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10 Spices That Heal: Cancer, Diabetes, and More

posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Sep 7, 2009 1:03 pm

Cloves: Helps Arthritis Pain
HOW IT WORKS: According to Chinese medicine, cloves have hot and moving properties that relieve arthritis pain caused by cold and stagnation. Cloves contain a phytochemical that interrupts the pathways of a protein complex in the body that’s been linked to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. TRY TO GET: 1/2 teaspoon a day. USE IT: Saute 1 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped), 1 clove garlic (crushed), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil. After 3 minutes, add 4 cups shredded rhubarb chard, and fry until soft and tender, about 5 minutes. Serve hot with chicken or fish.

Turmeric: Curbs Inflammation
HOW IT WORKS: An ancient spice that gives curry its deep golden-orange color, turmeric reduces the inflammation in the body that causes pain. Curcumin, a component in turmeric, inhibits cell enzymes that contribute to inflammation. TRY TO GET: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day. USE IT: Add a dash to organic canned soups, such as tomato, lentil, or black bean varieties.

Thyme: Eases a Cough
HOW IT WORKS: Thyme is an antispasmodic, which helps with bouts of nonstop coughing. Thyme’s antiseptic properties also make it very effective against inflammation of the throat, which can cause coughing. TRY TO GET: 2 to 3 teaspoons a day. USE IT: For a simple vinaigrette, whisk together 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves with 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.

Recipe ideas from Dana Jacobi, author of The Essential Best Foods Cookbook (Rodale, 2008).

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

More on Arthritis (17 articles available)
More from Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine (144 articles available)

34 comments

34 comments

add your comment »
34 comments add your comment
Ani Seo
  • Ani Seo says
  • Feb 3, 2010 10:48 PM

Amazing facts about the spices. I prefer natural remedies and I really loved this post. Thanks a lot.

-Martin
http://www.cholesterol-reduction.org/

Tamara Bannister

From what I understand the most benefit for cholesterol reduction is gained from consuming raw garlic.

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.

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