by Debra Macapagal

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: January 28, 2009

The health benefits of herbs and spices

Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal benefits and flavor.

Herbs and spices are used fresh, dried, powdered, as tablets and capsules.

It is important to select herbs or herbal supplements that boost all of the body's systems or at least a good percentage.

Our bodies go through a fair amount of stress, due to environmental and dietary factors, therefore, our systems may require a little boost from time to time.

Fresh and herbal supplements are used to support the immune system which protects the body against disease, the heart, kidneys, bones and joints, hormones, breathing, memory and thought, digestive and reproductive systems

Herbs selected should be high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and Amino Acids to effectively boost your health.

The top 5 fresh herbs and herbal supplements that help boost your health include:

Ginger

Mother Nature's best invention, and is one of the safest herb to use for all populations. It improves circulation and digestion, combats nausea, prevents and relieves inflammation that causes arthritis, and boosts the immune system.

Ginger is a root that can be used fresh, powdered, in tablet or capsule form.

Fresh or dried root

Ginger can be added to soups, chicken stir fry dishes and salads. Gingerbread and cookies are popular desserts and snacks. Fresh ginger gives food a kick as well as your immune system.

To ward off colds and nausea, simmer 3-5 slices of fresh ginger in water for 10 min. Cool, then drink through out the day. Add garlic for an extra boost during cold season. It works every time.

Supplements

Ginger supplements come in capsule or tablet form.

Natures Harmony, Natural Factors and Vitabase all carry ginger root supplements and promote ginger to help with digestion and nausea of all kinds.

Teas

Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Health King carry ginger teas. Teas are good for the office or while on the go.

Traditional Medicinals' and Yogi's teas are both grown organically. The quality of the Health King products is questionable.

It is important when selecting teas to look for brands that provide the best quality organic ingredients. Ginger helps to remove toxins; therefore, consuming a product that has been sprayed with toxins would be counter productive.

Blueberry

Fresh blueberries and blueberry supplements are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals that cause cell damage. Blueberries are also known to decrease cancer

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