Did you know that we’re blessed with many ancient remedies that’s available in our homes? Simply open your kitchen cabinets, drawers or even your refrigerator! Have you ever realised that in your kitchen are herbs and spices that have been used in the past and even current times as a remedy to cure health ailments?
Medicinal plants are as old as mankind itself and many of it can be found in your kitchen. Spices and herbs are wonderful health remedies that could benefit you in various ways. Here are some of them!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to be a versatile spice with powerful healing properties that has been used since Ancient Egypt and was also regarded as a gift fit for kings.
A little bit of cinnamon can go a long way. This powerful spice can be enjoyed with toast, coffee and in cooking. Though, there’s more to this spice than just being flavourful. Cinnamon has the ability to balance blood sugar levels among diabetic patients and it is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which may help to lower your risk of diseases. Also, it has been found that cinnamon can help against Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections.
Cinnamon holds a wide variety of nutrients especially fibre and it can help reduce heartburn in some people.
Coriander seeds
Like many other spices, coriander seeds are a staple herb in Indian, Thai and Vietnamese, cuisines.
These tiny seeds are beneficial when it comes to digestion complications including gastric, bloating, diarrhea and heavy menstrual flow. Make a tea out of crushed coriander seeds and consume it daily as it provides relief for these issues.
When it comes to your overall health, the presence of antioxidants in coriander seeds like vitamin A, C, K, Calcium and folic acid is beneficial in preventing osteoporosis and promote healthy joints. Also, studies have shown that coriander can reduce bad cholesterol and promotes good cholesterol in the body.
Ginger
This root has medicinal purposes and plays a major part in Asian and Indian cooking. The possible health benefits you can get from ginger include digestive aid, relieving nausea, loss of appetite and motion sickness.
Research has shown that ginger is made up of gingerol, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that can help with osteoarthritis. On top of that, ginger appears to be effective in reducing muscle pain and swelling in people with arthritis.
In order to help reduce pain and nausea, it is recommended that you should consume ginger tea. The trick here is to add slices of ginger into boiling water and let it simmer for about five minutes.
Star Anise
Star anise is an eight pointed spice that looks similar to stars. It’s made up of slender pods and seeds.
It’s time to think ‘outside the kitchen’ as this spice is more than just delicious, it is known for its medicinal properties too! Star anise is rich in vitamin A, C, antioxidants and bioactive compounds that include Linalool, Quercetin, Anethole, Shikimic acid, Gallic acid and Limonene. Overall, these medicinal properties contribute to anti-inflammation and the fight against free radicals.
Consuming star anise tea after meals is great for treating digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion and constipation.
Black Pepper
Similar to other spices, just a pinch of black pepper in any cooking provides the dish with an extra depth of flavour.
Black pepper is often regarded as the ‘king of spices’ as it is commonly used in every cuisine and offers a number of health benefits. The natural compound piperine, is an active ingredient in black pepper that can prevent certain types of cancer such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
The use of black pepper also promotes weight loss, improves digestion, relieve cold and cough, boosts heart health, lowers blood pressure and prevents arthritis. Other than that, black pepper is great with treating skin issues like vitiligo, which is a skin disease that causes some areas of the skin to lose its normal pigmentation and turn white.
Sources: Reader’s Digest, Healthline
