Powerful Natural Medicine in Your Spice Rack?

In Western culture, we typically look at our spice rack only as a means to flavor our meals. 

Elsewhere around the world, however, other cultures have known about the medicinal properties of these spices and have used them as such for thousands of years. “Let thy food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be thy food.” Those are the famous words from Hippocrates, who figured this out and healed people with these spices thousands of years ago. Let’s take a look at the top 10 medicines already in your spice rack.

1. Turmeric
It is widely known that curcumin, the primary compound in Turmeric that provides therapeutic properties, has anti-inflammatory effects. However, Turmeric’s therapeutic properties don’t stop there. A study conducted at UCLA demonstrated that amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease could be cleared with curcumin. Further evidence of this is seen in the research indicating a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s in India, where 80% of the world’s Turmeric is consumed on a daily basis.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming spice made from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. The research indicates that cinnamon has antioxidant, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering, anti-tumor, and immune-boosting effects. In vitro studies demonstrated that cinnamon can act as an insulin mimetic, which can boost insulin activity and stimulate glucose metabolism.

3. Clove
Clove is found in the majority of every anti-parasitic formula on the market and for a good reason. Clove can stun and release parasites of all kinds from the body. Parasites can wreak havoc on the body and tissues by depriving you of the nutrients found in the food you eat. Parasites can also influence chemicals in the brain that make you crave sweets/sugar, influencing your habits to get what they want to eat. Clove also has oral hygiene properties to keep bacteria from getting out of hand and is a great adjunct to your oral hygiene protocol.

4. Oregano
Although the oregano in your spice rack is the dried herb, oil of oregano is one of the most powerful antibiotics/antifungals available for athlete’s foot and other persistent chronic infections. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology revealed oil of oregano to be more effective than antifungal drugs in treating Candida albicans, a prominent fungal infection that impairs health and immunity.

5. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most powerful antibiotics found in nature. Garlic has been shown to be therapeutic with cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairments, blood quality, immunological health, and also inflammation. Research published by Cancer Prevention Research outlined the efficacy of garlic to minimize proliferation of esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. This makes garlic one of the most affordable cancer treatments available, as you can often find it for under a dollar in your produce section.

6. Cayenne

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cayenne pepper reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain, providing pain relief properties. Cayenne is also effective as a cream to reduce itching and inflammation from psoriasis.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Illnesses of the heart are lower in the Mediterranean region, and research indicates Olive Oil may be supporting cardiovascular health with its lipid and antioxidant profile. Instances of cancer are also lower in regions where Olive Oil is most consumed and produced.

8. Fennel Seeds
If you’ve ever been to an Indian food restaurant, you’ll notice there is often a little container of fennel seeds near the exit or on the table. The reason is due to Fennel Seed’s ability to work as both a breath freshener and also a digestive aid. Fennel seeds lower excess gas, bloating, and discomfort after eating heavy meals. Fennel seeds also contain nitrates that may be beneficial for the vascular system.

9. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb, and the essential oils that give Thyme its aroma and flavor have been shown to increase healthy fats in cell membranes and cell structures, including the mind-supporting DHA, after consumption. Thyme is also one of the leading antifungal herbs, often being used to keep candida infections under control. The University of Michigan Health System shows Thyme being connected to treatments for lung infections, bacterial infections, lice, halitosis, and indigestion.

10. Ginger
Ginger is a very powerful and diversified medicine in your spice rack. Ginger offers support for digestion, metabolism, infections, flu, common cold, sinus issues, and blood quality. Ginger is also found in the majority of leading inflammation supplements, alongside Turmeric. Additionally, Ginger has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, anticancer properties, and is great for soothing nausea. Ginger completes our list of the Top 10 Medicines Already in Your Spice Rack.