Some of these are unproven “home” remedies. Proceed at your own risk.
The Healing Kitchen: Health Claims for Common Spices and Herbs
(Summarized from an article by Amy Young, USA TODAY Network)
- Basil: Rich in essential oils, antioxidants and vitamin K. Credited with easing inflammation, steadying blood sugar, aiding heart health, and fighting germs.
- Black pepper: Its piperine content is said to aid digestion, protect brain function, help with breathing problems, and feed healthy gut bacteria.
- Cardamom: An antioxidant-rich spice linked to settling the stomach, freshening breath, fighting cavities, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure.
- Cayenne pepper: Capsaicin warms the body, may boost metabolism and curb appetite, and may guard against some ulcer bacteria. In creams it’s used for muscle and joint pain.
- Cinnamon: Popular with people managing Type 2 diabetes for its possible help with blood sugar and insulin response. Studies suggest it may help with artery plaque.
- Coffee: Besides energy, linked to better mood, a lower risk of Parkinson’s, and slower dementia progression in some studies.
- Cumin: Supports the liver and fat digestion and supplies plant-based iron, which helps fight anemia.
- Garlic: Crushing it releases allicin, credited with benefits for brain and bone health, blood pressure, inflammation, and colds.
- Ginger: Gingerol eases nausea and upset stomach (helpful in pregnancy or chemotherapy) and may reduce arthritis pain and swelling.
- Mint: Its scent may sharpen focus, and its menthol can relieve sinus congestion from colds and allergies. It also provides vitamins A and C, antioxidants and iron.
- Oregano: Studied for fighting bacteria and possibly cancer prevention. Its carvacrol may ease chemo side effects, and it’s linked to diabetes management, reduced inflammation, and gut health.
- Paprika: Antioxidants and vitamins A, B6 and E support cholesterol, immunity and lower inflammation. Lutein and zeaxanthin benefit the eyes.
- Parsley: Helps the kidneys and bladder shed excess water and salt, which may help blood pressure and the heart.
- Peppermint: The oil applied to the skin is used for headaches and cramps. As a tea, it can soothe bloating and indigestion after a big meal.
- Rosemary: Aids bile and liver function for digesting fat. Diluted oil on the scalp may help circulation, and its compounds may protect against cell stress and brain swelling.
- Sumac: Antioxidants such as tannins fight cell damage, and it may soften blood sugar spikes after meals and lower cholesterol.
- Thyme: Provides vitamins A and C plus copper, iron and manganese for immunity. It may help fight plaque and gingivitis, and as a hot tea it may loosen mucus during colds or bronchitis.
ORIGINAL TEXT BELOW
BASIL
BASIL: Works to lower inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, and support heart health with a nutrient-rich, powerful mix of essential oils, antioxidants, and vitamin K. Antibacterial and antiviral, it bolsters immunity and helps fight off illness.
BLACK PEPPER
BLACK PEPPER: Loaded with the active compound piperine, it helps improve digestion by stimulating stomach acids. It supports brain health by helping protect cognitive function. It helps relieve respiratory issues and supports a healthy gut by acting like a prebiotic.
CARDAMOM
CARDAMOM: Packed with antioxidants, this scented spice soothes stomach discomfort and aids oral health by freshening breath and fighting cavities. The flavonoids in its plant compounds help reduce inflammation. It’s been effective in helping lower blood pressure.
CAYENNE PEPPER
CAYENNE PEPPER: Raises body heat with its capsaicin compound to boost metabolism and reduce appetite. It also protects against some ulcer-causing bacteria. Used topically, in creams, it is known to help reduce muscle and joint pain.
CINNAMON
CINNAMON: Has become a go-to for people with Type 2 diabetes, being full of powerful antioxidants like cinnamaldehyde, because it helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown it may help with fatty deposits in the arteries, aka atherosclerosis.
COFFEE
COFFEE: Known to boost energy, it is also helpful in improving mood and battling depression. A number of studies say that caffeine can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Other studies show it helps slow the progress of dementia.
CUMIN
CUMIN: Benefits the liver by increasing bile release and helping process and digest fats. Beyond helping the stomach and intestines, too, it also provides plant-based iron that helps build healthy red blood cells and fight anemia.
GARLIC
GARLIC: Crush it to release allicin, the compound that activates health benefits that include support for brain and bone health, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and preventing the common cold or shortening its recovery time.
GINGER
GINGER: Contains the compound gingerol, which helps calm numerous digestive issues, like upset stomach and nausea, which can be especially beneficial when pregnant or undergoing chemotherapy treatments. It eases arthritis by reducing swelling and joint pain.
MINT
MINT: The smell it exudes can help you focus better, causing alertness. Give it a shot for sinus issues — its menthol is a natural decongestant that can help with allergies and colds. It’s a great source of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and iron.
OREGANO
OREGANO: Different studies have shown it to fight common bacteria and suggest that it could also be instrumental in cancer prevention. One of its many antioxidants, carvacrol, may also help reduce side effects from chemotherapy. It’s also known to help with diabetes management, reduce inflammation, and assist in improving gut health.
PAPRIKA
PAPRIKA: Its combination of antioxidants and vitamins A, B6, and E combine to support healthy cholesterol levels, aid immune function, and fight inflammation. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help boost eye health.
PARSLEY
PARSLEY: Benefits the kidneys and bladder by helping to flush out extra water and salt. Its fluid-reduction abilities also help manage blood pressure levels, acting as a fluid-reduction agent and benefiting the heart and blood vessels.
PEPPERMINT
PEPPERMINT: Common pains like headaches and menstrual cramps can benefit from applying peppermint oil topically to sensitive areas. In tea form, it’s known to relax stomach muscles and soothe bloating and indigestion, especially after a big meal.
ROSEMARY
ROSEMARY: Stimulates bile production and liver function to help break down dietary fats. Diluted versions of the oil are said to benefit circulation when massaged onto the scalp. Beneath the scalp, its active chemicals like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid help fight cell stress and brain swelling.
SUMAC
SUMAC: Full of antioxidants like tannins and polyphenols that help fight cell damage. This is another kitchen helper that can help blood sugar by lowering glucose spikes after meals. It also helps reduce cholesterol.
THYME
THYME: It’s full of vitamins A and C, as well as copper, iron, and manganese that work to boost immunity. Thyme’s antiseptic qualities help fight plaque and gingivitis. In hot tea, it can help clear out mucus during bronchitis or colds.
