6 Powerful Healing Herbs & Spices

Here are 6 super healers you'll want to add to the all-natural section of your medicine cabinet—and even to your favorite recipes! Folding one or two of them into your cooking every day can yield big benefits.

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices”, the main characteristics of this herb are pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking. At the same time turmeric is also used in the treatment of many health problems.

According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time turmeric is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, nia

cin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used in the treatment of wide variety of health problems.

Here are top 10 health benefits of Turmeric.

Prevents Cancer

Turmeric helps to prevent prostate cancer and stops the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroys cancer cells. According to different research works, it has been found that the active components present in turmeric turns out to be the best protector against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a chemo-preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinoma, and breast carcinoma.

Relieves Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties present in turmeric help a lot in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time the anti-oxidant property present in turmeric destroys the free radicals present in the body which are responsible for damaging body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis when consume turmeric on regular basis can get much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.

Controls Diabetes

Turmeric also helps to moderate the insulin level and thus it can be used in the treatment of diabetes. At the same time turmeric helps to reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 Diabetes. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of the medications used to treat diabetes. However as turmeric can cause hypoglycemia- low blood sugar when used with strong medications, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.

Reduces Cholesterol Level

Research works have proved that when turmeric is used simply as a food seasoning it can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol level is not a good thing as it can lead to various other health problems. When the cholesterol level is maintained in the body, it prevents many cardiovascular diseases.

Immune Booster

Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide which helps to stimulate and increase the activity of the immune system. At the same time the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents present in turmeric help to make the immune system strong. When the immune system is strong there is less chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. At the onset of symptoms of colds, flu and coughs, you must mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk and have it once daily. Within a few days you will feel better.

Heals Wound

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and hence it can also be used as a disinfectant. Whenever you suffer from wounds and regular cuts and burns, just sprinkle the turmeric powder on the affected area in order to fasten up the healing process. Turmeric also helps to repair damaged skin. At the same time turmeric helps in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Weight Management

It has also been found that turmeric powder can also help a lot in maintaining ideal body weight. There is a component present in turmeric that helps to increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat and thus help in controlling weight. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases must take one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain inflation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. As turmeric removes plaque build-up in the brain and improves the flow of oxygen in the brain and keeps the brain functioning better, it also prevents and slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time regular consumption of turmeric supports brain health.

Improves Digestion

There are many key components in turmeric that stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which in a way improvesdigestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also turmeric helps to treat most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder diseases should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from any kind of digestion problem.

Prevents Liver Disease

Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases the production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce the toxins present in the body. At the same time turmeric is believed to invigorate and improve movement of blood and stimulate menstruation.

To conclude, looking at the innumerable health benefits of turmeric, adding this powerful plant to your diet is one of the best things you can do to increase the quality of your life. You can add turmeric in powder form to curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies, warm milk and even to spicy salad dressings. At the same time turmeric can be taken in pill form also. However, turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. 

Cinamon

Once upon a time, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. And while these days I'm betting most of us would rather get our hands on 24 karats over 24 ounces - a bar over a stick - this bark-cum-spice has just as much bite as it does bark. The potential health benefits attributable to cinnamon could be stated as nothing short of astonishing.

It's possible we're just brushing the surface here, for Chinese medicine and Ayurveda have long revered cinnamon as a superpower used to treat things such as colds, indigestion and cramps and also believed to improve energy, vitality and circulation. The following are ten health benefits associated with this beloved spice that studies have suggested:

1. 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL).
2. Cinnamon may help treat Type 2 Diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body.
3. Cinnamon has antifungal properties, and it's been said that candida cannot live in a cinnamon environment. 
4. Cinnamon can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
5. Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
6. Honey and Cinnamon combined have been found to relieve arthritis pain.
7. When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
8. Just smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
9. Cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
10. Cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminatingheadaches and migraine relief.
11. Cinnamon can also help stablize blood sugar (which is great for weight loss). A couple of dashes in your morning tea or cereal is all it takes

Garlic is well known as a natural health remedy that has long been used to treat various ailments. It is extremely easy to source in most countries and can be consumed cooked or fresh. It is most easily included in your food or can be eaten on its own. You don’t need to limit yourself to fresh garlic either. Garlic powder or dried garlic flakes are just as effective and super easy to keep in the cupboard for everyday use.

It is recommended that adults consume no more than one clove two or three times a day and that children have one quarter to one half a clove, once or twice a day.

Garlic

As you will see from the list below, as well as being a tasty addition to almost every cooked dish, garlic has some amazing abilities to help in our everyday lives. When used for medicinal purposes, garlic can help to treat a wide variety of ailments as well as making your dinner taste amazing.

If you’re keen to find out how garlic can be used to assist in your health, sit back and read our 10 amazing health benefits of garlic!

1. Garlic has been found to assist babies to gain weight while they are in the womb. Next time you have a baby prepare to have garlic breath. Except if you have a history of large babies in which case maybe you want to skip the extra doses?

2. Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest infections, coughs and congestion. In the winter months garlic is a great food to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu. An old folk remedy is to eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold. Why not try it and see if it works for you?

3. Garlic contains high levels of iodine which makes it a very effective treatment for hyperthyroid conditions. Treatment with garlic has been shown to greatly improve this condition.

4. Scurvy is treated by vitamin C and garlic contains good levels of vitamin C too.

5. Popular folklore says that garlic is good for more than scaring hungry vampires away! Impotency has long been thought to benefit from doses of garlic, and treatment continues in many communities to this day. Why not try treating yourself with garlic for several months before you head off to the doctor for that Viagra prescription?

6. Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by ingesting garlic. LDL cholesterol is no friend of garlic and the aortic plaque deposits that gather on the walls of your body’s veins can be reduced with the use of garlic too. Studies have shown the amazing benefits of taking garlic in relation to heart disease.

7. Fungal and bacterial vaginal infections are toast when treated with garlic! When crushed or bruised, garlic releases Allicin which is a sulphuric compound that is a natural antibiotic. WWI soldiers even apparently used crushed garlic on infected wounds suffered in battle. If you decide to take garlic in tablet form be sure to use powdered capsules. The processes used to create garlic tablets destroy the Allicin that is present.

8. Garlic is a great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells. Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition!

9. Garlic can aid in the prevention of multiple types of cancer. Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and stomach cancer have all been shown to have their tumors reduced when treated with garlic. Vitamin B6 is said to have cancer fighting abilities.

10. Garlic regulates blood sugar as it enhances the level of insulin in the blood. This may assist in the control of diabetes. Seek medical advice if you believe the use of garlic could help your condition.

A word of warning about consuming too much garlic; in large doses, garlic can be detrimental to your health and you should never take more than the recommended dosage. Also be aware that the properties of garlic actually get into your bloodstream which is why it is so effective in so many ways. What this does mean, however, is that when you sweat, garlic will leave your body through your pores. Many people who eat larger than normal amounts of garlic report increased body odor.

Also consider another area of your health when you choose to consume more garlic than your friends and family. If you are the only one taking increased doses of garlic, chewing a sprig or three of parsley after each garlic dose is recommended to combat the lovely aroma of garlic breath!

Those around you will thank you for it!

Hemp seeds are perhaps the purest, most nutritionally dense food on our planet. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are also the only edible seeds with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an essential fatty acid. In fact, its essential fatty acid ratio is absolutely perfect for our bodies.
Hemp

Many people think that it is impossible to be a vegan because protein comes from animal products such as meat and cheese. In actual fact, hemp seeds are a highly nutritious source of protein that is easily digested by the body in its natural raw state. Some of the benefits of regularly including this potent and delicious super food in your diet are:
* Heart Health and Lowered Blood Pressure - High blood pressure is a sign that the heart is being overworked from having to constantly force blood through sluggish blood vessels. Clinical studies indicate that hemp products reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which means that the blood can flow and take the pressure off the heart.

• Better Digestion – The fiber and fats work wonders for our bowels.
  * Losing Weight Naturally - Hemp will fill you up so you don't feel hungry and crave foods that put on the pounds. Getting enough essential fats and other nutrients that are provided by hemp is one of the best ways to stay slim and healthy.
• * More Energy - In our world we need all we can get!
  * Healthy Cholesterol Levels - The natural fats and nutrients in hemp help us to maintain balanced cholesterol levels.
  * Harmonious Blood Sugars levels - One of the most important ways to defy age and prevent disease is to maintain even blood sugar.
  Hemp has a Wide Range of Environmentally Friendly Uses
  
  Hemp offers a way to live in harmony with the environment and ecosystems we depend on.
  Hemp is the world's oldest and most versatile crop. In fact there are more than 25,000 known uses for it.Hemp has the potential to replace all major non-renewable raw materials. Hemp fibre is stronger and more versatile than any other plant derived fibre, including cotton and wood. Hemp could also potentially replace petroleum products including plastics.
  Deforestation is occurring at around 3% per year, and hemp is a far superior resource since it can be grown to maturity in 100 days. Hemp paper is far stronger and durable than paper made from trees.
  
  Hemp is used in the world's major currency banknotes because it is so strong and water resistant. It is also a sustainable replacement for concrete. Hemp can grow anywhere and doesn't require pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Evidence suggests that it can lift heavy metals from polluted soil. It also adds nutrients to soil by tapping into sub-soil nutrients other plants cannot access. Hemp biomass fuel produces no sulphur and can be effectively used as a relatively clean power source due to its 95% fuel to feed ratio. At the end of the day, we need to recognize that protecting our environment and our health go hand in hand.

Red Clover

The health benefits of red clover are numerous.

First and foremost, red clover has good amounts of vitamins, proteins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, as well as vitamins A, B-12, E and K. It is also a source of other nutrients, including niacin, thiamine and vitamin C.

It contains the minerals needed by bodily glands, thus frequent use can assist in bringing about hormonal balance. Red clover also helps to sooth the nerves.

In addition, red clover has been found to contain isoflavones, antioxidants, as well as a few substances with anti-tumor properties.

Red clover flowers have been documented to have the following properties.Alternative, antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant - used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and similar type conditions, sedative, tonic

It is also written that the benefits of red clover extend to those suffering from the following conditions, acne,asthma,bronchitis, cholesterol levels - helps to regulate it,colds, coughs, including whooping cough - often used in the form of syrup, digestion - improves it, by stimulating production of digestive chemicals and bile, eczema, flatulence - relieves it,in fections - aids with healing, nfertility - helps improve fertility, lymphatic swelling piles - applied locally to alleviate the condition, prostate health - promotes it, skin eruptions, sore throats

Red clover and menopause

The health benefits of red clover extend especially to women undergoing menopause - red clover has been used for many years as a remedy for the symptoms of menopause. According to researchers, this effect is due to the isoflavones, a form of phytoestrogens (water-soluble plant chemicals which act like estrogens), which arepresent in red clover. Among the symptoms which can be alleviated include hot flashes and mood swings.

Red clover the blood purifier

Another of the famous health benefits of red clover is that it is also a known effective liver and blood purifier. The red clover herb is part of several well-known herbal formulas, including some versions of Essiac Tea, Dr Richard Schulze's Detox Formula, the Hoxey Formula, as well as Dr John Christopher's Red Clover Combination.

Dr Christopher is one of the greatest and most well-known herbalists and natural healers of all-time, while Dr Schulze is one of the best around today. Dr Schulze describes the herbs in his Detox Formula as "classic and traditional blood and lymph cleansing tonics . Red clover and cancer

In old medical literature, red clover is cited several times as being successfully used to treat several forms of cancer, usually external cancers which are treated both topically and internally (i.e. consumption of red clover tea or other forms).

Doctors once called it the antidote for cancer. Due to its anti-cancer activity, red clover poultices are also used on cancerous growths visible on the surface of the body.

Please note that cancer is a serious and multi-factorial disease. It thus needs to be dealt with using a full-spectrum, holistic approach. Using one or two herbs is unlikely to reverse the situation.

Dandelion

The health benefits of dandelion include relief from liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care and is a benefit to weight loss programs.

Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin-A, C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Below, we will discuss the different things that benefit can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.

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Health Benefits of Dandelions

Bone Health: Dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. This inevitable damage is often due to free radicals, and is frequently seen as bone frailty, weakness, and decreased density.

Liver Disorders: Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion.

Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low. Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body. Diabetics are also prone to renal problems, so the diuretic properties of dandelion can help removing the sugar deposition in the kidneys through increased urination. Furthermore, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which effectively lowers the sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do.

Urinary Disorders: Dandelions are highly diuretic in nature, so they help eliminate deposits of toxic substances in the kidneys and the urinary tract. The disinfectant properties of dandelions also inhibit microbial growth in the urinary system. In fact, the diuretic properties of dandelions are so strong that in France, the flower is also called “pissenlit”  which means “urinate in bed”.

Skin Care: Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments.

Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne. Before we know how it treats acne, we must know what causes it. Acne typically arises during the teenage years, when the body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The flood of new hormones that bring about the changes in the body must be regulated, but if they don’t remain at a healthy ratio, they tend to deposit somewhat toxic substances into the body. These toxins tend to come out along with sweat through the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the skin.

During these hormonal changes, these glands secrete more oils which, when mixed with dead skin, block the pores and the secretion of toxins is obstructed. Therefore, the toxic substances cannot escape and eventually result in acne. This situation is exacerbated by the microbial infections on the effected places. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increase sweating and widen the pores. All of these factors help to facilitate the removal of toxins through sweat and urine. Furthermore, dandelion sap, if externally applied to areas with acne, can inhibit microbial infection and reduce the frustrating signs of acne.

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Weight Loss: Our urine consists of up to 4% fat, so the more we urinate, the more water and fats are lost from the body. Dandelions, being diuretic in nature, promotes urination and thereby helps lose the dreaded “water weight” without causing any side effects.

Cancer: Dandelions are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin-C and Luteolin, which reduce the free radicals (major cancer-causing agents) in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. It also detoxifies the body, which further helps protect from the development of tumors and various cancers.

Jaundice: Jaundice is primarily a disorder of the liver in which the organ starts overproducing bile, which ultimately enters the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body’s metabolism. The excess bile is also reflected through color of the skin, and eyes, which typically develop a yellow tint. The treatment of jaundice includes three main steps. First, you need to curb the production of bile. Second, you must remove the excess bile from the body, and third, you have to fight the underlying viral infection. Dandelions are very helpful in all of these steps. It promotes liver health and regulates bile production. Being diuretic in nature, it promotes urination, where the excess bile can be eliminated. Finally, as an antioxidant and disinfectant due to the presence of vitamin-C and Luteolin, it fights viral infections as well. It is most beneficial when taken with sugarcane juice, since it replaces the sugar in the body that is significantly lowered due to the impact of excess bile. A lack of sugar can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, so dandelions help boost your energy levels after infection!

Gall Bladder Disorders: Dandelions are very beneficial for the gall bladder and liver, because they improve their general functioning, protects them from ill effects of oxidants and infections, and regulates the various secretions from both organs.

Anemia: Dandelions have relatively good levels of iron, vitamins, and protein content. While iron is the integral part of hemoglobin in the blood, vitamins like vitamin-B and protein are essential for the formation of red blood cells and certain other components of the blood. This way dandelion can help anemic people keep their condition in check.

High Blood Pressure: Urination is an effective way of lowering blood pressure. In fact, most of the modern medicines for lowering blood pressure are based on this phenomenon. Dandelion juice, being diuretic in nature, increases urination, both in quantity and frequency. Therefore, it helps lower high blood pressure. The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists in lowering blood pressure, since cholesterol is one of the factors that increases blood pressure. Finally, there is the high potassium content of dandelions, which is very effective in lowering blood pressure by replacing sodium.

Other Benefits: Dandelions can also be used as a vegetable and is a good source of fiber. It promotes digestion, and in the past, it was used to treat scurvy, because of its high levels of vitamin-C. It also has healing effects on dyspepsia, infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary system.

I've been practicing herbal healing for over 10 years, and it's the only healing methods I use for my family. Simply because they are not full of chemicals, they're inexpensive, and with time and patience they work. Herbs heal from the inside they don't just cover the ailment up.