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Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine

10 Spices That Heal: Cancer, Diabetes, and More

posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Sep 7, 2009 1:03 pm
filed under: Arthritis, Breast Cancer, Cholesterol, Cold and Flu, Diabetes, Diet & Nutrition, Eating for Health, Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness, ,

By Vicky Uhland, Natural Solutions

There’s good reason to season: Doctors and dietitians agree that your spice rack can be just as essential as your medicine cabinet when it comes to preventing and treating disease. Research consistently shows that many spices and herbs have medicinal qualities and can help prevent everything from cancer to the common cold. We asked two experts–Glen Aukerman, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Ohio State University Medical Center, and Ruth Knill, PhD, LAc, a Chinese herbalist–about the spices and herbs that best improve overall health. Here are their picks, plus easy ways to work them into your diet.

Cumin: Prevents Cancer
HOW IT WORKS: It’s no surprise to many spice researchers that cancer rates are lower in India, where cumin is a diet staple. Studies show that the curcumin in this spice inhibits the enzymes that help cancer cells invade healthy tissue and also keeps tumors from developing the new blood vessels that help them grow. TRY TO GET: 6 teaspoons of seeds or 1/2 teaspoon of powder a day. USE IT: Toss a bowl of root veggies, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, and turnips, with olive oil and 1 teaspoon cumin powder. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until tender, and add salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to taste before serving.

Ginger: Calms Nausea
HOW IT WORKS: Chinese medical texts dating back to the fourth century BC tout ginger’s antinausea properties, and modern clinical studies offer scientific proof that it works–a substance in ginger shuts down a nerve receptor in the body that triggers the vomiting reflex. TRY TO GET: Juice from 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger four times a day. USE IT: Add 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger and a few drops of toasted sesame oil to your usual tuna salad recipe for an Asian-style flavor.

Basil: Combats Colds
HOW IT WORKS: Basil is rich in antioxidants, which help boost immunity. It’s also an antimicrobial, which fights the germs that can cause colds. TRY TO GET: 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. USE IT: Toss 1 tablespoon chopped basil into a shrimp stir-fry during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking. Or slice strawberries, toss with honey, and set aside for 15 minutes until juicy. Then top with a few tablespoons of finely chopped basil.

Next: Diabetes, Memory, Cholersterol and Blood Pressure

More on Arthritis (16 articles available)
More from Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine (133 articles available)

32 comments

32 comments

add your comment »
32 comments add your comment
Sophie G.

For those who do not like its taste, try to peal a garlic piece, cut it in two, and then wrap it in some bread... Then, swallow as a "homemade" pill. It works wonders on blood pressure !

Jeff J.
  • Jeff J. says
  • Nov 21, 2009 4:17 AM

These are 110% better than silly medications doctors prescribe...healthier, safer and natural,,,,

Sheila Sayer

If you have any digestive problems such as 'leaky gut syndrome' or an inflammatory bowel, use caution when taking garlic pills since they can cause irritation of the lining of the bowel

Edwin Kierulf

Garlic has a distinctive odor and sometimes this turns most people off. It hampers them from taking it regularly.
Fortunately, you can enjoy the health benefits of garlic by taking a garlic pill. It is odorless and aside from being a natural antibiotic, it is also a powerful antioxidant and it helps protect your body against free radicals.

Thiruvelan R.

Now-a-day's diabetes patients start showing interest in natural diabetes herbs for their treatment on seeing or hearing its effectiveness in the treatment.

Yes diabetes herbs has the ability to nourish pancreas, liver and small intestine and bring back its normal functioning thus blood glucose is controlled and diabetes may be cured.

Remember scientific studies too start accepting herbs for the treatment of diabetes, visit http://healthy-ojas.com/diabetes/diabetes-herbs.html for diabetes natural herbs, with links to scientific evidence for diabetes herbs.

Jennifer K.

Are cloves and turmeric safe for dogs? I've got a dog with hip and inflammation issues and wondered if these herbs would help.

Emerald Jordan

Turmeric has worked wonders for me. It actually relaxes my muscles and gives sonewhat a sense of wellbeing. Also, I love Ginger mixed with honey and lemon, this is a delicious drink, hot or cold. Ginger has also served as a mucus solvent for me. A few drops of Basil mixed with water in an aroma therapy diffuser, or simply placed in a whistle kettle on the stove will give off tranquilizing vapors, and will also aid in promoting a good night's sleep. For some reason, Rosemary seems to have a property that elevates my blood pressure, not sure why.

Keith Scott

Ideally fresh is probably best, but most of the research has been done using dried herbs and spices and is also based on epidemiological studies in countries where dried spices are commonly used. Apart from the epidemiological evidence most of the research is animal or laboratory based with few controlled clinical studies having been published. In my opinion however, it is the BODY of evidence that is so compelling regarding the importance of spices to our health. Although I use culinary herbs and spices in my cooking I do not use nearly enough of them to obtain the full benefit of their medicinal/preventive properties - so I do take a spice supplement.

Peace Love Earth

I just wondered if all these ideas have been proven in studies to have worked, and the studies noted under each spice. I'm a sceptic (about everything!), and just want to know it really WILL help.

Also, do most of you use FRESH spices or are you into buying them in capsule forms or dried? Is there a beneficial difference? I work at a fast, daily pace, and to prepare these all is time-consuming.

Thanks everyone for your article & comments. I will be tracking these comments, for sure!

:))

Cathy Lindsey

I don't garden, so where do you buy your basil and your turmeric, etc.? Thank you
Cathy

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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