Culinary Herbs

So many medicinal herbs are used for the fabulous flavor in our favorite dishes. Spice up your life with some of these tasty (and healthy) herbs:

Allspice is a great spice that can be used with many meals; it is a tasty addition to meats, vegetables, pickles, and fruit dishes. It may be helpful with digestion, inflammation, and nerve tissue.

Cayenne is a popular herb that has many functions. It can help purify the blood, break down mucous, improve energy levels, aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, stimulate the excretion of wastes through sweating, and offers great nutrition to the cells.

Cinnamon is a popular kitchen spice that has many health benefits. It helps to warm the system, and is commonly used with cooling foods (fruits, milk, desserts). It warms the organs to prevent from distress with the: intestines, heart, menses, back, and lung. It has also been found helpful in killing and eliminating parasites, stabilizing blood sugar, preventing indigestion and gas, and stopping excess bleeding.

Cloves may help with digestive distress (nausea, vomiting, flatulence, etc.). It may also be used topically as an antiseptic; and may be helpful for toothaches. Cloves may be beneficial in warming the body (increasing digestion and improving circulation), which is why clove is more popular as a spice during the colder months. It may also be helpful in killing and eliminating parasites.

Coriander (also called cilantro) is a cooling herb that helps to balance hot and spicy foods. It is useful for fevers, inflammation, and pain; it also helps with intestinal balance to prevent griping. It has been found helpful with the detoxification of heavy metals.

Cumin is one of the best kitchen spices known to prevent and relieve gas. Cumin helps to increase circulation, and is often given to new mothers for 3 reasons: (1) to help sooth their heart and uterus after the stress of childbirth, (2) to increase milk production, and (3) to prevent colic in babies.

Dill helps to improve the appetite and digestion. It is commonly found in colic formulas because of its ability to ease flatulence and promote proper digestion.

Garlic is a powerful herb that possesses many exceptional properties, including the abilities to: lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, expand vessel walls, inhibit platelet aggregation, kill and expel parasites, kill bacteria and fungus, protect from and kill viruses, and promoting overall health.

Ginger is a highly effective and tasty herb that can be used frequently in the kitchen and for health complaints. It has been found helpful for: digestion, flatulence, fatigue, gastro-intestinal issues, nausea, pregnancy complaints, arthritis, stomach aches, immune function, diarrhea, blood sugar, circulation, dizziness, heartburn, aches and pains, detoxification, nervousness, stress, and stimulation.

Mint has been found to be antibacterial and antiparasitic. It may also help sooth muscle tissue, prevent flatulence, promote digestion, stimulate the liver and gallbladder, promote the healing of ulcers, prevent inflammation, and ease pain. The smell of mint has been found helpful for relaxation and concentration, as well as the health of lung tissue. Although there are many different types of mint, many of them have the same health benefits.

Nutmeg may be helpful to improve circulation, digestion, heart troubles, and nerve transmition.

Onions are similar to garlic in their healthy properties, although not as extreme. Onions are stimulants that increase the energy of the body, stimulate circulation, and break up mucous or obstructions; while also helping to kill any invading pathogens.

Oregano is a common digestive herb, which has been found to promote digestion and ease flatulence. Oregano may also be helpful for reduction and elimination of yeast and parasites in the body.

Parsley is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C available in a plant. It is also an effective diuretic, used to help rid the body of excess water. It has been found helpful with kidney or urinary complaints. It encourages the elimination of uric acid, so may be helpful for gout, arthritis, and inflammation. Parsley has been used to ease flatulence and colic pains, and promote digestion.

Salt (in excess) is often linked to a variety of health concerns, including hypertension (high blood pressure), fluid retention, pregnancy problems, and electrolyte imbalance. When used in moderation, salt is essential for proper mineral concentration and balance in the body. A healthy salt option is a more natural sea salt that still has a variety of other minerals present.

Turmeric is a popular detoxifying herb that has very little taste and can be used in relatively high doses frequently in the kitchen. It has been found helpful for: arthritis, improving liver health, digestion, menstrual complaints, bruises and injuries, stimulation, blood sugar, imbalanced hormones, gallstones, circulation, and inflammation.