A Superb Herb For What Ails You?

Fresh herbs and spices are great in cooking and add unique flavor profiles to your inspirational dishes. But, did you know grandma may be right about some of her home remedies to ward off ailments? Check out some of these well-known herbs and spices and their healing components:

BASIL – Sure we love it on a caprese salad or in a yummy pesto. Basil is a source of fiber with anti-inflammatory agents and can act as a detox agent.

CHIVE – So isn’t this really an onion? Actually, in reality, it’s from the lily family (along with garlic) and helps boost the immune system. The phytochemicals and anti-oxidants help fight off cancer, sinus problems, and even the common cold.

CILANTRO – Yes, we love it in our salsa and Asian cooking. It’s high in fiber and iron and is thought to be helpful in detoxing.

CINNAMON – Be careful of this one; too much cinnamon can be dangerous. In moderation, cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar.

DILL – Use this to get your beta carotene. Have hiccups? Grandma says try dill in a cup of hot water!

GINGER – A study found that 500 mg of ginger was just as effective as Dramamine for sea sickness. Using ginger may prevent an upset stomach and nausea.

LAVENDER – What a lovely fragrance! No wonder the scent is used to aid with insomnia. Lavender contains polyphenol antioxidants.

MINT – Mint is known to aid digestion and stave off bad breath. A mere 2 Tablespoons of mint will give you half of a daily required dose of Vitamin A.

PARSLEY – It’s not just a garnish for your meals. This herb is full of Vitamins A, C, and K as well as aiding in digestion.

ROSEMARY – Besides smelling so fragrant, rosemary is considered to have a cancer fighting agent, carnosic acid. A study done in the United Kingdom revealed rosemary to improve memory tasks.

SAGE – This herb contains antiseptic and antioxidant agents and is touted as an aid for decreasing anxiety. In European countries it is used to combat excessive perspiration, particularly with hot flashes.

THYME – Said to assist with congestion, thyme contains thymol which has antiseptic properties.

TUMERIC – This spice is commonly used in curries and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know! And while you’re here, check out our website at www.SOA.md. Our 12 physicians see patients in four locations and we offer same day appointments when needed. Our commitment is to get our patients back on their feet, back to work, back in the game, and back to life.