Our planet is such an incredible place. Of course he gave us plants, flowers, and trees that provide food and medicine.
We live in an era where manufactured medicine and prescription drugs are the norm, but they are not the only approach to healing and staying healthy.
You get to decide what you put in your body on a daily basis.
There are choices you can make that will help you maintain a high-functioning immune system.
Why not create a healthy lifestyle based on ingredients that come from nature?
We have everything we need growing abundantly around us, we just have to remember how to tap into that natural medicine.
Our ancestors knew all about the medicinal power of plants and herbal remedies, we just need to take some time to explore that knowledge.
And what better time than now?
As we navigate the current uncertainty on our planet, we can gather our resources and remember the healing power of plants.
I want to share with you some of the most powerful and healing herbs and spices that can help your body stay healthy, fight any virus, inflammation and infections.
All these herbs and spices are easily available to buy and in some cases grow yourself.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is an important component of Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian medicine and has been used for several thousand years. It is a bright yellow-orange root with incredible anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have suggested that it can relieve arthritis, reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s as well as improve brain function.
Curcumin is the primary active compound in turmeric with medicinal properties. Scientific studies show that curcumin helps fight oxidative damage, a major factor in aging and some diseases.
How do you use it?
Dried, fresh, or in a supplement. Add to curries and rice dishes or sprinkle on salads or add to smoothies.
2. Ginger
Ginger root is full of immune-boosting qualities. It is anti-inflammatory and can treat nausea. Ginger originated in Southeast Asia centuries ago but is now grown in many countries around the world. People often turn to ginger when they have a cold or sore throat as its compounds (sesquiterpenes) target cold viruses and can suppress coughs and ease sore throats.
How do you use it?
Use it in soups and rice dishes, add it to raw juice or hot tea with lemon.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a household staple and well known for its strong flavor and health benefits. Throughout history, garlic has been used for medicinal purposes. The Ancient Egyptians and Indian cultures are known to have used it. Garlic’s excellent health-enhancing properties come from the compound allicin, which also gives it its strong smell.
Allicin gives garlic its powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that are most potent when garlic is ingested raw and cut or crushed. It is said to prevent colds and chest infections and generally strengthens your immune system against viruses and infection.
How do you use it?
Minced garlic can be added to almost any dish you make. Eat it raw, finely chopped over diced tomatoes or cucumbers, or mix it into hummus and other dips.
4. Brown
A popular spice often used in baking, cinnamon is another highly immune-boosting ingredient that you have in your kitchen. Modern science now confirms what the Ancient Egyptians knew about the medicinal qualities of this herb made from the inner bark of trees. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (or true cinnamon) and cassia cinnamon. The compound found in cinnamon is called cinnamaldehyde and is what is responsible for the wonderful health-giving properties of the spice.
Cinnamon is high in powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce your risk of disease. Cinnamon has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and give it a strong anti-diabetic effect.
How do you use it?
Add it to muesli, smoothies, and baked goods or use it in couscous dishes for a Moroccan flavor.
5. Cayenne pepper
A form of chili pepper used to prepare spicy dishes, cayenne pepper has been around for millennia and used to help treat many health problems. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can reduce appetite, increase fat burning as well as boost your metabolism, and help digestive health. This pepper has even been shown to strengthen your stomach’s defenses against infections by increasing the production of digestive fluid and aiding easy digestion.
How do you use it?
Add a pinch of dried cayenne pepper to your dishes or slice raw into salads (be careful as they are spicy).
6. Elderberry
Elderberries from the elderberry bush have long been a traditional folk remedy for colds and viruses. Dating back thousands of years in Europe and North America, the berries and flowers can both be used to make syrups, supplements, teas, and tonics. The berries contain anthocyanids, compounds that help a healthy immune system to thrive. They also have strong antiviral properties.
How do you use it?
It is better not to eat a large amount of raw berries as they can cause digestive upset, instead, cook them and make elderberry jam, syrup, tea, pie, or even wine or cordial. You can also buy dried elderberries and make hot tea or syrup that way.
7. Echinacea
With its antifungal and antibacterial properties, the echinacea plant is an ideal companion in the kitchen. It strengthens and stimulates your immune system and can help to overcome viral infections and other diseases.
How do you use it?
You can drink echinacea tea or take it in supplement or tincture form.
8. Mint
Peppermint has a history of medicinal use in traditional remedies and aromatherapy. It is known for its ability to speed up digestion and reduce nausea. It can also help those with symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) by relieving bloating and digestive pain. In aromatherapy, it has been shown to help treat the symptoms of nausea.
How do you use it?
Drink peppermint tea to aid digestion. Use peppermint essential oil to dab on your wrists or gently massage on your stomach.
The best thing is that you can easily grow your own peppermint in a small container in your garden or in your kitchen.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary contains an active ingredient called rosmarinic acid. It has anti-inflammatory effects that have been shown to help nasal congestion and suppress any allergy symptoms. Fresh rosemary also has therapeutic compounds and antioxidants that improve memory, attention and cognition.
How do you use it?
Sprinkle in vegetable dishes, pair with chicken or lamb, and potatoes. Rosemary essential oil can also be used to stimulate focus and memory.
These are just a few of the healing herbs and spices that you can use in your daily cooking that are easy to find and simple to use. Try incorporating two or three a week into new recipes and see how much better you feel using natural remedies to boost your health! Of course, any recipes you may have please share in the comments.
