10 Spices for Optimal Health and Healing

By Paul A Philips Spices may be looked upon as something to enhance a main dish but that doesn’t mean to say that their health benefits can be underestimated or ignored. They can be used to prevent and combat a vast catalogue of illnesses. Then there’s the ability of spices to act as a way of detoxifying the body. Whether it’s the demands of everyday life; coping with stress, having to deal with a range of chemical or environmental toxins, harmful microorganisms… spices can certainly help when it comes to coping and maintaining optimal health and healing. Here are my 10 examples of just some of those wonderful health promoting spices. 1. Garlic From immune system building, helping to fight infection to cancer prevention/reversal, garlic has a wide range of health benefits. Other properties include reducing bad cholesterol, lowering high blood pressure and aids controlling blood sugar. 2. Cloves Cloves help reduce pain such as toothache and inflammation. It can also serve as a digestion aid. 3. Nutmeg Nutmeg helps promote healthy blood circulation. It can help you cope with stress and fall asleep more easily. It has also been known to help enhance memory, act as an anti-inflammatory agent and an antibacterial. 4. Turmeric Turmeric is said by some to be the ‘world’s healthiest spice!’ It’s the bright yellow spice that’s in curry. It can also be used as a supplement. Its powerful bioactive compounds (curcuminoids) have potent medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 5. Ginger Ginger contains ayurveda giving it medicine cabinet status! Clearing up sinuses, reducing muscle and joint pain, helping with digestion problems such as nausea, promoting absorption and assimilation of nutrients… are just some of the health benefits. 6. Peppercorn Generally spices contribute to circulation and the body’s metabolic function. Peppercorn is no exception. It’s also good for applying on small surface cuts and scuffs, acting as a cleansing agent. 7. Red clover It has been advised that red clover is not to be used during pregnancy and breast feeding, or by those with bleeding disorders. However, it has been used […]