Spice of Health

even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Here are a compilation of some of the most potent herbs and spices, and their health benefits:
Cloves
In the study mentioned above, cloves came out as a clear winner, being the most potent of 24 common herbs and spices found in your spice rack. Fortunately, they have a sweet and spicy, aromatic flavor that makes a great complement to many foods.
Among the clove’s most well-known healing properties is its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, but it has many benefits beyond that, including:
Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties
Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis
Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism
Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria
May encourage creativity and mental focus
Cinnamon
Cinnamon and cinnamon extracts have previously been shown to effectively lower blood sugar. In one such study, cinnamon was found to increase glucose metabolism 20-fold! In another, half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels among this group.
Interestingly, cinnamon lowers your blood sugar by acting on multiple levels. It slows the emptying of your stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following meals, and improves the effectiveness of insulin. It also enhances your antioxidant defenses.
Researchers have even gone so far as to say cinnamon could play the role of an insulin substitute in the treatment of type 2 diabetes!
Cinnamon’s other benefits include:
Supports digestive function
Constricts and tones tissues
Relieves congestion
Relieves pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
Relieves menstrual discomfort
Blood-thinning compounds that stimulate circulation
Anti-inflammatory compounds that may relieve arthritis
Helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease
It’s a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill E. coli and other bacteria
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that has a variety of healing properties and has been studied by science for a variety of ailments. One recent study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food discovered that an extract of nutmeg seeds elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice; in some doses comparable in potency to the antidepressants imipramine and fluoxetine.
In fact, reducing anxiety and treating insomnia are two ailments that nutmeg has been traditionally used for.
Another study in the Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering found that nutmeg extract has antibacterial activity that can significantly reduce certain strains of E. coli.
Nutmeg is also beneficial for:
Calming muscle spasms
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Indigestion
Joint pain and gout
Lowering blood pressure
Male infertility and impotence
Improving concentration
Increasing circulation
Lowering cholesterol
Toothaches (nutmeg oil)
** Please note that nutmeg contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene derivatives, terpenes and myristic acid. The spice has a long history of abuse; taking too much nutmeg (one to three nuts; in some cases less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, swelling and shock.
Ginger
Ginger is another spice with a potent flavor that is great for warming your body and adding kick to foods. Its medicinal properties include:
Most notably and reliably known for its consistent ability to resolve nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and other stomach upset
Anti-inflammatory properties
Eliminates intestinal gas
Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract
Antioxidant properties
Relieves dizziness
Boosts your immune system
Protects against bacteria and fungi
Encourages bile flow
Promotes cardiovascular health
Peppermint
The therapeutic effects of fresh peppermint leaves have been known since ancient times. It’s been used to sooth the digestive tract, and one study published in the journal BMJ earlier this year found peppermint oil may be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Other healing properties include:
May protect against cancer
Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus
Relieves the symptoms of allergies and asthma
Curcumin
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties of curcumin, the powerful yellow spice found in both turmeric and curry powders, has undergone intense research in various parts of the world.
According to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers. Results showed that regardless of how much curcumin was used, the spice still worked to stop the growth of melanoma by inducing cell suicide.