Cooking with Herbs

Herbs and spices have various documented health-promoting effects. When you shop for herbs and spices, always buy organic and avoid anything marked "pico-waved" or with any other euphemism for irradiated (a process where a plant or food is zapped with radiation to kill micro-organisms). This list of herbs and spices includes their benefits on physical ailments.

Basil: Helps the body assimilate amino acids, expels gas from the intestines, strengthens the stomach, relieves spasms and excited the appetite.

Cayenne & Paprika: Stimulate digestion, both are strengthening herbs (help build up weakened body systems). Due to their heat, excessive use may cause digestive upset especially if stomach acid is low.

Celery Seed: A mild stimulant, expels intestinal gas, increases discharge of fluids through the urine (diuretic).

Cinnamon: Relieves intestinal gas, impedes some bacterial growth, has warming properties.

Cloves: Soothes pain and relieves nausea, relives intestinal gas and indigestion.

Fennel seed: Relieves spasms or cramps, aids in digestion, relieves intestinal gas, has diuretic effects, loosens respiratory mucus.

Garlic: Relieves intestinal gas, regulates the liver and gallbladder, beneficial for the heart and circulatory system.

Ginger root: Increases the effectiveness of other herbs, warming, relieves gas and is beneficial to take when you have a cold. Increases perspiration thereby encouraging cleansing.

Kelp: Full of trace minerals, kelp is a nutritional gold mine and tasty salt substitute.

Mustard seed: Both a stimulant and diuretic. Due to it's irritant properties it is a mild bowel stimulant and purgative.

Nutmeg: Used in small doses can reduce gas, aids digestion, improves the appetite. Great for diarrhea and vomiting as well as nausea.

Oregano: Relives gas, spasms and cramps. Has a calming, soothing effect. Strengthens and stimulates the stomach.

Parsley: Expels intestinal gas, is a diuretic, aids digestion and relieves spasms or cramps.

Rosemary: Relieves spasms and cramps, stimulates digestion, promotes liver function and calms the nerves. *Can be toxic in large quantities, use only to flavor a dish.

Sage: Reduces congestion & expels intestinal gas.

Turmeric: Promotes the digestion of fatty foods and relieves intestinal gas. Has some anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity.

Thyme: Aids in the digestion of fatty foods, relives cramps, a great tonic for the stomach and nerves, expels gas, anti-septic and is good for the respiratory passages.