Culinary green herbs (dandelion, parsley), spices, roots (turmeric, ginger), aromatic seeds (cumin, fennel) have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that are healing to infections, inflammations, fractures and injuries. Salicylic acid, the ‘natural’ source of the drug aspirin, is a compound in most aromatic plants as well as vegetables (leafy greens) and fruits (berries in particular). Salicylate, the pain reliever, is responsible for converting some inflammatory acids into the anti-inflammatory molecules, lipoxins, while increasing the production of the inflammation-fighting antioxidants, resolvins and protectins. Because recent studies indicate that inflammation is the underlying cause to many chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, cancer), we need to include greens, fruits and plants in our daily nutrition.

An important aspect in the seeds of some plants is that they contain powerful detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic effects on the cellular level. Apricots, apples and pears contain very healing nuts and seeds. But because they also contain cyanadin like the lethal cyanide, they should be approached with extreme caution and ingested in minute amounts (one nut or two seeds) to be added to infusions, crushed. In certain clinics in Mexico, they successfully treat cancer with extracts of the nut, but this treatment is banned in US. As a rule, any seed or nut that is extremely bitter or produces nausea like apple, quince and pear seeds, it should be consumed in trace quantities like “powerful” drugs, due to their poisonous effects. For detoxifying, such potent seeds should be taken crushed in very tiny amounts in tea form.

Other examples are grape seeds and their extract. They detoxify and regenerate cells. Grapefruit seeds and their extracts have antifungal and balancing properties, which help cleansing from acidic and yeast conditions. Papaya seeds eliminate intestinal parasites.

Healing aromatic plants, vegetables and fruits along with fish and omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids are essential constituents of the anti-inflammatory diet that acts on chronic diseases. Not only does such a healing diet counteract cardiovascular disorders, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, degenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, Alzheimer’s, mental decline and premature aging, it also restores health, energy and wellness; boosts immunity and cognitive performance; and keeps you pain-and-disease-free in a cost-effective way and without suffering the side effects of medical drugs.

For medicinal and enjoyable purposes, herbs, leaves, flowers and gums should not be boiled or cooked, unless it is required to do so. Because they lose their aroma and remedial value, they should be infused like common tea leaves. Boiling purified water should be poured over the leaves in a pot and left to steep even when mixing several kinds. However, certain healing herbs like parsley and olive leaves require boiling for a few minutes before steeping.

If you wish to put green herbs in your cooking, add them as you remove the pot from the fire to preserve their aroma. On the other hand, roots, seeds and barks can be treated in both ways according to healing or culinary recipes. Whatever you decide to do, you should leave them to steep covered on the side for at least twenty minutes to allow the flavors and healing benefits to infuse.

Their unusual peculiarity is that you can use them along with medications in order to maintain strong immunity and build stamina and energy, but make sure your physician is informed if you are using prescription drugs. You will discover their interesting aspects as you begin to use them regularly. You can also enjoy them to make a relaxing aromatic tea to replace sugar-and-caffeine-laden soda and soft drinks.

Herbs, flowers, seeds, spices, bark and roots mix well with fresh juices and sparkling water. Lemon slices, lemon, tangerine and orange zests, chunks of fruit and dried berries add to their flavor and medicinal effects if you fancy fruity flavors. Mint or lemongrass leaves give iced or hot green tea a refreshing aroma. A squeeze of ginger juice gives your lemonade an energizing punch. The juices of lime and ginger added to sparkling water is revitalizing and relieving to queasy or bloated stomach. Cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary and hibiscus flower (karkade) give a special touch and benefits to your drinks. You need to experiment to find the flavor you like and the drink your body needs to heal and cleanse. Keep alternating them to experience all their benefit. But, do not wait to fall ill to use these energizers, detoxifiers and healers.

To sweeten herbal drinks, add a drop of honey or natural syrups (maple or date syrup). These increase their natural goodness and healing benefits. On the other hand, excess refined sugar only increases calories and aggravates acidic and yeast conditions, which lead to inflammation. Though less harmful than sugar, fructose still elevates insulin levels, which lead to inflammatory diseases mentioned earlier. Corn sugar and syrup may not elevate insulin as much, but it is damaging to the liver in the long run. Artificial sugar substitutes like aspartame and saccharine, the basic ingredients of most chemical sweeteners are very detrimental to the nervous system, brain and health. The natural sweetener, stevia, is a good sugar substitute for diabetics and not known to harm health. It is a green plant, which is extremely low in calories and very dense in sweetness. Remember to practice moderation in all your habits.

Because I have used them all in their many forms (fresh, dried, extracts, oils, essential oils) for seasoning, infusions, healing, detoxification and boosting energy and immunity, I strongly encourage you to try them at least in cooking. In a study, Indian spices (especially turmeric) are presumed be the main factors that make Indians at less risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. By adding them to dishes, we get protected by their antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties against food poisoning, diarrhea, gas and digestive and respiratory disorders. When they are made into potions, tonics extracts, or supplements, herbs and spices produce preventive, calming, relaxing, curative, cleansing, rejuvenating and vitalizing benefits. Their powerful assets should embolden you to make your own specific blend. Do not hesitate to give them a chance to restore vitality, stamina, good health and wellness for both your body and brain. I am confident you will feel their relaxing and digestive effects and enjoy their aroma as much as I do.

Feel free to experiment and make your own concoction from green or white tea, lemongrass, vervain, rooibos, hibiscus, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, rosemary, etc... These make your personalized cure for relaxation, good sleep, colds, flu, cough, cleansing, respiratory and digestive orders. Drink the blend with your morning fruits before breakfast and exercise. It will energize your body; stimulate your memory and brain; and detoxify and rejuvenate your cells. If taken at night, some of them can enhance sleep; reduce stress; and help body and cell repair. Due to the digestive effects of certain plants (vervain, chamomile, ginger, aromatic seeds), they should be taken warm after a heavy meal to relieve and dispel gas. When used reasonably and without excesses, they can bring about beneficial results.

An important reminder! Some of the medicinal and immune-boosting herbs (elderberry, Echinacea, rhodiola and others) should not be taken for prolonged periods or in excess.

For those who are asking where to find some of the cited herbs, you can find them in health stores like “Spices” or at the “attar” in the souq.

The more I research these ‘forgotten’ gifts, the more I get inspired and want to write about their bounties. I hope I have not unknowingly omitted a significant fact here or there, though I think I have given enough details about them.

I am reluctant to end my investigation of these “treasures” of Nature. I must confide to you that I have really enjoyed exploring the subject, but I should conclude the series today. However, I should clarify that the herbs, seeds, or flowers, which were omitted, are not of less importance than the ones mentioned in my earlier articles. Neither can I say that I have chosen some over the others (star anise, hibiscus, rooibos, oregano, mushrooms, cardamom, coriander, aloe...) due their lack of effectiveness. I am only leaving them for another time.

No one really knows yet, which are the absolute winners, unless serious and thorough medical studies and human research are performed on these ‘special’ plants. Because we are in an age where we have become heavily reliant on costly double-edged medical drugs, we need to have such “natural healers” accepted officially by health and drug organizations as remedies to prevent and treat disorders without skepticism or fear from patients and dismissal or scorn from the medical community.

This is not the end of herbs and spices. I shall surprise you, inshallah, some other time, with more of these “blessings”  Meanwhile, feel free to savor, enjoy, heal and rejuvenate with the 27 special herbs, flowers, barks, roots, stems, leaves, fruit (seeds), gums and spices.