Herbs aren't just for flavoring food. Throughout the centuries man has been using herbs to treat illness, promote well being and extend life. Herbs sparked the spice trade between East and West and stimulated exploration to the remote regions of the Earth to find new elixirs to cure common ills.
Nature provides a pharmacy of herbs to treat most any illness and disease, so many, in fact, that very little of their benefits have been studied to date. It will take science centuries yet before the full range of benefits of herbs and spices are revealed. Fortunately, many herbs are safe to use today as they work with the body's natural processes in fighting diseases and infection. Herbs treat the root causes and help to prevent many diseases before they have a chance to damage the body.
Herbs are often readily available. Some, like nettle and wild garlic grow in everyone's backyard. The only requirement to using them effectively is knowing how to use them the right way. Here's a partial list of some of the best herbs and spices available today.
Caraway Seed
Caraway stimulates the appetite, eases flatulence and helps laryngitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma. It's exceptionally good for children.
Cayenne pepper
It fights inflammation. The capsaicin that gives cayenne its heat is a powerful and natural stimulant that helps improve blood flow to the extremities of the body that are often deadened from the effects of diabetes. It can stop a heart attack in process within 30 seconds if administered quickly enough.
Chamomile
It helps relieve flatulence, improves appetite and encourages sleep. It's particularly useful in reducing the aches and pains associated with the flu.
Cinnamon
A unique spice that alleviates pain due to its anti-inflammatory compounds. It improve the ability of cells to take in glucose which helps to lower blood sugar in diabetics. It lowers triglycerides and LDL, the bad cholesterol.
Cloves
Cloves' antiseptic qualities make for an effective mouthwash. They help to relieve the pain of a toothache.
Dill
Not just for pickling, dill relieves gas and bloating. Both dill and fennel have been shown to promote milk production for nursing mothers. It makes a handy breath freshener.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek and vanadium were the two principle items used to control blood sugar in diabetics long before the discovery of insulin. It's the seeds that have the best us in normalizing glucose levels.
Garlic
The best known and most studied among all the herbs, it has multiple uses. It helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. It lowers blood pressure and decreases the risk of stomach and colon cancers. Garlic is an effective antiseptic and can soothe an upset stomach. It makes a good decongestant.
Ginger
Loaded with antioxidants that help slow down the aging process caused by free radical damage. Helps boost the immune system as its antimicrobial components help fight viruses. It helps relieve the side effects of nausea, vomiting and fatigue caused by radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Ginseng
Lowers blood pressure and improve circulation to the brain. A tea will relieve the symptoms of nervous exhaustion. It helps relieve respiratory difficulties. Ginseng helps alleviate the symptoms from a cold or the flu.
Nettle
The sting of the nettle cuts down the swelling and pain associated with gout. Nettle is effective against arthritis, rheumatism and eczema. It lower blood pressure. It is rich in calcium, iron, potassium and sulfur.
Nutmeg
This kitchen spice treats disorders of the heart and lungs. It fights asthma and helps eliminate bad breath. Used to treat upset stomach and bring relief to anyone suffering from diarrhea.
Parsley
It does more than decorate a dinner plate of fish and chips. Like dill it makes a good breath freshener. Very effective in eliminating the pungent odor from garlic. It's an effective treatment for asthma, jaundice and menstruation. It's rich in B vitamins and potassium.
Turmeric
A part of the ginger family, it is used extensively in the cuisine of India and China. It's an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint and muscle pain. Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, helps fight the growth of cancerous tumors.
There are thousands of herbs that can address most any disease. Much has yet to be studied even as new uses are discovered. Long after today's modern drugs have been relegated to the dustbins of history, herbs will still be as potent and as much used as they always have been.
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