Rewind some 500 years. What do you see?
Radiant health, robustness and longevity pervading the human fabric, right?
Now, why herbs and spices? What is so special about them? What are their benefits?
You will get to know everything; I promise. Just sit back and relax as I take you through the wonderful world of herbs and spices; the super-foods which possess life-altering properties you never would have imagined.
The Healthy Herbs:
1. Agrimony:
Scientific Name: Agrimonia
Benefits:
- The leaves of this herb help stop bleeding and heal wounds faster
- The herb also cures skin conditions, cough and sore throat
- Aids sleep
2. Basil:
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Benefits:
- Has many disease preventing and health promoting properties
- Contains less calories and zero cholesterol, but a very rich source of vitamins and nutrients required for optimum health
- Vitamin K in basil plays a vital role in bone strengthening
3. Borage:
Scientific Name: Borago officinalis
Benefits:
- Contains notable phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals that provide great health and vitality
- Contains high levels of vitamin A and carotenes; both protect the body against free radicals and help prevent disease
- Contains iron, copper and zinc in abundance
4. Burdock Root:
Scientific Name: Arctium lappa
Benefits:
- The roots and shoots of burdock root are very powerful anti-oxidants
- Contains good amounts of electrolyte potassium which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure
5. Celery:
Scientific Name: Apium graveolens
Benefits:
- Has cancer preventing and immune boosting functions
- Rich in folic acid and vitamin C required for optimum metabolism
- Helps treating Alzheimer’s
6. Chives:
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Benefits:
- Rich sources of folates which are known to prevent neural tube defects in newborn babies
- Contains B-complex vitamins and other nutrients like copper, zinc, manganese and calcium in abundance
- Helps decrease blood vessel stiffness
7. Cilantro (coriander):
Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum
Benefits:
- Leaves and seeds contain many essential volatile oils like borneol, linalool, cymene and terpinolene; required for optimum health and functioning
- One of the richest sources of vitamin K that helps in mass building in bones
- Helps improve red blood cell production
8. Dandelion:
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Benefits:
- Provides 58% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C
- Leaves contain flavonoids which help prevent lung and oral cavity cancers
- A very good source of dietary fibre
9. Dill Weed:
Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
Benefits:
- Contains dietary fibers which help control blood cholesterol levels
- The oil found in the seeds and leaves is found to reduce blood sugar level in diabetics
- Fresh dill weed herb is an excellent source of anti-oxidants
10. Epazote:
Scientific Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides
Benefits:
- Low in calories and very high in fiber
- Protects the intestines from worm infestation
11. Garlic:
Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Benefits:
- Helps reduce cholesterol production in the body
- Contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties
- Contains selenium, which is very good for the heart
- Consumption of garlic is associated with possible decrease in the incidence of stomach cancer
12. Lemongrass:
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Benefits:
- Contains no cholesterol
- Contains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties
- The oils in lemongrass are known to possess counter-irritant and anti-septic properties
13. Oregano:
Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare
Benefits:
- The active principles in the herb help in improving the digestion process
- Contains ample amount of magnesium and calcium which help improve bone metabolism
- Helps prevent the evolving of pro-inflammatory free radicals
14. Parsley:
Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum
Benefits:
- Helps control blood cholesterol
- Offers protection from free radical mediated injury and cancer
- Promotes ultra-violet light filtering functions which help prevent age related eye problems
15. Peppermint:
Scientific Name: Mentha piperita
Benefits:
- Helps relax the intestinal wall
- Treats colic pain disorders and ‘irritable bowel syndrome’
- Methanol, an essential oil is known to work as a painkiller
16. Rosemary Herb:
Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Benefits:
- Contains good amount of vitamin A which helps maintain a healthy mucus membrane and skin
- Abundant presence of vitamin C helps prevent scurvy and offer protection from other infectious agents
- The herb is an excellent source of iron and enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
17. Sage:
Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Benefits:
- The herb enhances concentration and quickens the senses
- It helps deal with grief and depression
- Offers many benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
18. Savory:
Scientific Name: Satureja hostensis
Benefits:
- Contains dietary fibers which reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels
- Inhibits the growth of certain dangerous bacteria like E. Coli
- Also works as a stress buster
- Protects from lung and oral cavity cancers
19. Spearmint:
Scientific Name: Mentha spicata
Benefits:
- The mint helps relieve fatigue and stress
- Contains good amounts of potassium which regulates heart rate and blood pressure
20. Stevia:
Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana
Benefits:
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Contains vitamins and other nutrients which are absent in artificial sweeteners
21. Sweet Marjoram:
Scientific Name: Origanum majorana
Benefits:
- Contains notable phyto-nutrients required for optimum health and wellness
- Helps remove harmful free radicals from the body
- Boosts immunity and heals wounds faster
22. Tarragon:
Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Benefits:
- It has been a traditional remedy to stimulate appetite and alleviate anorexic symptoms
- Helps lower blood-glucose levels
- Helps prevent clot formation inside blood vessels of heart and brain thereby preventing heart attack and stroke
23. Thyme Herb:
Scientific Name: Thymus vulgare
Benefits:
- Contains many phenolic antioxidants which are very good for optimum health
- Contains other important vitamins like beta-carotene and folic acid which help prevent lung and oral cancers
24. Turmeric:
Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
Benefits:
- Helps in the treatment of radiation sickness
- Helps in the production of red blood cells
- Fresh root contains vitamin C which is a powerful anti-oxidant and helps remove free radicals
If herbs help purify our mind, body and soul, then spices excite our taste buds in addition to all that! So here we have a list of spices which are both tasty as well as healthy!
The Super Spices:
25. Allspice:
Scientific Name: Pimenta dioica
Benefits:
- Increases the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract and also enhances the digestion power
- The leaf oils are useful in gum and dental treatment procedures
- Helps the body develop resistance against harmful infections
26. Anise Seed:
Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum
Benefits:
- Improves brain health and increasing the neuro-chemical levels in the brain
- Contains considerable amount of copper which is essential in the production of red blood cells
- Has ample amount of anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A and C
27. Bay Leaf:
Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis
Benefits:
- Contains anti-cancer properties
- Improves the functioning of nervous system
- Has vitamin A in abundance which is essential for healthy eye functioning
28. Black Pepper:
Scientific Name: Piper nigrum
Benefits:
- Help prevent tooth decay and gum swellings
- Treats flatulence and indigestion
29. Capers:
Scientific Name: Capparis spinosa
Benefits:
- Helps relieve rheumatic pain
- Stimulates appetite and plays a vital role in treating stomach ache
- Helps lower bad cholesterol in the body
- Helps in the treatment of varicose veins and bleeding conditions
30. Caraway:
Scientific Name: Carum carvi
Benefits:
- Can be used as a mouthwash or for gargling purposes
- Helps treat bronchitis
31. Cardamom:
Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Benefits:
- Acts as a very powerful free radical scavenger
- Helps in the control of heart rate and regulation of blood pressure
32. Carom (ajwain) Seeds:
Scientific Name: Trachyspermum copticum
Benefits:
- The decoction of the seeds is used to ease asthma
- Seeds are very rich fiber and anti-oxidants
- Build the health of the intestinal tract
33. Cassia:
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum aromaticum
Benefits:
- Has got extensive anti-bacterial properties
- Plays a very good role in treating diarrhea
- Gives instant relief from health conditions like nausea
34. Cayenne Pepper:
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’
Benefits:
- Helps treat sore muscles
- Has anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic properties
- Helps in weight loss in obese persons
35. Chilli Peppers:
Scientific Name: Capsica annum
Benefits:
- Helps in the treatment of arthritic pain
- Helps in the synthesis of collagen which is responsible for the structural integrity of skin, organs and blood vessels
- Protects the body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during stress
36. Cinnamon:
Scientific Name: Cinnamonum verum
Benefits:
- Helps prevent stroke and coronary artery diseases
- Treats common cold
- Helps reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes
37. Cloves:
Scientific Name: Sygizium aromaticum
Benefits:
- Plays a major role in killing intestinal worms
- A very popular home remedy for arthritis and sore muscles
- Also useful in dental treatment
38. Coriander Seeds:
Scientific Name: Coriandum sativum
Benefits:
- Very rich in dietary fiber
- The seeds help clearing off unpleasant breath
- Helps protect the mucus membrane from cancers
39. Cumin:
Scientific Name: Cuminum cyminum
Benefits:
- Used in traditional medicine to treat common cold
- Seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber
40. Fennels Seeds:
Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce.
Benefits:
- INCREASES BREASTmilk secretion in nursing mothers
- Seed oil is known to relieve coughs and cure joint pains
41. Fenugreek Seeds:
Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Benefits:
- Fenugreek seeds are used in the treatment of bronchitis
- The seeds are one of the ingredients highly recommended in a diabetic diet
- Helps control heart rate and blood pressure
42. Frankincense:
Scientific Name: Boswellia thurifera
Benefits:
- Helps heal wounds, scars and acne
- Acts like a natural insecticide
- Aids in the treatment of arthritis
43. Galangal:
Scientific Name: Alpinia galangal
Benefits:
- Helps treat bowel spasms and other bowel related ailments
- Acts as a powerful anti-oxidants and helps remove harmful free radicals from the body
44. Horseradish:
Scientific Name: Armoracia rusticana
Benefits:
- Found to have nerve-soothing effects
- Stimulates salivary, gastric and intestinal glands thereby facilitating digestion
45. Jalapeno Peppers:
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
Benefits:
- Plays a major role in treating Alzheimer’s
- Helps reduce stress
46. Juniper Berries:
Scientific Name: Juniperus communis
Benefits:
- Plays a major role in the treatment of urinary tract disease
- Can cure upset stomach
- Speeds skin growth in case of wounds
47. Mace Spice:
Scientific Name: Myristica fragrans
Benefits:
- Helps cure illnesses related to nervous and digestive systems
- The oil aids in the reduction of muscular and join pains
- Helps relieve nausea, gastritis and indigestion ailments
48. Mustard Seeds:
Scientific Name: Brassica juncea
Benefits:
- The seed oil relives muscle and arthritic pain
- The oil stimulates hair growth
49. Nutmeg:
Scientific Name: Myristica
Benefits:
- Nutmeg with decoction of honey is used to give relief from nausea and indigestion ailments
- Nutmeg oil is used for relief from toothache
- The oil is also used for local massage to get relief from muscle pains
50. Paprika:
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
Benefits:
- Rich source of vitamins A and C
- Is a powerful anti-oxidant and rids the body of harmful free radicals
- Aids in weight loss
51. Saffron:
Scientific Name: Crocus sativus
Benefits:
- Safranal, an oil found in the spice plays a major role in killing cancer cells
- The spice also contains anti-depressant properties
52. Sesame:
Scientific Name: Sesamum indicum
Benefits:
- Helps cure acne
- Has properties which makes it an instant cure for dizziness
53. Sichuan Peppercorns:
Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum simulans
Benefits:
- The ground bark of Sichuan plant is known to give relief from toothache
- The peppercorns are widely used as foods with anti-septic properties
- Peppercorns also play a vital role in treating stomach problems
54. Tamarind:
Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
Benefits:
- The pulp of the plant has been used to treat bile disorders
- Very high in dietary fiber, which helps improve body metabolism
- Contains tartaric acid, which removes free radicals from the body
55. Vanilla Beans:
Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
Benefits:
- The pulp of the plant has been used to treat bile disorders
- Very high in dietary fiber, which helps improve body metabolism
- Contains tartaric acid, which removes free radicals from the body
55. Vanilla Beans:
Scientific Name: Vanilla planifolia
Benefits:
- Vanilla extract is composed of complex sugars and vitamins which are essential for optimum health
- Vanilla beans are known since ancient times to treat sexual dysfunctions
If optimum health is what you want, then this stuff is what you should eat! Include them in your daily diet to be blessed by a wonderful and nearly ‘immortalizing’ life!
You are going to, aren’t you?
