Boost Your Health with These Herbs and Spices

Not only do herbs and spices add a depth of incredible flavours and create a taste sensation, but they are also beneficial to your body too. Food can be medicine, and it has been used in this way for thousands of years. Long before there were pharmacies on every high street, mother nature provided the healing assistance that was needed for the bodies recovery and health. Discover the health promoting properties of some of the most popular herbs and spices here:

Nutmeg

Nutmeg trees grow in tropical climates such as the Caribbean and Southern areas of India; the trees produce the well-known and familiar spices nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg comes from the kernel of the large seed, while mace is fragments of the tough outer shell of the pod. Nutmeg reduces insomnia amongst many sufferers by increasing the feeling of being sleepy; many individuals will add a large dose of the powder to their warm drinks before they go to bed. The sweet spice is known to contain antibacterial properties, which makes it ideal for promoting good oral health. Traces of the spice can be found in a range of natural oral hygiene products as it encourages healthy gums and a good level of beneficial bacteria in the mouth.

Cloves

Cloves are also used for oral hygiene benefits. They provide a numbing effect when applied to areas of the body and mouth. Either whole or as an oil, clove rubbed directly on to a tender area or diluted to make mouthwash, will ease tooth ache, gum pain or sore and infected throats. It is a great alternative to sooth young children with teething issues, rather than using chemicals to ease their pain, a weak solution of clove oil with water will have the same effects as modern remedies. The strong scent of cloves is also useful for easing bad breath, not only does it mask the unpleasant smell, but the antibacterial properties will prevent the problem from reoccurring. The soothing and numbing sensation is not only limited to the mouth, a clove solution can be applied directly to the forehead and neck to ease headaches and reduce tension.

Turmeric

Turmeric is easy to recognise due to its bright yellow colour, and it is highly likely you would have eaten it if you’re partial to a curry. Not only does it spice up your meal and bring colour to your dishes, but it has incredible benefits to your body. Medical professionals have acknowledged that there are properties of the herb that can reduce inflammation within the body. Individuals suffering from inflammation of the bowel, Crohn’s disease and gout have seen astonishing improvements in their conditions after supplementing their diet and medicines with turmeric. The anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce the discomfort experienced during menstruation; it is known to lessen cramping and keep bloating to a minimum.

Cardamom

Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices to buy, after vanilla and saffron. The small pods can vary greatly in their appearance, with the colours ranging from green to brown. Each pod contains several black seeds, both the pod and its contents can be used in either savoury or sweet dishes, bringing a depth of flavour to the food. Cardamom pods can be used to optimise and regulate cholesterol levels, alongside a healthy and nourishing diet. Individuals also consume cardamom to reduce muscle and joint pain, users have found that after regularly ingesting the spice over several weeks that muscle strain, spasms and inflammation was greatly reduced.

Cumin

Cumin can be brought as a seed or in a powder form. When added to meals it can aid digestion by awakening the salivary glands in the mouth, which then activates the digestion process. Cumin is pack with vitamin C, making it great for individuals suffering from a cold, it helps to fight the infection and boost the immune system which contributes to improved symptoms.

Ginger

Ginger can be used either fresh or as a powder, in cooking or to add a fiery flavour to your drinks. It comes from the root of the ginger plant, rather than the flower or the leaf. For medicinal purposes, it is used to prevent and treat diarrhoea and reduce gas formation in the bowels. Ginger can also decrease symptoms of nausea; many pregnant women will use it to ease morning sickness and individuals who suffer from motion sickness also regularly consume ginger to prevent the affects.

Herbs and spices are widely used all around the world to add interest to a range of food and drinks, whether that’s to spice up a bowl of Oriental rice or to marinade meats for a summer BBQ, the consumption is global, and many of us can’t get enough of the incredible flavours. Whether you’re adding some to liven a dish or to promote your bodily functions and health, the benefits are abundant!

What herbs and spices do you use to ease your sufferings or promote your bodily functions? Let us know via our social media channels!