Those herbs that you have been adding to your favorite culinary dishes may offer you more than just added flavor. Many of the herbs that we commonly associate with cooking have been used by individuals for thousands of years to treat different diseases and ailments. The most common herbs that we use in our kitchen everyday may be more beneficial than you know.
*Chamomile
Utilized by adults and children for thousands of years, chamomile is often used to treat gastrointestinal problems such as gas, diarrhea and the common upset stomach. Scientific studies that have been done are showing that chamomile may have positive benefits in treating mouth ulcers and some types of skin conditions.
Besides chamomile tea which we drink for its relaxing properties, chamomile can be found as an ingredient in many of the products we purchase for our skin and hair. Benefits of chamomile are claimed to be softening of the skin and hair as well as alleviating skin conditions such as rashes.
*Cloves
The clove contains significant amounts of the component "eugenol". Used previously for centuries as a numbing agent for toothaches, eugenol extracts are commonly used now in dentistry during root canals, fillings and to relieve general gum pain. Clove oil can also be found as an ingredient in some over-the-counter mouthwashes and throat sprays. Cloves also can provide nutrients for a healthy diet including manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
*Flaxseed
Flaxseed is gaining notoriety for being part of a healthy diet. Many specialist are recommending flaxseed and flaxseed oil to use in the treatment of high cholesterol. The most common usage for flaxseed is as a laxative but women are using flaxseed to aid during menopause against hot flashes and breast pain. Flaxseed contains soluble fiber and can be used as a supplemental fiber source.
*Garlic
Garlic is considered the herbal "wonder drug" which has been claimed to treat and prevent everything from the common cold to acne. The studies that have been done on garlic show that it can have a powerful antioxidant effect to help protect the body against damage. Garlic is now being studied and used in the treatment of certain cancers, heart disease, hypertension, infections, impotence, and to help lower cholesterol.
*Ginger
Ginger has been utilized in Asian medicine for centuries to treat stomach ailments including nausea. Many individuals take ginger to treat arthritis, joint paint, and muscle pain. Many over-the-counter medicines and supplements contain ginger extract. Research done at Cornell University Medical College has shown that ginger may have an effect on blood clots.
*Lavender
In the past, lavender was commonly used in mental health and today lavender is applied in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, and stomach aches. The claimed health benefits of lavender include its ability to relieve tension and pain, increase blood circulation, and alleviate respiratory problems.
Lavender oils are now commonly found in skin and hair care products. Many believe that lavender can aid in the healing of wounds, treat sunburns and can even be effective against head lice and lice eggs. Herbalist also recommends lavender essential oil to help with urinary disorders as it can stimulate urine production.
*Mustard Seed
In ancient times, mustard seed was used as a medicine treatment for a wide range of medical ailments. Hippocrates would advise others to use them and even the Bible references mustard seed several times. The new claims of treatments that mustard seed can help with are to neutralize radiation that can be found in televisions and computers. There are no concluding studies that this claim is true or false.
The mustard seed is used primarily in the treatment of rheumatism, joint pain, backaches and migraines or as an aid in the treatment of depression, insomnia and impotence. Chinese herbalists use mustard seeds to treat toothaches, ulcers and other stomach disorders. Mustard seeds contain monounsaturated fats, phosphorous, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese.
*Parsley
Parsley is the world's most popular and utilized herb. It contains unique volatile oil components and flavonoids. One of the volatile oils found in parsley is myristicin which has been shown to hinder tumor formation in animals. Parsley is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, and a good source of folic acid. Parsley is commonly used as a garnish in the culinary world and many times isn't appreciated for its nutrition. This herb can aid in cardiovascular health and studies are being done that suggest it can help ease rheumatoid arthritis.
*Sage
The name "sage" is derived from the Latin word meaning "to heal." Sage tea has been used for years for sore throats and herbalists use sage for wounds, insect bites, tonsillitis, depression, and stomach ailments. Sage contains volatile oils and flavonoids and rosmarinic acid. This acid in conjunction with the other nutrients is believed to help with those suffering with inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies that were published in 2003 stated that sage can also enhance the memory. Ancient Greeks and Romans also believed that sage could improve the memory.
*THYME
Thyme has been used in herbal medicine to aid with respiratory disorders such as coughs and congestion. This herb contains an oil called thymol. This oil has shown in studies to increase the healthy fats found in cell membranes including those in the brain, kidney and the heart. Thyme is an excellent source of iron and a good source of calcium while also containing small amounts of dietary fiber.
*Turmeric
Commonly used in Chinese medicine to aid in digestion and liver function, turmeric is believed to relieve a variety of ailments including arthritis pain, eczema, heartburn, and gallstones. Although experts recommend not using turmeric with gallbladder disease as it may make the condition worsen.
People have been using herbs for centuries to spice up their foods as well as treat and cure diseases. Research and clinical studies are being done every day to understand the benefits of herbs and prove or disprove what herbalists have been recommending to those looking to improve their health naturally. Most herbs do not have major side effects but before taking any herb in large quantities, educate yourself about the effects of large doses.
Individuals today are inundated with synthetic drugs that are marketed by large pharmaceutical companies. Some doctors who are influenced by big business will endorse these drugs often dismissing the positive effects that herbs can have on the body. With new scientific studies being done on the benefits of herbs and more people opting for natural remedies, herbs may soon find a new place in the home-the medicine cabinet.
References:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/
http://www.naturalfoodsdigest.com/home.html
http://www.med.cornell.edu/