by Garian Clark

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 28, 2009

The use of herbs and spices to cure and treat various ailments dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations in China, Egypt, and Greece used medicinal herbs to treat everything from upset stomachs to coughs. Today, modern medicine has confirmed the efficacy of using herbs and spices to heal and treat a myriad of diseases and maintain general health. As health care costs continue to increase, many people have turned to alternative medicine in lieu of more traditional medical practices. However, just like traditional synthetic drugs, the use of medicinal herbs and spices carries certain risks as well as many benefits. Consumers should educate themselves and/or consult with a physician before starting any health regime using herbs and spices to treat disease. There are several herbs and spices that are extremely beneficial to treat or prevent illnesses ranging from heart disease to cancer while there are others that should be generally avoided.

Beneficial Herbs and Spices

Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice widely used in South Asian and Middle Eastern Cooking, and it is a major ingredient in curry spice. Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. This spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that appears to act similar to Cox-2 inhibitors, the drugs used to reduce the swelling and pain associated with arthritis. Recent studies have also suggested that turmeric could potentially help prevent colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is a medicinal herb that is indigenous to Europe, but is now widely used throughout the world. Numerous studies have shown this herb to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.

Licorice Root: This herb has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat coughs as a natural expectorant. Today, many modern cough drops still use this ingredient. Licorice Root is also an effective treatment for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and eczema.

Ginger: Ginger is a well known spice that is used in a variety of foods and recipes. It is also a common and effective remedy for nausea associated with seasickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy. Other studies suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb may help treat arthritis and cancer.

Valerian: The valerian herb was used by the ancient Greeks to treat digestive problems. Today, valerian is commonly used to treat insomnia and to relieve stress,

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