Herbs and spices have been traded as valuable commodities for thousands of years. The legendary “Silk Road” brought new uses and types of herbs and spices to faraway places and people. Plants have been used as the first medicines, seasonings, dyes and even cosmetics. Herbs are primarily made from the leaves, berries or roots, while spices are also made from flowers, seeds, bark and even the sap of plants. According to medical publications, such as the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” herbs and spices continue to be used for their many potent health benefits today.
Treat Common Ailments
According to a supplement on the benefits of herbs and spices published in “The Medical Journal of Australia,” several herbs are used widely today for common ailments, such as coughs, colds, fever, headaches, insomnia and fatigue. Popular herbs used currently include Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal and ginkgo for coughs, colds and fevers; feverfew for headaches; St John’s Wort for insomnia and peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome.
Immune Health
Certain herbs and spices help to treat infections and boost the immune system with their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. A segment published in “The Medical Journal of Australia,” states that the spice cinnamon contains powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that were found to kill bacteria,such as E. coli in foods. Cloves are a popular treatment for dental pain because they contain anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and mild anaesthetic benefits. According to the “American Journal of Nutrition,” garlic contains an active compound called allicin, which inhibits the growth of a variety of molds, yeasts, bacteria and viruses.
Heart Health
Certain herbs contain properties that help to prevent and treat cardiovascular disorders,such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal blood clotting and impaired blood flow. According to the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” the herb psyllium is used as a rich source of soluble fiber to decrease high lipid (fat) levels in the body. Several other culinary herbs also help to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. These include garlic, lemongrass, fenugreek, ginseng and flaxseed, which help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and promote healthy blood clotting. Green or black tea contains substances called catechins, which also help to decrease blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels, providing some protection against heart disease and stroke.
Mental Health
According to a segment published in “The Medical Journal of Australia,” herbs and spices are also used to treat psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and to increase mental functions, such as memory, focus and concentration. The herbs St John’s Wort and valerian are popular remedies for anxiety, nervousness and mild depression. Gingko biloba and ginseng are herbal remedies from traditional Chinese medicine that are used to increase memory, focus and concentration.
Mental health benefits of herbs and spices may be due to their ability to increase blood circulation to the brain, support nerve function and their powerful antioxidant properties. In a study published in the journal “Current Alzheimer Research,” the common curry spice turmeric contains the ingredient curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant properties that may help to delay age-related mental decline and memory loss. The research suggests that curcumin may also be a promising compound to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
About this Author
Noreen Kassem is a physician in training and a medical writer with 10 years of experience in writing and editing. Noreen’s articles have been featured in Women’s Health, Nutrition News, Check Up and Alive Magazine. She also writes about her other interests: travel, books, fitness, nutrition, cooking and green living.
