The Medicinal Uses of Herbs & Spices

You would probably agree that spices make our food taste better, but the spices you use on your food may also help you become healthier! Many of the herbs we use to season our food also have medicinal value. If you know a little about some of the seasonings in your kitchen, your choices can benefit your health.

Turmeric

• Turmeric is useful as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.

  Turmeric flavors curry and supplies coloring in mustard, cheese and butter. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports this warm, peppery, and slightly bitter spice has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Medical studies have shown that turmeric may reduce gas and bloating, ease ulcerative colitis, reduce inflammation and stop platelet clumping.

  Turmeric can cause digestive upset, ulcers, and hypoglycemic effects, so individuals are cautioned not to take large doses. Individuals taking blood thinners, diabetic medications and stomach acid medications should consult a knowledgeable health care provider to prevent drug interactions.

Oregano

• Oregano may prevent the development of food-borne illnesses.

  Oregano is a very aromatic spice used in many Mexican and Italian foods. Oregano has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Oregano oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and may help to fight food-borne illnesses. According to A 2 Z Health, oregano may be one of the highest antioxidant foods.

  Medical studies with mice have shown that oregano oil is effective against candida and staphylococcus infections, and a human study reported that oregano oil supplements are effective against the parasite Blastocystis hominis.

Garlic

• Garlic may lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots in veins and arteries.

  Garlic has been used for both cooking and healing since ancient times. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that garlic has mild cholesterol lowering effects, may reduce platelet clumping and reduces the risk of stomach and colon cancer without negative side-effects. Studies regarding garlic's ability to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals have shown mixed results.

  Eating raw garlic is generally considered safe and does not appear to interact with medications, although individuals facing surgery may be counseled to avoid high doses of garlic because it can extend clotting time. Eating garlic on an empty stomach, however, may cause gastric upset. Topical use of garlic may cause burns and blisters.

Thyme

• Thyme may help you retain a positive mood and cognitive function as you get older.

  Thyme's distinct aroma and taste may improve the taste of beans, casseroles and egg dishes. It is high in Vitamin K and iron, and has antioxidant properties. Thymol is a volatile oil component of thyme, and medical research affirms the health benefits of this component. Thymol studies in rats evidenced an increase in healthy fats within cells and improvement in DHA levels.

  Thyme has effective antimicrobial properties against staphylococcus and several other toxic bacteria.

  Thyme benefits your brain. A study with rats reported in the "British Journal of Nutrition" showed that supplementing with thyme increases Omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and increases antioxidants. This may improve cognitive function as we age, and maintain a positive mood.