The World Of Healing Spices
LET'S EXPLORE
Healing spices 101
healing the mind | healing the body
There are over a hundred herbs and spices that can be consumed or used topically for healing. These natural foods possess a number of beneficial properties and work to reduce inflammation, improve the health of your heart, boost your immune system, and even prevent and fight cancer.
natural healing is what the body needs
With so many natural remedies at our disposal, the need for prescription medications goes down considerably.
cinnomon
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamon cassia), the eternal tree of tropical medicine, belongs to the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is one of the most important spices used daily by people all over the world. Cinnamon primarily contains vital oils and other derivatives, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Coriander Seed
The dried seeds of the cilantro plant is known as coriander, which is commonly used as whole seeds or ground into powder. Consuming coriander seeds can help to lower blood sugar levels, ease digestive issues, improve cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure and prevent neurological disease.
cumin seed
Cumin seeds come from the herb Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family. It’s often ground into a powder for cooking. Cooking with cumin seeds can 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.
do you?
Do you know which spices in your kitchen cabinet can relieve an upset stomach, nausea, morning sickness, or a toothache?
So what is the difference between herbs and spices?
In any grocery store you can find both herbs and spices. In general, herbs tend to be more leafy and plant-like and spices are more likely dried and ground (roots, buds, seeds, berries or fruits of plants and trees), and are commonly found as powders in small jars. However, there is no clear definition between herbs and spices. According to the American Spice Trade Association, spices are defined as any plant vegetable substance in the whole, broken, or ground form for seasoning purposes.
turmeric
Turmeric has been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-depressant. The main component in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin as phenomenal anti-cancer properties and has been know to help inhibit prostate, skin, colon, mouth, esophageal, lung, stomach, pancreatic. liver and breast cancer. Also known as a blood purifier and helps sooths respiratory ailments, improve liver function, support the circulatory system, regulate menstrual cycles and so much more.
cayenne
Cayenne pepper is a wonderful medical and therapeutic spice that can provide pain relief from ailments such as migraines, nausea, sore throat, sinus infections, heartburn, hemorrhoids, stomachaches, toothaches, and nerve, joint and muscle pain. It is an excellent remedy for colds, flu, bronchitis and any viral infections due to its high vitamin C and beta carotene. Great for boosting circulation and increasing cardiovascular while at the same time regulating blood pressure and so much more.
do you agree?
“Wars were fought over them, kingdoms were lost because of them, and new lands were discovered in search of them. In ancient times and for centuries to follow, (herbs &) spices were often more precious than gold. But before they were money, spices were medicine.” - Bharat Aggarwal, PhD
Spices
Spices are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible. The people of Israel described manna bread as being “like coriander seeds” (Exodus 16:31).
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, and beta carotene. It is also an excellent source of minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Nutmeg contains anti-depressant, anti-fungal, and digestive properties that are highly beneficial for the neurological, cognitive, immune, and digestive systems. Commonly used for abdomen pain, liver and spleen disorders, gas diarrhea, and general weakness among so much more.
star anise
Star anise is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It contains potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties and is particularly good for treating the flu. Star anise is known to effectively remove mucus and congestion from the body due to its strong expectorant properties. Star anise is commonly used as a digestive aid and can help relieve gas, constipation, cramping, bloating, heartburn, and indigestion. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, back pain, shingles, herpes, halitosis, and sinus infections just to name a few.
garlic
Garlic contains very strong antibiotic, ant-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties. It has amazingly high levels of vitamin and minerals including vitamin C and B-6. It also contains minerals such as selenium, calcium, copper, and iron. People who eat garlic regularly may be less likely to develop certain cancers, like colon and stomach cancer.
cardamom
Cardamom is a medicinal spice that has similar health properties as those of cinnamon and ginger. It is rich in minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium. It also contains antiseptic, anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Cardamom is an excellent for the respiratory system and works as a natural expectorant in relieving congestion and phlegm form the lungs and sinus passages, it stimulates the digestive system and appetite as well as ease gas, nausea, indigestion and cramping among many other things.
cloves
Cloves are a medicinal spice that have been used for centuries in treating digestive and respiratory ailments. Cloves contain good amounts of vitamins A, C, K and B-complex as well as minerals such as manganese, iron, selenium, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain powerful antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties making them extremely useful in helping to heal a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.
fresh and dried
Spices are usually used dried, though some, such as chile peppers and ginger, are used in both their fresh and dried forms.
ginger
Ginger root is the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant that contains 115 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.
There is still so much more...
Here I have provided you with a small yet powerful list of medicinal healing spices and some of the key actions of each. But there is still so much more... I will be adding more to this list as time permits. My hope and prayer is that you have found this information useful for your journey to living a more natural life and creating a better environment for the wonderful world that is your body. Shalom