Herbs and spices
Monday, 10th May 2010
Written by Aiste Rugeviciute
From the ancient times it was known that nature was vital for us. Our ancestries knew how to use its goodies. They did not only know how to hunt or fish properly. Apparently, herbs' and spices' features were not some kind of secret, at all.
However, a modern man usually tends to forget that the first purpose of using herbs and spices is not just to give a great flavour to food. It is useful especially for students to know what is better before exams: black peppers or rosemary, which herb can help with insomnia and which gives vitality for her. Let’s face the truth; knowing these things is definitely worthwhile, as they are healthier than drugs, cheaper, and season meals as well.
- Basil: It is known for enhancing the immune system, treating constipation and depression. If you decide to quit smoking, chew basil; it reduces the urge to smoke.
- Black Pepper: It helps to relieve dental pain, is used for colds and sore throats. Interesting fact - it is said that a spoon of black peppers and cumin per day may help to keep your hair healthy.
- Caraway: It is used to treat intestinal spasms and relieve headaches. Caraways are poisonous for birds; if a sparrow were to eat some, the effect could be fatal.
- Cardamom: It helps the body to regain balance. Cardamoms belong to the world's most expensive spices but they are worth their price; the essential oils (e.g. pour cardamom into tea) improve digestion, stabilise heart activity and eliminate toxic substances. It is believed that cardamom even can protect you from cancer.
- Cloves: Hippocrates was one of the first doctors who used cloves for medicine. Since then, they have used to improve digestion and strengthen the memory. Cloves are sometimes added to herbal mixtures to treat malignant tumours.
- Ginger: It has incomparable medicinal properties, strengthens the immune system, increases resistance to stress, soothes intestinal spasms, helps cure colds and provides relief from exhaustion. Believe me, it is really useful before exams, when your stress levels are really high. It is great to put in hot tea or a hot bath, and is especially delicious on a sandwich with avocado and horseradish. Alternatively, when you are cold, just cut ginger into small pieces, and add lemon and honey.
- Horseradish: It is rich in Vitamin C and minerals, and has a lot of substances that kill germs. It gives an edge to your appetite and improves intestinal activity.
- Marjoram: It improves digestion, reduces migraine headaches and soothes the nervous system. It can also treat insomnia.
- Oregano: It has got essential oil, Vitamin C and carotene. It is used to reduce headaches or to avoid insomnia. Oregano is known to be good for the stomach.
- Parsley: It has lots of vitamins, including Vitamin E and Vitamin S, and also contains calcium and iron. It reduces stomach-aches and has some features which help to relieve chesty coughs.
- Red Chilli Peppers: They have got lots of vitamins and rare materials, including capsaicin, which helps in the prevention and healing of gastric ulcers. However, be careful; all spices should be used in moderation, but red chilli peppers especially!
- Rosemary: It helps to fight infections, soothes spasms and enhance memory. So it is definitely good for your studies!
- Salt: It heats the body, so the need of salt increases during the winter. Nowadays, stores sell sea salt, which contains many other materials needed for your body. Sea salt can help to get rid of increased sensitivity, overcome fatigue, and reduce the risk of depression.
- Thyme: The most important feature is helping to relieve chesty coughs. If you catch cold, I strongly advise you to make some tea from thyme with a spoon of honey. Thyme also works as anodyne and antiseptic.
- Vanilla: It relaxes spasms and tones. Mild vanilla scent calms and helps to regain emotional balance. Sweets with vanilla can strengthen nerves and relax spasms too, so those of you with a sweet tooth can benefit from it.
I have described just a few common spices and herbs. There are many more out there, and all of them have got some really valuable features. So, the next time you are going to prepare some food, think twice about using spices and herbs.
