Every corner of the garden has the potential to beat disease. All we have to do is make the most of it. By not letting a day go by without the incorporation of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, we can prevent and treat, if necessary, dozens of conditions afflicting us. The book Healing Spices, by Bharat B. Aggarwal, offers a load of information about the benefits of everyday spices, and some not-so-everyday spices which I want to go out and get; funny how hearing leads to doing. Be inspired in the kitchen. Season generously. More spices and herbs, and less salt and sugar. Here's the rundown of spices in your cabinet: Oh, and buy organic whenever possible or at least non-irradiated. Irradiation basically ruins the product; most of the valuable, even medicinal benefits are tainted. What we end up with is a degenerated food product, that may contain carcinogenic chemicals as a by product. The reason for irradiation is to kill possible bacteria to extend shelf life.
Allspice -Allspice contains the antioxidants, ellagic acid, eugenol, quercetin, tannins, glycoside, resins, and about 19 more! This means they are actively fighting oxidative cell damage that can lead to disease. Allspice is being studied as a possible substitute for hormone replacement therapy and to help in the treatment of menopause and osteoporosis. Allspice contains the minerals potassium, manganese, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium. It is also a source of vitamin-A, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin, niacin and vitamin-C. Allspice is commonly used in Jamaican cuisine. According to nutrition-and-you.com, the spice has also being used in the preparation of soups, barbecue sauces, pickling and as a main ingredient in variety of curry powders. Allspice is an ingredient in my essential spice mix that you can sprinkle every day. Almond (the dried seed of the fruit of the almond tree; therefore--a spice): Almonds contain monounsaturated fat which leads to a healthy heart.Almonds help lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight. They also help prevent and/or treat stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and help control cholesterol problems. See recipe for almond milk. Aniseed - A delicious licorice-like flavored seed. Reminds me of my grandmother's Italian Anise cookies. Believe it or not anise cookies even when made with flour and sugar, are an after-meal digestive. I make them with whole grains so we can have the best of both worlds. Aniseed is good for and may help prevent asthma, bad breath, colic, constipation, dehydration, flatulence, indigestion, stomachache, and ulcers. Try sprinkling aniseed on your almond butter toast with a little allspice---a new favorite of mine. Asafoetida - I haven't yet tried this spice, but I'm going to, and keep it on hand for flu threats that may come our way. This smelly spice killed the swine flu in a lab test. The compounds in this spice are also active against cancer, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome. Use other spices that pair well with asoetifida to keep you wanting it; it needs to be used as has been taste-tested. Try ajowan, pepper, cardamom, coriander, fennel, ginger, mustard seed, tamarind and turmeric. This can be purchased through The Optimum you store and is eligible for free shipping. Basil - An anti-aging herb because of its phytonutrient content; special compounds that neutralize free radicals before causing cellular damage. Basil also kills bacteria that causes acne, is a great food for blood sugar balance, helps eye problems (is found in some products for various eye conditions), helps beat stress, drug induced ulcers and gout. I personally use basil to help fight infection when dealing with horrible colds. I mix minced basil with horseradish, miso, organic orange zestand raw cider vinegar; mash it up and spread it on a cracker when i need to breath better. My symptoms seem to clear sooner than normal. Black Cumin Seed - (Nigella Sativa) Mohammed said these seeds cured every diesease except for death. Used in various cuisines and as an ancient remedy for all diseases including skin problems, blood pressure reduction, cleansing and tonifying the liver, reducing fluid retention, supporting healthy digestion, treating diarrhea, stimulating the appetite, reducing pain, cystic fibrosis, allergies and treating skin disorders. Studies have confirmed numerous pharmacological benefits. These seeds have anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. They can be used to regulate the immune system, reduce pain, kill microorganisms, reduce inflammation, inhibit spasmodic activity, and open the tiny air passages in the lungs. Black seed oil protects the liver, the kidneys, and the stomach/ digestive system. It is a powerful antioxidant. - See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/black-cumin-seeds-better-than-drugs-a-look-at-the-science/#sthash.qr8LdNZ2.dpuf The free radicals produced during inflammation can induce gene mutations and modifications of cancer related proteins. The seeds have pharmacological effects including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tumor, analgesic and antipyretic activity. They have therapeutic and antioxidant effects. Black Pepper - Who doesn't want a little pepper on their beakfast, lunch, and dinner? The beneficial compound in pepper is called piperine. It is responsilble for the following disease-busters: cancer protection and digestive aid--works by stumluating digestion, speeding up transit time in the gut reducing risk for constipation and colon cancer. Also known to be effective treatment for breast and lung cancer. Black pepper is also good for the brain and protection against Alzheimer's, lowers blood pressure, prevents heart disease associated with high-fat diets (according to tests) as it reduced the oxidative cell-stress. The actual vapor of piperine helps a number of conditions related to brain damage. Caraway - like other spices, the benefits are numerous and need to be consumed on a regular basis. Caraway helps fight colds, aids digestion, including relieving constipation; fights bronchitis, and reduces cholesterol and tryglycerides (stored fats). Cinnamon - This is my most used spice in my cabinet. I buy it by the pound. Organic is best to be assured that it is not irridated. You can buy this through The Optimum you Amazon store. Cinnamon has a natural sweetness and allows you to reduce or eliminate sugar in recipes. The common cinnamon-sugar mixture is created by those who always crave the super sweet everything. This should be tamed with the use of herbs and spices. Cinnamon is widely used in sweet foods, but in many countries, it is used in savory dishes such as in moroccan stews, indian curries, Chinese clay-pot cooking methods, The medicinal benefits of cinnamon: Cinnamon helps control blood glucose levels, very beneficial in combatting type 2 diabetes, and lowering the risk factors for pre-diabetics. Sprinkling cinnamon on dessert or taking supplement after a meal significantly reduces post-meal blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can fight disease causing bacteria and fungi---a good reason not to irridate it! So, it has the ability to preserve food and help prevent food poisoning; it also fights candita albicans--the fungus that causes most yeast infections. According to Korean researchers, Cinnamon helped protect brain cells, post-stroke. Researchers in Italy found that cinnamon is effective at eradicating the bacteria that is the leading cause of stomach cancer and ulcers. Cardamom -This exotic spice is a good source of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and manganese and 19+ essential volatile oils. The oil in cardamom is antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. I like to add it wherever I'd add cinnamon and right along with it. Coriander - Is great for digestive problems from irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, to intestinal spasms. It's potent antioxidants seem to protect the stomach lining. Oils and extracts of coriander ore used medicinally to treat inflammatory skin diseases. liver disease, yeast infections, lead poisoning and diabetes. Coriander, like many other spices has cholesterol-regulating properties as well. Coriander is the seed of cilantro, the delicious herb used in numerous cuisines including but not limited to Chinese, Vietnemese, Thai, Mexican or Tex-Mex, and Indian cuisine. Cumin - Is a wonder spice for diabetes, keeping it under control by reducing levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing blood sugar, delaying the progression of cataracts, and cuts the formation of AGE (advanced glycation endproducts---worded as "toxic cellular time bombs that form when an overdose of glucose warps proteins"), by 40 to 90 percent---plays a big role in prevention of diabetic complications. Cumin is delicious in lentil soups, Moroccan-inspired lentil or chick pea patties and burgers, Mexican chili, and can be graciously added to any number of soups, stews, meats, and side dishes including but not limited to potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, whole oats, wheat berries, and barley. Curry Leaf - According to Bharat, B. Aggarwal, curry might help hinder a range of diseases linked to the oxidative damage from free radicals---type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Makes you want to make curries as much as habit as mac n' cheese ---or instsead of. In South Indian cuisine, curry leaves are used lin curries like bay leaves are used n American soups and stews Fennel Seed - Much like anise with its licorice flavor. From the fennel seed, comes the vegetable fennel and the herb fennel which is attached to the celery-like stalks at the top (called fronds). I think of fennel as a digestive aid---having fennel as part of crudites and dip appetizers may be a plus for you at parties. An extract of fennel seed relieves menstrual cramps--as good as Ibuprofen, but good for you! Fennel seed oil is an ingredient in Pediacalm--an anti-colic remedy for babies. Regular intake of fennel may help prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and inflammatory-related disorders such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Fennel extract can be used to treat Alzheimer's and dimentia as it has been shown to boost acetylcholine activity in the brain. Fenugreek Seed -the maple-like flavored spice with bitter tones. Ground fenugreek was at the top of my list of spices to use when i was pregnant and nursing; it is one of the spices recommended for healthy milk production. But that's the least it does for us... Compounds in fenugreek help lower LDL cholesterol. Fenugreek helps balance daily blood sugar, helping save diabetics from circulatory aftershocks of high blood sugar. This is important for long term prevention of heart disease, stroke, blindness, nerve pain and kidney disease related to diabetes complications. Fenugreek help prevent cataracts, reversed gallstones, reduces calcium oxalate in the kidneys---the build up of which causes kidney stones, and boosts the immune system. Fenugreek can also slow or stop the growth of breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer cells. Fenugreek is an ingredient in my essential spice mix that you can sprinkle on your food everyday. Galangal - Thai food isn't Thai food without galangal. This delicious ginger-like root is a promising rescue remedy for arthritis because of its remarkable anti-inflammatory compounds. A compound in galangal called acetoxychavicaol can turn off cancer genes, limiting the cellular growth of breast, skin, lung, and blood cancer. Galangal may also offer protection against diabetes, ulcers, and allergies. Look for Thai recipes using galangal--you can order this root right here. Look under Super Ingredients. Garlic - The strength lies in it's strength! It is what it is! It is a warrior for our health. Once crushed or chopped, the beneficial compound allicin releases the compounds called organosulfurs; these help fight major diseeases such as heart disease, cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, brain aging, and cataract formation. Garlic also lowers blood pressure ad helps lower total cholesterol. As a side note, garlic effectively thins the blood. Ginger - From ginger tea to stir fries with ginger, the health beneifts are numerous and should be included in every diet to aid digestion, get rid of nausea from motion sickness, surgery, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. In several experiments, a ginger extract called zerumbone lead to the death of colon cancer cells and activated a tumor suppressor gene; other studies showed bone-loss protecton from breast cancer and prevention of metastasis. Ginger also may treat or prevent migraines, indigestion, asthma, srthritis, stroke and high triglycerides. Ginger contains important minerals like copper, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Lemongrass - Fresh or dired, lemongrass is a unique but healthful addition to Thai and Vietnemese dishes and can be added to a number of your usuals. Benefits can be felt just from consuming lemongrass tea. Citral, an antioxidant in lemongrass is anti bacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Lemongrass may help treat or prevent anxiety, cancer, cholesterol problems, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, thrush, vaginal yeast infections and high triglycerides. Marjoram - A super antioxidant--too bad it's consumed in such small amounts. I was amazed to find out the benefits of marjoram and that it's a city in Sicily. Marjoram acts as a decongestant and useful in bronchitis, sinusitis and sinus headaches; used as a tonic for the nervous system, marjoram is believed to be more calming than oregano, as it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and stress; it can help battle Alzheimer's, blood clots, cancer, fungal infections, heart disease, indigestion, infections, stroke, and ulcers. It is a great detox aid in that it stimulates perspiration.The antioxidants to thank are thymol, carvacol and ursolic acid. Another benefit of marjoram: it increases the production of pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme. Mint - grows like crazy in my yard. I think God is trying to tell us to eat more of it! Mint aids digestion (except for those suffering from hiatal hernia, kidney stones, or heartburn), helps us to breathe easier in fact I add essential peppermint oil to a carrier oil and rub it on the chest of anyone in my family who's stuffy or congested. It's a refreshing scent that helps to rejuvenate your mind. Mustard Seed - A pretty cool seed since you can make it hot or mild depending on the time you allow it to reach it's perfect potential after crushing or milling it and exposing it to cold water. In 1-10 minutes you can use a vinegar or other acid to kill the enzyme. Mustard seed is beneficial for prevention of heart disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, COPD, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, cancer and cholesterol problems. Nutmeg - Researchers in Thailand report the extract of this spice to be able to kill leukemia cells according to Baharat Aggarwal. This spice can help combat anxiety, depression, cancer, wrinkles, epilepsy and cholesterol problems. I love nutmeg in quiche, curries, spinach dishes, thick soups, and in creamy desserts. Onion - Onions contain the renowned flavonoid quercetin, an anti-cancer anti-oxidant and a therapy for allergies. Onions also contain allicin, the same ingredient in garlic that transforms to organosulfurs which help prevent heart disease, cancer, and keep the arteries healthy and flexible. The more onions you eat the less chance you have for cancers of the colon, prostate, breast, ovaries, esophageal, oral and kidneys. Good thing onions are a big part of our diet. Maybe buying a bag of them every week instead of every other week---as seems to be average, would be better. Oregano - Oregano has a unique ability to end intestinal parasites--something that medications don't always accomplish. The compounds in oregano can also kill many bacteria that is the cause of food poisoning. oregano and cranberry extracts together kill H. pylori bacteria--the cause of stomach ulcers.. Oregano oil can strengthen the liver, calm colitis, fight vaginal yeast infections, prevent or treat metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol, colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease (because of its ability to boost acetylcholine). So next time you're making pizza, seafood, tomato sauce, eggplant dishes, ro dishes featuring pasta, mushrooms, chicken or grilled meat, add some oregano! For treatment purposes, oregano oil is available, but should be used under supervision for prolonged use. Pumpkin Seed - To quote Baharat Aggarwal, pumpkin seeds are rich in cell-protecting antioxidants, nerve-calming magnesium, blood-nourishing iron, muscle-building protein, immune-strengthening zinc, and heart helping polyunstaurated fats. Good for iron-deficiency anemia, arthritis, and heart disease.Tap into some Mexican cuisine to creatively add more pumpkin seeds to your diet. Init you will find moles and sauces using pumpkin seeds. In my home these little gems are used in raw food bars, raw granolas, and thrown on top of salads. Rosemary - Rosemary is often used as a preservative as it is a powerful antioxidant. It has potent carcinogen killing abilities. Adding it to meats will not only help prevent oxidation but will fight carcinogens from overtaking meat when it is grilled---an infamous cancer-causing cooking method. Inhaling rosemary is motivatin and its essential oil can be added to a carrier oil. I sue this along with eucalyptus and peppermint for winter-time chest rubs. Rosemary may help fight dermatitis, arthritis, diabetes, memory loss, cancer, cirrosis, inhibition of the clupming of blood platelets which helps prevent stroke by keeping blood flow smooth. Saffron - an expensive spice of which Spanish is the best, but most of our supply comes from Iran. Saffron only works in warm liquid (not oil) and needs to be ground and then steeped before adding it to your recipe. Saffron is good for anxiety, cancer, depression, fatigue; crocetrin in saffron protects and stabilizes dopamine levels in the brain and is therefor helpful to treat Parkinson's, and has potential for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Saffron is as effective as Aricept (drug) in slowing mental decline in Alzheimer's patients. Sage - a delicious Thanksgiving meal might have hints of sage in the stuffing or the turkey. I find it very cool to know the many benefits and versatility of certain spices. For instance, fresh sage leaves can be used to clean your teeth. The little fuzzies on the leaves help scrub while the oils clean the surface. Sage is also an ingredient in authentic Italian pizza. Sage is good for preventing age-related meory loss, treating Alzheimer's, clearing the mind, improving the mood, and treats and/or prevents cancer, sore throat (available in sore throat sprays), diabetes, herpes, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, and ulcers. Sesame Seed - I recommend raw unhulled sesame seeds which you can soak before toasting to break down the oxalic acid in them. This makes the calcium more bioavailable. Hulled seeds do not have to be soaked but also do not contain calcium. I choose whole versus refined. Sesamin and sesamolin are two phytoestrogenic lignans in sesame that are linked with heart health. Sesamol in sesame can stop the growth of cancer cells of various types and kills leukemia cells; it prevents the loss of muscle control and mental decline in Huntington's disease, and stops the formation of the damaging protein in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. In Oriental medicine the seeds are used to build a deficient liver and/or kidneys according to Rebecca Wood of The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia. Sesame seeds are a cure for high blood pressure; As an additive to blood pressure medications, sesame oil used as a primary dietary oil brings bp back to normal. Gomasio is a Japanese condiment made with sesame seeds; you can make this easily at home (see recipe) to get more sesame seeds in your diet. Hummus is a popular food containing tahini--sesame seed butter. Star Anise - The parts of this pretty spice that we consume are the little shiny seeds in the center of each "petal". I like to add star anise to hot simmering cider along with cinnmon sticks and cloves. Star anise protects against flu; Chinese medicine uses it to thin and liqufy the mucous so it can be expelled, for arthirtis ans as a digestive aid to erelieve gas and bloating, and to spark appetite. Star anise also helps prevent and treat cancer, cold sores, dementia, hepatitis B, HIV, mononucleosis, septic shock and tooth decay. Sun-Dried Tomato - Concetrated nutrition, like other dried fruits, but not as sweet. The phytochemical lycopene is in higherr percentages than fresh tomatoes cup for cup, so all the following benefits are multiplied: protection from prostate cancer first and foremost; also, breast cancer, colon cancer, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Sun-dried tomatoes also protect agaisnt heart disease, heart attacks, infertillity, osteopsrosis, Parkinson's, and dimentia. You can make your own sun-dried tomatoes in the oven at 200 degrees for 8-10 hours or in your food dehydrator for a couple hours. Tomatoes are associated wirh Italian cuisine in my home, so it is a senstivie subject (humor intended). Sauces hardly ever come from a jar, except once in a while for a quick meal or pizza, then I demand only quallity organic tomatoes blended with herbs, garlic, onions and olive oil; no sugar, trans fats or preservatives are allowed. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a cooked flavor to raw tomato sauces. I will be sure to soon share my recipe. Tamarind - conatins powerful anti-oxidants capable of protecting our eyes, and along with a healthful diet protects from cancer, type 1 diabetes and regular consumption shows protection against kidney stones and high cholesterol. I use tamarind paste as an ingredient in stir-fry sauce for making Pad Thai. I use Tyler Florence's recipe from Food Network which calls for tamarind juice. I take the paste (bought from an Asian market) and blend it with water first. I wish to explore more recipes using tamarind. Check back on this soon. Thyme - An anti-microbial herb. It contains the volitile oil called thymol also present in marjoram. According to Baharat Aggarwal, two monoterpenes-- a class of phytonutrients, carvacrol and geraniol are powerfully anti-inflammatory volitile oils, taming the twin processes that underlie and worsen most chronic diseases. Studies show beneftis including anti-aging properties, anti-herpes, anti-infection, anti-colitis, anti-ulcer, and anti alcoholism (protects liver and brain from alcohol related damage). I love adding thyme to pasta dishes, soups and pizza dough. Turmeric - A super spice with so many benefits. I will summarize the best I can without leaving out vital points. In short, I could say, try to get this spice in your diet each day for better health and optimal disease prevention. It has more than 50 healing actions from pain relief to improving circulation. Curcumin is a powerful compound in turmeric responsible for its amazing effects benefiting every part of the body. Curcumin can combat over 70 maladies, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, cystic fibrosis, and more. You name it, turmeric can probably beat it. For cancer alone turmeric can inhibit genes that trigger cancer, inhibit the spread of tumor cells, inhibit the transformation of a normal cell into a caner cell, shrink tumor cells, prevent tumors from spreading to other organs, prevent the development of the blood supply necessary for cancer cells to form and spread, enhance the cancer destroying effects of chemotherapy and radiation. For Parkinson's help: Researchers found that curcumin reduced the rate of cell death by 19% and dramatically reduced the rate of oxidative damage in the cells. In general, curcumin can protect us from this and other diseases of the brain and help treat them. Keep in mind that antioxidants protect cells by capturing free radicals that normally would cause damage to the cell. This damage can come from many places, smoke, pollution, fried foods, processed foods, and exercise. WIth powerful antioxidants in your diet, you get ahead of the damage. Turmeric is an ingredient in my Essential Spice Mix that you can sprinkle daily. Vanilla - The compound vanillan can protect against metastasis of cancer cells and may be effective for use in anti-metastatic drugs for cancer treatment. Studies show promise in treatment for sicle-cell anemia also. Vanilla may be common to you only as an ingredient in baked goods. I challenge you to use vanilla in sauces for mild fish, raw food ice creams, and hot drinks. Make your own vanilla extract. Buy vanilla beans here. Wasabi - A hot spice that is hot on the market right now. You see it everywhere in sushi restaurants and in supermarkets in snack foods and as a condiment, usually in the Asian foods section. The heat is the curative. Also called Japanese horseradish. Wasabi is in the same family as teh cruciferous veggies, providing the same anti-cancer compounds. Wasabi protects against food poisoning, ulcers, high cholesterol, tooth decay, blood clots, osteoporosis, ulcers and eczema. .