Herbs and spices are medicinal for our blood. They reduce damage to our body's cells, contain some of the highest quantities of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial properties, and the great thing is they are inexpensive and easily accessible. Herbs, like basil, are the leaves of a plant, while spices, like cinnamon, are usually made from the seeds, berries, bark, or roots of a plant. Adding herbs and spices to our diet has another benefit - because they’re so flavourful, they make it easier to cut back on less healthy ingredients or condiments. Be sure to choose the real thing. Some herbs and spices are sold as supplements (oregano oil or capsules of cinnamon extract, for example). It is best to eat the herb or spice instead of taking it in pill form. Here are some of our favourites and why:
THYME: Is a powerful anti fungal and anti bacterial herb. It is a traditional way to treat overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the digestive system. It has been utilised in the treatment of fungal issues that arise in the digestive tract such as Candida and SIBO. We love adding thyme to our broths, stocks, and other slow cooked dishes.
GINGER: This amazing, warming spice is one of the best herbs for digestion. It can alleviate nausea, upset stomach, or stomach cramps and is anti-inflammatory. Ginger can be used in baking, added fresh to your stir-fry or you can steep fresh ginger in hot water for a soothing tea.
TURMERIC: A very popular spice for good reason. Turmeric (Curcumin) is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory spices. It can alleviate pain, improve liver function, and can aid digestion by repairing gut permeability and reducing inflammation.
Turmeric goes perfect with ginger so combine it with anything you add ginger to, it is beautiful and fragrant in curries, as a hot turmeric latte or sprinkled on your poached eggs.
CARDAMOM: Is known to soothe an upset stomach. It may also help fight inflammation and of all spices, cardamom is especially high in minerals like magnesium and zinc. Lovely in curries or steeped as a tea with a dash of honey.
CINNAMON: May help with inflammation, fend off free radicals that can damage your cells, and fight bacteria.
Cinnamon is filled with Vitamin C and can be added to almost anything, including coffee or tea!
GARLIC: This plant has a powerful compound called allicin. Research has shown that it may lower chances of getting heart disease if eaten regularly, along with lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. To get the benefits, you have to chop or crush the clove: Allicin is formed only after the cells in the garlic have been cut or crushed.
Garlic is a great base to any dish you are cooking or throw it in your morning smoothie.
Start spicing up your life and health!