Herbal Health Benefits -
Spices and herbs such as clove, rosemary, sage, oregano, and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants with their high content of phenolic compounds. It is evident that frequent consumption of spicy foods was also linked to a lower risk of death from cancer and ischemic heart and respiratory system diseases.
However, the actual role of spices and herbs in the maintenance of health, specifically with regards to protecting against the development of chronic, noncommunicable diseases, is currently unclear. This review highlights potential health benefits of commonly used spices and herbs such as chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, fenugreek, rosemary, and garlic.
Abstract Spices and herbs have been in use for centuries both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Eating black currant berries can also promote eye health, kill pathogens and viruses and boost your immune system. Peurnus boldus, more commonly known as boldo, is a Chilean tree that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal benefits.
Boldo is known to help relieve gastrointestinal issues, bladder infections, gallstones and liver disease. It also works as a diuretic, increasing urine flow and promoting detoxification. The flowers, leaves and oil from the seeds can be used to improve skin conditions like eczema, reduce fever, and relieve conditions like cough, rheumatoid arthritis and pain caused by inflammation.
Borage oil contains high amounts of GLA, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is helpful for treating a wide range of health issues, like PMS symptoms, ADHD, bone loss, hormone imbalances, respiratory conditions, heart disease and stroke. Extracts derived from tress of the genus called boswellia contain powerful compounds that can reduce inflammation, fight cancer and prevent heart disease.
Use boswellia extract to improve your immunity, reduce arthritis pain, speed up healing and prevent autoimmune disease. Bupleurum is a plant that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote detoxification for over 2, years.
You can also use bupleurum to improve the health of your liver, boost adrenal gland function, treat depression associated with PMS or menopause, relieve seizures, and fight ovarian cancer.
Burdock is a biennial plant in the daisy family. The root contains health-promoting antioxidants, including quercetin , luteolin and phenolic acids. It can be consumed in powdered, fresh, dried or tea form to promote detoxification and circulation, strengthen the lymphatic system, protect you against diabetes, and help heal skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Burdock root is also used to combat cancer and improve arthritis. It possesses powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities, helps speed healing, relaxes muscle spasms and improves oral health. Calendula also contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and research shows that it can be used to relieve irritations from cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.
Cardamom is made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. Consuming ground cardamom can help fight bad breath and the formation of cavities, lower your blood pressure, improve diabetes symptoms, aid your digestive system, and fight cancer.
It has antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties. Cayenne pepper is a shrub that makes hollow fruit that grows into long pods and adds a spicy flavor to various dishes.
These pods are available in fresh, dried or powdered form and valued for their many health benefits. Cayenne can be used to support digestion; prevent blood clots; relieve migraine, nerve and joint pain; promote detoxification; improve allergy symptoms; and support weight loss.
Chamomile plants are used to improve several health conditions, including allergies, insomnia, anxiety, depression, arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders. Chamomile benefits also include its ability to help fight skin irritations; relieve toothaches, PMS symptoms and muscle spasms; reduce inflammation; and heal wounds.
It is often taken as an extract or supplement to relieve digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, IBS, gas and bloating. Chicory root also works as a natural remedy for managing diabetes, protects the liver from toxicity and free radicals, reduces inflammation, and relieves stress.
Chive, or Allium schoenoprasum , is a perennial plant that is closely related to scallions and leeks. Chives are often used as a flavoring herb, but they also act as a mild stimulant and diuretic.
Chives have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and they work as a natural bug repellant as well. Cilantro is a versatile herb that contains many healing properties , including phytonutrients, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
Cilantro benefits include its ability to promote the detoxification of heavy metals, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, lower blood sugar levels, boost your heart health, support your digestion, promote skin health and fight free radical damage that can lead to a number of degenerative diseases. Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree.
The compounds found in cinnamon and extracted to make cinnamon oil make this one of the most beneficial spices on earth. Cinnamon health benefits come from its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, immune-boosting, heart-protecting and cancer-fighting properties.
Comfrey is a perennial herb that can be used topically to relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce lower back pain, and improve arthritis pain. It can also be used to speed wound healing and lessen skin irritations.
Comfrey should only be used topically for up to 10 consecutive days. Ingesting this herb can cause liver damage. The dried seeds of the cilantro plant are known as coriander , which is commonly used as whole seeds or ground into powder.
Consuming coriander seeds can help lower blood sugar levels, ease digestive issues , improve cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure and prevent neurological disease. Cumin seeds come from the herb Cuminum cyminum , which is a member of the parsley family.
Cooking with cumin seeds can help aid your digestion, boost your immune system, promote the health of your skin, relieve respiratory conditions, promote detoxification, combat oxidative stress, fight infections and prevent diabetes. Using curry leaves for flavoring provides fiber, iron, and vitamins A, C and E.
They can support the health of your heart, fight diabetes, prevent or fight infections, lower your cholesterol levels, and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Dill weed belongs to the same family as bay leaf, parsley and cumin. Adding chopped or whole dill weed to your recipes can help ease menstrual cramps, aid digestion, fight infections and lower cholesterol levels.
Dill weed also has anticonvulsant properties, so it is used to treat epilepsy as well. Echinacea is known for its ability to boost your immune system and reduce your chances of catching the common cold.
Dried fennel seeds and fennel seed oil are able to relieve digestive issues like gas, bloating, heartburn and colic in infants. Fennel benefits also include its ability to treat respiratory infections , improve eye health, ease menopausal symptoms, improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
Its seeds and leaves are often used to reduce inflammation, aid digestion, improve cholesterol levels, improve glycemic control and boost exercise performance. In men, fenugreek is known to increase libido, and in women who are breastfeeding, it can be used to promote milk flow.
The dried leaves of the feverfew herb are used to ease migraine pain, treat fevers, heal skin issues like dermatitis, prevent blood clots and relieve arthritis pain. Feverfew effectively reduces inflammation and eases pain naturally , and women use it to improve issues with infertility, menstruation and childbirth.
The leaves can be found in tablet, capsule and liquid extract forms. The rhizomes are consumed to reduce inflammation and inflammatory diseases, and the leaves are used for easing allergy symptoms and fighting infections. Fingerroot can also be beneficial in treating ulcers, working as a natural aphrodisiac and helping heal wounds quickly.
Some of the many galangal benefits include its ability to improve sperm count and function, reduce inflammation, fight and prevent infections, ease digestive issues, and support cognitive health. Research shows that galangal also acts as a potentially revolutionary cancer-fighting agent, as it has proven to effectively fight and prevent a broad number of cancers and tumors.
Garam masala is an Indian spice blend that commonly contains cinnamon, cardamom, black peppercorns, nutmeg, cumin, ginger, fennel, coriander and bay leaves. Using garam masala in your recipes can improve your digestion , fight diabetes, reduce inflammation, boost your heart health and may work to prevent cancer.
Ginger root is the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant that contains different chemical components. It works as a potent antioxidant, reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, supports digestion, reduces pain and lowers cholesterol levels.
Ginger root benefits also include its ability to improve diabetes, reduce arthritis pain and fight cancer. Ginkgo biloba benefits also include its ability to fight depression and anxiety, ease PMS symptoms, relieves headaches, boost eye health, treat ADHD, and improve libido.
The dried rhizomes and roots of goldenseal are used to make liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, teas and skin care products. Goldenseal can help ease digestive issues, like diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcers and gassiness; boost your immune system; support the health of your mouth and eyes; fight cancer; and boost your heart health.
Gotu kola belongs to the same plant family as parsley, celery and carrots. This herb commonly used in traditional Asian cuisines is loaded with antioxidants and helps repair skin conditions like psoriasis, reduce fever, improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation, eases depression and anxiety, and fights free radicals that can cause gastric ulcers.
Holy basil is an adaptogen herb that can be used to relieve or ease conditions like anxiety, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and acne.
Research shows that holy basil benefits also include its ability to fight cancer, control blood glucose levels and regulate cortisol levels. You can find holy basil in supplement form or drink tulsi tea for these benefits.
Horehound is a plant that belongs to the mint family. Horehound also has antiseptic, analgesic, antioxidant and appetite-stimulating properties, as shown in animal research. Horney goat weed works as a natural aphrodisiac because of its ability to increase testosterone production and estrogen levels.
You can use horny goat weed to improve your libido, boost your circulation , regulate your cortisol levels, prevent bone loss, increase lean muscle mass, and treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness.
The root of the horseradish plant can be used to fight disease because of its antioxidant power. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which help boost your immune system and fight infections. Some other horseradish root benefits include its ability to ease respiratory issues, treat urinary tract infections, aid digestion, ease pain and possible prevent cancer.
Hyssop is a healing plant that is commonly used to relieve digestive issues, improve appetite, fight infections, improve circulation, promote skin health, and support the health of your liver and gallbladder.
Hyssop can also help to prevent the common cold and ease respiratory conditions like asthma. It is available in capsules, teas and extracts. Juniper berries are female seed cones that come from juniper plants. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, helping prevent and fight diseases that are caused by free radical damage.
Juniper berries can also be used to fight skin and respiratory infections, improve the health of your skin, aid your digestion, boost the health of your heart, lower your blood sugar levels, and help relieve insomnia. Kava is an herbal plant that is commonly used to ease anxiety, stress and insomnia.
It also boosts the immune system, relieves headache and migraine pain, eases respiratory tract infections, and may even play a role in cancer prevention. However, kava root comes with the potential for drug abuse, and when taken by mouth, it can cause liver damage. Kudzu root can help treat alcoholism when used in appropriate doses, improve diabetes and cardiovascular health , ease digestive issues like diarrhea, and improve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
Lemon balm is a plant in the mint family that possesses antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be used to aid digestion, regulate an overactive thyroid, ease PMS symptoms, improve your sleep, boost your mood , and protect your heart and liver.
Lemongrass is an herb that has stimulating, soothing, balancing and relaxing properties. It can be used to fight fungal and bacterial infections, reduce inflammation, repel insects, ease stomach aches, boost energy, ease anxiety , reduce fevers, ease pain, and stimulate menstrual flow.
Licorice root extract can be used to relieve acid reflux and heartburn, regulate cortisol levels, boost immunity, fight viral and bacterial infections , ease PMS and menopause symptoms, relieve cough and sore throat with its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, and ease cramps due to its antispasmodic abilities.
Maca root powder contains over 20 amino acids and 20 free-form fatty acids, allowing for its status as a superfood. The marigold flower is used to make herbal ointments, topical creams, tinctures and teas to treat a number of health conditions , including muscle cramps, eye inflammation, fungal infections, and skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Marigolds can also help ease digestive issues, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight cancer. Marshmallow root has fibrous extracts that swell up in the body and form a gel-like substance that can work to reduce inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
Milk thistle is a weed that has been used medicinally for over 2, years. It works by drawing toxins that can cause illness and disease out of the body.
It can effectively decrease or even reverse damage that has been done to the liver due to pollution exposure, heavy metals and the use of prescription medications.
Milk thistle benefits also include its ability to protect you against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, control diabetes and reduce signs of aging. Eating mint, drinking mint tea or using mint extracts can help to aid digestion, relieve headache pain, ease nausea, improve signs of depression, and relieve respiratory conditions like chronic cough or asthma.
Throughout the world, just about every part of the moringa plant is used to treat a variety of health conditions , including diabetes, anemia, allergies, arthritis, epilepsy, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, low sex drive and cancer.
Mugwort is a plant that was traditionally used to help women relieve symptoms of menopause. Mugwort is also helpful in treating mild depression and attacking certain cancer cells. Mullein is an herb that contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, oils, flavonoids and tannins, just to name a few of its components.
It can be used as a natural remedy for ear infections; to calm bursitis fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder, elbow and hip; kill bacteria; reduce inflammation; fight infections; and help the body to get rid of mucus.
Mustard seeds come from various mustard plants, and they are used as a spice in many regions of the world, including as a pickling spice. They are an excellent source of folate, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Plus, mustard seeds can reduce inflammation that causes pain and swelling; treat gum disease; boost the health of your heart, skin and hair; and help prevent or fight infections due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds and can be used to reap these benefits, but there are some concerns about mustard oil toxicity. Nutmeg is a spice that comes from the seeds of an evergreen tree. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, thiamine, manganese, magnesium, folate and copper.
Olive leaf comes from the olive tree, and it is used in extracts, powders and teas to reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, prevent diabetes, support cognitive function, protect the skin, kill bacteria and fungi , reduce the risk of cancer, and boost energy levels.
Oregano is an herb that has been used for healing for thousands of years. Oregano has the power to reduce inflammation; fight bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections; combat allergies; and even shrink tumors.
Oil of oregano is extracted from the herb to make a powerful antibiotic agent that can kill many species of harmful bacteria. Capsaicin , an ingredient in hot peppers that are used to make paprika , is known to support immune function and aid in treating autoimmune conditions.
Paprika also contains many antioxidants, including carotenoids, that fight free radical damage that can cause disease, and it can be used to improve the health of your heart and eyes. Parsley is an herb that can be used fresh or as a dried spice. It has the power to fight a number of health concerns, including bad breath, inflammation, kidney stones, digestive issues, skin problems, poor immunity, bladder infection and oxidative stress.
Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins K, C and A, and it contains protective flavonoid antioxidants. Passion flower is a plant that is used in tea, extract, infusion and tincture forms to relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and depression, reduce anxiety , improve sleep, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve ADHD symptoms.
Peppercorns come from black pepper vines, and they are dried and used as a spice.
People around the Healtj have Nutritional snacks for athletes for centuries Benegits the healing power of herbs and spices. Herbal Health Benefits the science eHalth Stress management techniques for insomnia they are Herbzl good for you. Andrea has worked in several healthcare settings including clinical, public health and long-term care. Andrea believes in achieving optimal health by incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and making healthy eating fun! When she's not running after her two boys, she enjoys creating content to encourage self-love and promote body positivity.
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