The other reasons for selecting them are that they are studied more than the others. They are also available in global markets and come in supplement forms. Moreover, their medicinal effectiveness has been shown in studies to sometimes equal the potency of medical drugs or even surpass them. Their other advantages are that they hardly ever come with harmful side-effects and that they restore health and energy without robbing the body of its innate immune defenses, something unattainable with the use of prescription medication. Now, I shall pursue my super-list of the healing gifts of Nature.
Cinnamon bark is a very popular spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It detoxifies the body from pathogens and free radicals, thus bolstering the immune mechanism. Its most known action is on insulin response, preventing sugar buildup in the bloodstream and even reversing pre-diabetic conditions. In studies, cinnamon extract, taken before consuming starch-rich dishes, controlled the surges of blood sugar by stimulating proteins in pancreatic cells in order to regulate insulin spikes, which create havoc if left roaming in the system. In combination with almond and chromium, cinnamon’s potency is increased, balancing blood sugar and decreasing risks of diabetes and obesity.
Abundant in antioxidants, cinnamon produces a lowering effect on “harmful” cholesterol levels and demonstrates an anticoagulant action on blood clotting. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with breakfast (yogurt, cereal, or honey) acts on blood sugar. It is also effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
A mixture of cinnamon and honey strengthens immunity to counteract many disorders. It dispels gases; eases indigestion and upset stomach; fight colds and flu symptoms; and relieves arthritic pain. Added to herbal infusion, it increases antioxidants and gives detoxifying benefits.
Cloves have the most powerful antioxidant effect known until now, scoring highest on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). ORAC measures the detoxification ability of a particular food on free radicals, toxins, and infections. With potent phytochemicals, the immune system is reinforced. Because of their powerful anti-inflammatory and cleansing actions, Chinese traditional medicine recommends the use of cloves for arthritis pains and other disorders. Traditionally in the Arabian Peninsula, cloves and their oil were employed to quell toothache and disinfect the oral cavity and throat. They can alleviate nausea as well.
Rosemary leaves and their essential oil are recommended to relieve congested sinuses and cold symptoms and cleanse the system, either through steam inhalation of rosemary infusion or taking only two drops of the essential oil mixed with honey or on sugar lump twice a day.
Recent studies point to the effects of rosemary on sharpening the memory and improving mental performance by intensifying the thinking ability. In animal testing, a chemical (carnosic acid) in the herb was found to considerably lower risk of stroke as well as protect brain cells from oxidation, Alzheimer’s disease, and mental decline caused by aging. Rosemary should also be added to meat dishes to protect against meat’s oxidizing effect and carcinogens produced by cooking.
Chamomile flower infusion is known for its calming properties on irritability, agitation, restless sleeps, and stress. It also contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal agents that work on infections of the throat, sinuses, and respiratory tract; skin inflammation due to eczema; and yeast infections of the intestines and nails. Steam inhalation clears and disinfects the sinuses; gargling soothes sore throats; the warm drink calms the nerves; and soaking the nail heals yeast infections.
Thyme is another herb that has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties to soothe sore throats, asthma, and cough. Warm thyme infusions with honey soothe a spasmodic cough. Certain cough syrups are made with thyme. The herb can be chopped to spice up vegetable soups, vegetables stews, salad dressings, and bread.
Basil leaves have a purifying effect on the body with its antibacterial characteristic. It builds the immune system to fight colds and swine flu. In Arabic, it is known as rihan. Ayuverdic medicine recommends tulsi (basil) to protect against the swine flu virus, reducing symptoms and speeding recovery period. Blend around twenty fresh green basil leaves with some water and drink on an empty stomach to benefit from its antioxidant effects.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the leaf relieves headaches, colds, indigestion, and arthritis pain. Research evidence indicates that basil has benefits on cholesterol, diabetes, and ulcers. It can be added to tea blends or made into pesto sauce the Italian way. However, basil should be avoided during pregnancy or conception periods.
Cumin seeds have multiple curative properties. The seed relieves gastric problems such as pain and bloating, but its most prominent action is on cancer cells. Its active ingredient is called curcumin, also found in turmeric, curry powder, and mustard seeds. The compound appears to suppress the growth of cancerous tumors through the inhibition of the enzymes, which encourage the spreading of cancer cells.
A diet rich in curcumin like the Indian seems to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and mental decline, disorders seen less in Indians than in Americans. It reduces inflammation and boosts immune cells that counteract the protein, which causes brain plaque in Alzheimer’s patients. Indian and Arabian cuisines include cumin in rice and vegetables dishes and stews. A tea made with cumin, anise, fennel, and caraway seeds dispels gastric gas and pain.
Star anise, yansoon, is another spice that has a powerful flavor as well as a destructive potency on viruses and infections. It became a star during the swine flu virus scare. It was then that the flower was revealed as the active ingredient in the patented Tamiflu vaccine. The active compound extracted from aged star anise is called shikimic acid. The star relieves swine flu symptoms; shortens the recovery period; and bolsters the immune defenses. Star anise (whole or powdered) should be steeped in hot water for twenty minutes and then taken warm.
To intensify the healing potency of herbs and spices, you should have them mixed. Because each one of them has its peculiar healing characteristic, when combined they become more powerful, delivering more holistic benefits. For example, you can add ginger, cinnamon, clove, or cardamom to mint, lemon grass, verbena, chamomile, rosemary, and sage infusions and hot or cold teas. They enhance the taste of the drinks as well as each others’ effectiveness. The flavors of stews, meat and vegetable dishes, and salads are enhanced by ginger, turmeric, hot chilies, cumin, parsley, dry or green coriander, thyme, rosemary, oregano, dill, basil, or others such as in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Bread taste good when made with cumin, anise, or fennels seeds; desserts and cakes do well with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and more. Herbs and spices add aromatic savor to your recipes while your health gets all the benefits without suffering the high costs of prescription medication.
These are not the only useful herbs to have handy in your first-aid cabinet. There are of course many more, which we know and others that we have never heard of. Next week, I shall continue with other medicinal herbs that you can make use of without the side-effects of medical drugs.
