Healing herbs in your cupboard

THE herbs and spices in your cupboard may have healing properties. You may be using them for their flavour but they are extremely beneficial for your health too. Turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, fennel, and cardamom all have amazing healing properties.

Turmeric is definitely the number one spice at the moment. It’s used to reduce inflammation which can help reduce painful arthritic conditions, relieve joint pain, as well as reduce your potential of getting diseases associated with inflammation which include Alzheimer’s and Heart disease. You can add it to almost anything including curries, yoghurt, smoothies, and rice.

Cinnamon is used to help reduce sugar cravings and balance blood sugar levels which is very important for type 2 diabetics. It can help to reduce heart disease risk factors including cholesterol. It’s one of the herbs used to treat Candida. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your porridge or yoghurt, and add it to scone or cake mixes, or to hot drinks. One or two teaspoons per day will help improve your health.

Cayenne pepper has numerous healing properties. It’s commonly used to improve circulation. It’s used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s an amazing digestive aid, helping the body to metabolise its foods, and can relieve intestinal gas too. It’s used to prevent the formation of blood clots which can help reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke, and is also used to reduce the bad LDL cholesterol. Many will know it for its metabolic-boosting properties, aiding in burning excess amounts of fats. You can use it like pepper in your food, or you can add it to warm water with lemon and drink it. Start with small amounts and gradually increase to your taste. Do not use if you are on blood thinners.

Fennel seeds are great to make a cup of tea with to ease symptoms of bloating, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhoea or colicky pain. They have a mild liquorice taste. Fennel is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. You can chew on a couple of seeds if you prefer.

Cardamom pods can be chewed to help with digestive problems including nausea, acidity, gas, heartburn and loss of appetite.

So there you have it. The herbs in your cupboard that can help keep you healthy and won’t cost a fortune!