9 Spices With Super-Healing Powers

For hundreds of years, spices and herbs have acted as medicines that cured a wide range of diseases, from insomnia, lack of energy, diabetes, and heartburns, to weight loss, cancers, chronic pains and even arthritis. They not only enhance the health of the heart, but also lower inflammation, fight against several kinds of cancer, and promote a healthy, wholesome and long life.

We’ve created an incredibly beneficial round-up of 9 essential spices and herbs that you must stock up in your pantry to enjoy their succulent flavour and rich nutrient density.

Healing Herbs and Spices

Image: HealthyVogue

Here, take a look:

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is packed with an incredibly high density of nutrients, and its impressively potent profile of antioxidants protects our cells from the attacks of free radicals and oxidative stress. Research reveals that antioxidants aid the body in eliminating the symptoms of several chronic ailments, such as Parkinson’s, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Several studies have highlighted the role of cinnamon consumption in reducing the symptoms and impacts of several cardiovascular ailments. A recent study revealed that cinnamon plays a vital role in improving the function of insulin, a hormone produced by our body, which naturally reduces the blood sugar levels.

According to statistics, nearly one in every ten Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes type 2, while there are millions of people who have increased risks for developing its symptoms. The best way to cure diabetes is to regulate your blood sugar and prevent it from infecting your body in the first place, and cinnamon can really help you with that.

Does Cinnamon Make You Lose Weight

Another study attempted to examine the impact of cinnamon in the diets of patients suffering with Alzheimer’s. The results revealed that cinnamon bark contains a certain extract that prevents the development of amyloid plaques in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. Even though the study was conducted on mice, cinnamon aided in correcting the movement problems and restoring levels of cognition.

How should you consume it?

Cinnamon has a savoury and sweet flavour that will warm your taste buds, and since it is a powerhouse of nutrients, you must add it to your daily diet. Be sure to consume at least half a spoon of cinnamon every day.

You can devour it with a piping hot bowl of oatmeal or cereal, toss it in your fruit salads, coffee, tea, smoothies, milkshakes, juices, green tea, or just devour it with nut butters. Cinnamon is also a star ingredient for casserole meals, sauces and recipes made with lamb, chicken, beef or fish. Mix it up with other spices, like cumin, tarragon, and chilli powder to create an aromatic herbal blend to give your everyday meals a Middle-Eastern taste.

When buying cinnamon, steer clear of varieties that contain cassia instead of cinnamon. We recommend you to pick out labels that say Ceylon Cinnamon, as they are the most authentic of all varieties, and they contain the highest density of antioxidants.

2. Sage

You must have heard or read about the link between wisdom and sage, for this nutrient-rich spice has been scientifically proven to enhance both, mood and memory. A study attempted to examine the memory-related benefits of sage by administering sage oil to a sample group of healthy and young participants. The results revealed a sharp improvement in their ability to remember, along with an enhancement in their mood as the consumption of sage oil made them calmer, along with improving their focus.

There is ample evidence to substantiate the claim that sage is highly beneficial for patients suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Sage contains a potently powerful enzyme, known as acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is also found in several prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s. It basically improves the cognitive functioning of the brain, and enhances the memory of the patient.

An open-label research attempted to study the effects on sage on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The patients were treated with sage for a period of six weeks, and at the end of treatment, the experts noticed a stark improvement in the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms, along with an enhanced focus.

Is Sage Salvia

Another study that was conducted on mice revealed that sage contains a potent active ingredient, called rosmarinic acid, which provided the mice cells a strong protective shield against the formation of amyloid peptides, which are one of the greatest risk factors of Alzheimer’s/

Further research into the benefits of sage reveal that this incredibly nutritious herb is also capable of enhancing the digestive system, and its estrogen-like profile allows to prevent several awful symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes.

How should you consume it?

The recommended dosage of sage is at least half a teaspoon several times during the week. It has a very rich and earthly taste, which makes it a star ingredient for baking, stuffing, and casserole dishes. You can enjoy it with soups, roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and countless other meals. Or you can fix yourself a soothing cup of hot sage tea. All you need to do is boil some water with a teaspoon of freshly chopped sage, and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes before pouring it out.

If you want to stock up heaps of sage, you need to take some steps to make sure it stays fresh. You just have to cut out the ends of its stem, and place it in a glass filled water, much like flowers in a vase. Then, take a dry and clean plastic bag to cover up the sage and the entire glass before you place it in the fridge. It will keep your herbs safe and fresh, and you can use this trick to stock up several long-stemmed herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is undoubtedly one of the healthiest herbs offered by Mother Nature, and there are volumes of research and scientific data highlighting the benefits of consuming this nutrient-rich herb in one’s daily diet.

Indian Ayurveda regards turmeric as the best traditional natural remedy for a series of ailments and conditions, and considering the amount of research that has been done to examine its benefits, Western medicine practitioners are increasing opening up towards its regular use. Research reveals that turmeric contains a potent active ingredient, known as curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Several animal-based studies and test tube researches have revealed that curcumin holds the power to fight against the growth of cancer and prevent the formation of amyloid plaque amongst countless other health benefits. A recent study revealed that it is also immensely beneficial for the health of the heart. You see, when you add the antioxidant potency of turmeric to your daily diet, especially meals with high levels of fats, it aids the body in lowering insulin levels and triglycerides, along with strengthening the cardiovascular system.

Can Turmeric Cause Weight Gain

Turmeric also boosts the potent profile of a COX-2 inhibitor, which plays the role of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, only it doesn’t cause any kind of negative impacts or side-effects. A study examining the potency and effects of curcumin revealed that its daily consumption is highly effective to heal osteoarthritis in the knees, nearly as effective as ibuprofen.

Moreover, there is ample research that examined the role of curcumin in improving the functioning of our key body organs. Results substantiate the claims that turmeric not only reduces the symptoms of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, by triggering positive effects on the patient, but also, it aids in regulating and strengthening the immune system.

However, just as any spice or herb, you mustn’t consume large doses of turmeric as it can trigger heavy blood clotting, along with exaggerating the symptoms of gallbladder ailments and conditions. Therefore, it is essential to consult your doctor about consuming turmeric or its supplements aside from culinary uses.

How should you consume it?

We recommend you to enjoy a teaspoon of turmeric at least thrice or four times a week. It has a bright orange-yellow hue, and its flavour is so rich, one of the star ingredients in Indian recipes and curries. You can add it to your curried salads, chicken dressings, soups, casseroles and lots more. The best way to enjoy its rich taste is to pair it up with raisins, curry powder and Greek yogurt, and create a succulently spicy chicken curry salad.

You can also fix yourself a piping hot cup of turmeric tea, with freshly ground turmeric roots, or store-bought tea such as Yogi or the Republic of Tea. It’s always best to chop up your fresh home-grown turmeric roots, and allow them to steep in boiling water for at least 15 minutes before pouring out the tea.

It’s important to consume either finely grounded turmeric powder, or fresh turmeric roots because their antioxidant profile doesn’t accommodate long-term stocking.

4. Thyme

The aromatic and succulent taste of thyme is the star ingredient of all continental dishes, however, what really sets it apart is its phenomenally impressive antimicrobial profile. Thyme contains a potent volatile oil compound, called thymol, which is also found in green home cleaning products, and several mouthwash varieties, such as Listerine.

Research reveals that thyme oil is highly effective at healing several kinds of food poisoning conditions and food contaminations, for instance, it is highly beneficial for fighting off E. coli and staph, along with decontaminating lettuce infected with Shigella, the deadliest kind of food poisoning.

Moreover, thyme is also an excellent natural remedy to promote healthy digestion, along with reducing the symptoms of digestive qualms, such as gas and constipation. It is also used to improve the health of the hair and scalp.

Thyme for Hair Loss

How should you consume it?

Experts believe that one should consume one teaspoon of fresh thyme, or dried thyme at least thrice a week for effective results. It has a very succulent taste, and you can add it to any and every recipe, be it fish, veggies, salads, chicken, lemon sauces, cheesy sauces, and even cocktails.

You can store fresh thyme in your refrigerator for about a week, just be sure to wrap it up in an open plastic bag or a wet paper towel.

5. Ginger

For centuries, countless herbal traditions and ancient medicine cultures have regarded ginger as one of the most potent herbs known to humankind. From healing ailments like nausea and gastric ulcers, to relieving the symptoms of digestive ailments and promoting the speedy movement of food within the digestive tracts, modern medicinal science has also accepted the wondrous benefits of ginger.

Several studies have revealed that ginger aids in relieving pain caused by several ailments and conditions, for instance, migraines, menstrual aches, and muscle aches. It has been scientifically proven as a mighty potent COX inhibitor, which makes it highly beneficial for patients suffering with chronic inflammatory ailments and osteoarthritis.

However, when consumed in large doses, garlic also tends to aggravate the symptoms of gallstone conditions, and trigger gas and heartburn. Furthermore, it also interferes with the effects of certain medications, such as warfarin. Therefore, you must consult with your doctor and set a proper dosage before adding it to your daily diet.

Ginger - Alternative Lung Cancer Treatments

How should you consume it?

In the instance your doctor allows you to use ginger, you must add it to all your daily meals for it is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is the key ingredient of countless Indian and Asian recipes, and its strong and flavourful taste guarantees a scrumptious feast. It can added to rich and creamy soups, and baked treats, such as ginger fries, ginger breads, brownies, gingersnaps, apple muffins, candies and lots more.

You can also add ginger in your regular teas or coffee, or you can fix yourself a hot and piping cup of ginger tea to relax your nerves, and eliminate the symptoms of common colds and flu. It’s best that you use fresh ginger instead of powdered varieties, and you can always grind it up at home.

6. Rosemary

The consumption of rosemary to enhance one’s memory dates all the way back to ancient Greece, where students would add rosemary to their hair while preparing for their exams. And modern medicinal research has validated all its benefits through extensive scientific data.

Research reveals that rosemary is brimming with a powerful component, known as carnosic acid, which aids in shielding the brain against the damaging attacks of free radicals, which allow it to reduce the risk factors contributing to Alzheimer’s and brain strokes. Moreover, it is brimming with antioxidants and packs up an incredibly high density of carnosal, making it one of the best home remedies to prevent and eliminate the growth of cancer.

Like all other herbs, it is ideal to consume rosemary in moderately mindful doses, however, if you want to invest in supplements, you must get a recommendation from your doctor. You see, when consumed in large doses, research has linked rosemary with an increased rate of seizures, and lack of adequate iron absorption.

What Spices Go with Rosemary

Important Note: Pregnant women must steer clear of rosemary and dishes containing this herb as it is one of the oldest traditional herbs used for abortions.

How should you consume it?

All you need is a teaspoon of rosemary four or five times a week for effective results for even the smallest of doses tend to have long-lasting effects. It is a wonderful herb to get a sugary tinge without loading yourself with calories, and you can enjoy it with salads, smoothies, fruity crunch, and even vegies and roasted chicken. It’s best to enhance the taste by creating a rich blend of herbs and spices by mixing rosemary with sage and thyme, which will naturally enhance the health benefits and nutrient density of your meals.

7. Saffron

Regarded as the most expensive spice known to humankind, saffron is a rare herb that is mostly grown in the Middle Eastern regions. The threads of saffron are really the stigmas of a certain type of crocus, and every single thread needs to gathered very delicately and expertly using the hands.

It’s expensive price tag certainly doesn’t undermine its health benefits, for medicinal scientific research validates its effects as the most potent natural anti-depressants. A recent research reveals that saffron is capable of inducing the same antidepressant effects as Prozac, only it doesn’t cause any symptoms or addictions. Another study also revealed that its antidepressant benefits tend to be much higher than most depression medications.

Health Benefits Saffron

Further research reveals that saffron is capable of increasing the blood flow that enters the brain, which in turn brings about a marked increase in a person’s cognitive performance. Another study revealed that saffron is also highly beneficial for effecting the genes that regulate the vision cells, along with reducing and reversing degenerative eye conditions.

How should you consume it?

This expensive herb doesn’t need to be used to large quantities in order to bring about potent effects. All you need is 1/10th of a teaspoon to experience all its nutrient-rich benefits. You can even add a few saffron threads to your Italian dishes, like risotto, and paella, along with rice meals and desserts.

Keep in mind that saffron is a very delicate spice, and its flavour and nutrient density tends to decline over the period of three-six months. Therefore, be sure to pick up small amounts that you feel you can finish up during this period, and make sure you place your saffron in a bottle, and store it in a dark and cool environment to avoid rancidity.

8. Basil

Even though this aromatic herb is largely used in Italian recipes, it actually hails from Indian, where traditional Ayurveda and herbalists use it to heal patients suffering from diabetes, asthma and stress.

Research reveals that basil has an incredibly potent and powerful antiviral and antimicrobial profiles, which are capable of eliminating the symptoms of the nastiest allergies, such as E. coli and listeria. Moreover, it is also a natural COX inhibitor, which makes it highly beneficial for patients suffering from inflammatory conditions and arthritis. Several studies have highlighted their immense density of beta-carotene, which breaks down in magnesium, vitamin A, calcium and iron.

Sweet Basil Cooking

How should you consume it?

All you need is a tablespoon or fresh basil at least thrice a week for effective results. It is the most delicious summer-friendly herb, which you can toss into your cold salads, pastas, tomato sauces, and of course, all your pastas, pizzas, and Italian recipes.

It can be very difficult to find fresh and high quality basil during other seasons except summer, but you can always freeze it in pop-out containers to enjoy it for the rest of the year. Frozen basil always stays fresh and retains all its nutrient density.

9. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers have been hailed for their succulently spicy taste and their countless medicinal benefits for over 10,000 years, and modern medicinal science is also increasing regarding and validating their benefits with extensive research.

There’s a very well researched and substantial reason why Japanese martial art and karate fighters add chili peppers to their diet, as it helps them enhance their body’s power and strength. These powerful peppers are brimming with nutrients, especially capsaicin, an active ingredient that aids the body in reducing the pain suffered through chronic aches, headaches, and arthritis.

Chili Peppers - Capsaicin Stomach Cancer

Research reveals that capsaicin found in chili peppers prevents the release of P-protein, which causes an interruption in sending constant pain signals to the brain. It also regulates and reduces blood sugar levels, along with promoting the healthy release of endorphins. A recent study highlighted the anticancer abilities of chili peppers after conducting a large-scale test tube experiment.

How should you consume it?

You can add these chili peppers to spice up your meals as much as you want to, but if you’re not a spice-lover, just enjoy 1/8th of a teaspoon for potent and effective results.

There are countless varieties of chili peppers to enjoy, such as chipotle, habanero, poblana, red peppers, ancho chili powders and lots more. Feel free to experiment around, create fajita recipes, Mexican dishes, chicken recipes, chocolate desserts, salsas, tomato sauces, soups, salads and spicy Indian curries.

If you’ve eaten quite a lot of chili peppers and you feel that your mouth is on fire, do not grab a glass of water and chug it down. You see, capsaicin is not water-soluble, therefore, you must grab a glass of milk as it contains caseins, which will aid in blocking the heat caused by chili peppers immediately.

Related Posts

Add Comment