Spice It Up!

Spices have been used as medicine throughout the world for centuries!

Herbal medicine is having a renaissance where the appreciation and healing power of this medicine have re-emerged!

Celebrate the rebirth of this powerful traditional medicine!

Cayenne (Capsicum frutenscens): This hot pepper has many benefits on  the cardiovascular system including stimulating blood flow through mucous membranes  (great for sinus congestion), prevents clot formation, and helps to reduce blood cholesterol level and triglyceride levels.  When applied topically it helps to reduce pain by  blocking the reuptake of substance P (which causes pain) from nerve cells.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): This lovely root if one of my personal favorites!  Curcumin, turmeric's yellow pigment has been shown to be very effective as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a strong antioxidant.  There is also much research going on right now using turmeric in degenerative neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Oregano (Origanum spp.): is a member of the mint family and has HUGE antioxidant properties!  42 times as much antioxidant activity as apples, 30 times a much as potatoes, 12 times as much as oranges, and 4 times as much as blueberries.  It's rich in volatile oils (thymol and carvacrol) which powerful antimicrobial properties.

Herban Chic: healing herbs for cooking

[gallery type="square" ids="5782,5784,5783"] Adding spices to your meals doesn't only give it a delicious flavor but it is also medicine!

Curcumin: is a component of an Indian spice named Tumeric which is commonly found in curry dishes.  The benefits of curcumin are certainly no secret since it has been used in Asia and the middle-east for the past 5000 years yet science is uncovering new uses every day.

The many benefits of this wonderful spice include:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-Inflammatory ( natural COX-2 inhibitor)
• Antiviral
• Anti-Bacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-Cancer (esp. brain cancer and melanoma)
• Protection against Alzheimer’s disease (by preventing amyloid buildup)
• Aids in fat metabolism
• Supports cardiovascular health

Purchase it here: Indian Spice Turmeric (Curcumin) Powder 14oz-

Rosemary: it contains compounds that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that is responsible for forming memories) and it also improves circulation within the brain.

Rosemary infusions can be used for:

• Improving memory
• Increasing circulation
• Relieving  menstrual cramps
• Aiding in digestion
• Eliminating yeast infections
• Improving rheumatic disorders
• Fighting viruses

Purchase it here: Frontier Rosemary Leaf Whole, 16 Ounce Bags (Pack of 2)

Cinnamon: has been proven to aid in the regulation of blood sugar and helps to reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol) to help improve overall cardiovascular function.

It can also be helpful in:

• infections (due to its anti-infectious compounds)
• reduce pain (especially linked to arthritis)
• balance hormones (Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women)

Purchase it here: Indus Organic Ceylon Cinnamon 3" Sticks Pack, (8 Oz), Premium Grade, Freshly Packed

Curious About Curcumin

Curcumin is a component of an Indian spice named Tumeric which is commonly found in curry dishes.  The benefits of curcumin are certainly no secret since it has been used in Asia and the middle-east for the past 5000 years yet science is uncovering new uses every day. The many benefits of this wonderful spice include:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-Inflammatory ( natural COX-2 inhibitor)
• Antiviral
• Anti-Bacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-Cancer (esp. brain cancer and melanoma)
• Protection against Alzheimer's disease (by preventing amyloid buildup)
• Aids in fat metabolism
• Supports cardiovascular health

What a great excuse to eat more Indian food!