June 27, 2009
The Curative Value Of Herbs And Spices
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It is becoming a well-known fact that certain herbs and spices that we use in popular food dishes are actually more valuable to use than just sustenance. These herbs and... |
It is becoming a well-known fact that certain herbs and spices that we use in popular food dishes are actually more valuable to use than just sustenance. These herbs and spices can actually help prevent us from getting certain diseases.
What exactly is a spice? The accepted definition of spice is: any substance that is used in a nutritionally insignificant amount for the purpose of flavoring food.
What exactly is an herb? The definition found in The American Heritage dictionaries that applies to food is: a variety of aromatic plant that is used as a seasoning.
Non-industrialized countries have been using herbs and spices in the treatment and prevention of certain health conditions throughout known history. It is difficult to document modern day proof of the relationship between spices and the prevention or the cure for a particular disease because of the minute amount of spices used in food.
Natives who lived in the West Indies used Arrowroot to bring out toxins from wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows.
Caraway seeds are used as a digestive aid.
Anise has been used since prehistoric times as a medicine for digestion problems and to stave off epileptic attacks and also to flavor medicine.
Cardamom is another herb used for digestive problems.
Dill seed and weed were used by the Norse in Europe to lull their babies to sleep.
Horseradish has been used both as a stimulant and as a digestive aid.
Long ago Nutmeg was used for bad breath, headaches and to control fever. Ancient Arabians used it to cure stomach ailments.
Poppy seeds were used as a medicine and narcotic in the 17th century by Asians.
Capsicum peppers are red peppers and were used by the Spaniards and Indians in Peru and Guatemala for medicinal purposes and to treat stomach ailments.
Greeks believed that Rosemary strengthened the brain and enhanced one's memory.
Today sage is no longer used for medicinal purposes but the Greeks and Romans used it to cure snakebites, and to improve brain function. During the middle ages sage tea was used to cure colds, fevers and liver ailments, and epilepsy.
The herb Savory was used to relieve been sting and also as a aphrodisiac.
Tarragon was used in medieval times as a pharmaceutical.
Throughout history Thyme has been used to treat melancholy, and a variety of reproductive ailments.
Turmeric has been used throughout Europe in the treatment of stomach and liver ailments.
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