - Oregano is a powerful natural antiseptic. It contains 19 chemical compounds with antibacterial actions as well as four compounds that soothe coughs. In addition, oregano helps soothe stomach muscles, making it a good digestive aid, and it helps lower blood pressure.

GINGER - Ginger is a wonderful digestive aid which stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, and eases pain from gas and diarrhea. Ginger is also effective as an anti-nausea remedy. Researchers have found that ginger is more effective against motion sickness than the most commonly used over the counter medication. Ginger is used as a pain reliever and it helps lower bad cholesterol.

FENUGREEK - Fenugreek seeds help treat diabetes, lower blood sugar and lower bad cholesterol. Fenugreek also helps maintain good metabolism, prevents constipation, purifies the blood and helps flush out harmful toxins. Fenugreek seeds and leaves are good for increasing breast milk in lactating women.

BASIL - Basil is an herbal carminative which can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. Research has indicated that basil helps slow aging.

CLOVE - Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, a potent pain deadening anti-microbial. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove also helps lower blood sugar by helping the body use insulin more effectively. Clove was found in one study to speed healing of cold sores.

BLACK PEPPER - Black pepper is one of the oldest and most commonly used spices. It has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs and produces an increased flow of saliva and digestive juices. Black pepper can help relieve indigestion as well as flatulence. It also helps improve absorption and utilization of curcumin, which the body normally does not absorb very well.

The above list barely scratches the surface of all the wonderful healing herbs and spices nature has provided for our kitchen medicine cabinet. For many more examples see:

http://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/index.cfm?spicefilename=medspice.txt&itemsuppress=yes&displayswitch=0

Sources included:http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/healing-herbs.html

http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/10-kitchen-spices-with-healing-power-3852125

http://www.naturalnews.com/026869_cayenne_pepper_health.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/120651.php

About The Author:

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health advocate and researcher and the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy". Mr. Isaacs also has The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. He is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. Mr. Isaacs also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup". He is working on a major book project due for publication later this year.