Some of the most powerful healers can be found in the kitchen - herbs and spices. These wonderfully fragrant and flavor-enhancing additions to food also contain a wealth of natural healing properties that have a number of diverse benefits, from aiding digestion to reducing the risk of cancer.
All herbs and spices contain substances that promote healing, and here are just ten of the most powerful ones, and some reasons why you should be using them in cooking and as health-enhancers:
* 1. Cinnamon - cinnamon bark contains an oil-like substance that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including E.coli and Salmonella, and research shows that cinnamon is able to stop the growth of the Asian fluvirus. Cinnamon has a surprisingly strong effect on the brain and mood; its distinctive smell helps to reduce anxiety and stress, increase alertness, and prevent mood swings caused by fluctuating blood-sugar levels.All herbs and spices contain substances that promote healing, and here are just ten of the most powerful ones, and some reasons why you should be using them in cooking and as health-enhancers:
* 2. Turmeric - turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant chemical that detoxifies carcinogens and calms inflammation, making it useful for easing auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies. It appears to work just like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects. Turmeric is such as strong anti-inflammatory that only a small amount is enough to reduce the risk of illness.Curcumin, which gives this spice its vivid golden color, also helps to prevent the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries, and so may protect against conditions such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
* 3. Basil - basil contains volatile oils, which account for the medicinal properties of this herb. It relieves flatulence, is an aid to digestion and its antiseptic properties are said to benefit acne. This fragrant oil also hasantimicrobial effects. Recent tests have found that basil oils can counteract the growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, including those that cause food poisoning and others that infect wounds.