Variety is the spice of life, and the spice of life is variety - a generous diversity of spices and herbs added to the foods we consume, contain health promoting properties! Herbs and spices have been used for medicinal remedies since ancient times, and their mysteries are slowly being unraveled, as thousands of phytochemical-rich compounds containing bioactive synergistic properties are identified.
The definition of an herb is a plant that does not have a woody stem, is typically composed of leaves, and which is used for medicinal purposes. Most spices are derived from plant bark, and have aromatic properties used to season and flavor foods. Since many herbs are also used to flavor foods, and many spices have medicinal value, they often overlap in classification. Let's explore the wonders of a few of these amazing natural remedies.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known, and comes from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree. It has a long history of medicinal use in both Western and Eastern cultures. Indian, Moroccan, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Chinese cuisines use cinnamon generously to complement a variety of foods.
Cinnamon reportedly has been used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular problems, insomnia, and digestive dysfunctions. It contains the phytochemicals eugenol and geranio, which exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Its anthocyanin content improves capillary function. Other anti-inflammatory compounds may be helpful in ameliorating muscle and joint pain, as well as, menstrual discomfort. A study published in "Diabetic Care" showed that cinnamon reduced blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Ginger comes from fresh gingerroot, a gnarled brown root easily found in the fresh produce section of the grocery store, or as a ground yellowish-brown powder in the spice section. The ancient Romans first imported ginger from China nearly 2,000 years ago. It eventually became a popular item of medieval and Renaissance trade, as it was used as a medicinal remedy against the plague. Ginger ale originated in English pubs in the 19th century, as ground ginger was sprinkled into beer beverages.
Ginger has been used since ancient times as a healing herb for the reproductive, respiratory, and digestive systems. It is known to improve poor circulation, remedy cramps, ameliorate morning and motion sickness. It is also a good diaphoretic, which means it opens the pores and promotes sweat to effectively eliminate waste from the body, thereby improving overall digestive health. Ginger contains the phytochemicals gingerol and gingerdione, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and which may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. Animal studies on ginger show that it has antitumor properties and helps boost the immune system.
Oregano is a relative of the mint family, and has higher antioxidant activity than apples, oranges, and blueberries, based on its ORAC score. Oil of oregano contains the compounds thymol and carvacrol, which have antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic properties. It has inhibited the growth of at least ten different microbes, including candida albicans (yeast). It also contains rosmarinic acid, which has been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
Thyme is a native herb of the Mediterranean Sea region, and has been around since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It has a long history of relieving chest and respiratory problems, such as coughs and bronchitis. Homemade cough syrup can be made by adding three tablespoons of dried thyme to boiling water and honey. Thyme has powerful antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and is an effective digestive aid, as thyme can help dislodge the mucus coating of the intestinal tract.
Turmeric is a relative of ginger, and is from the root of a tropical plant. Turmeric is a staple in India, and used for healing in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The phytochemical compounds thought to be most responsible for turmeric's medicinal effects are the curcuminoids, the most studied being curcumin. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is often used in the treatment of arthritis, muscle pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
A 2006 study in the medical journal Oncogene, showed that curcumin inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells. It is a powerful antioxidant, and promotes cardiovascular health. Turmeric is one of the only spices to date that has shown the ability to dissolve excess fibrinogen in the circulatory system.
These are a sample of only a few herbs and spices with amazing health benefits. Generously including a variety of spices in daily cooking may play an important role in promoting health, due to phytochemical bioactivity. All synergistic phytochemicals found in herbs and spices are nature's medicine, cause no harm, and promote health. As thousands more phytochemicals are discovered, researched, and classified, their healing properties will be added to nature's exhibition of dietary wonders - Spices and herbs are mainstays in nature's pharmacy.
Note: Always research uncommon herbs which may have adverse side effects in some individuals.
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