by Lizzie Elzingre

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

The Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices

For centuries, spices and herbs are remedies useful to maintain good health, treat chronic and acute ailments.

Locally, Lagundi and Sambong herbal supplements have been awarded the silver medals in the 25th International Exhibitions of Inventions in Geneva for their effectiveness against cough and asthma for the former, while the latter for the dissolution of kidney stones, edema and congestive heart failure.

A number of herbs are so powerful and balance that people can take them in the form of tea, pillows, or baths. Apart from their medicinal qualities, they are popular for their culinary enhancements.

Considered as alternative medicine, they are our new approach to balance and well-being. The following is the Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices User's Guide. The content is the results of 20 years of clinical studies and scientific validation by the National Integrated Plants Research Program on Medicinal Plants, with top academic institution and scientists in the Philippines.

The Plants that Heals

Aniseed seeds and leaves contains have flavonoids, volatile oils and lipids effective for treating bronchial catarrh and whooping cough. Anise flavoring is popular in French cooking, with curry powder and in alcohols and liqueurs.

Artichoke flower head contains flavonoids, volatile oils, and acids. It is an effective diuretic. It lowers cholesterol level, and assists poor digestion. Deep-fry this succulent vegetable, and then serve with Salsa Verde.

Basil leaves contain unique volatile oils, which demonstrate potent and wide-ranging anti-bacterial properties, most impressively against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus. This mystical herb is a favorite for spaghetti. Basil is also delicious with fresh tomatoes.

Bitter Gourd young leaves and tops contain alkaloid, glucoside, iron, calcium, phosphorous, vitamins, and momordicin. It is commonly use as aid in diabetes, hemorrhoids including fertility regulation. Thinly slices of bitter gourd with minced pork, prawns and eggs is a sumptuous fare.

Celery fruit, seeds, leaves, stalk or stem contains oil and acid effective to cure arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. Celery seed may also reduce cancer risks, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is excellent as a food flavoring for soups and stews.

Chamomile flower heads contains oil and acid excellent for digestion and flatulence, inflammation and muscle spasms, wounds, ulcers including gingivitis. Eases diarrhea due

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