Most of us use spice to flavour food and think nothing of it.
But spice has also been used by healers and herbalists for centuries to restore and protect health.
Studies are now proving that herbs and spices contain the highest levels of healing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds of all foods.
Spices are nutrient-boosting must haves in your kitchen that can protect your cells from damage and add deliciousness to your meals and drinks.
SPICE BENEFITS
The health benefits of spice are as spectacular as the flavours they can add to your cooking.
Here are some of our favourite spices and the reasons why we use them.
ANISE SEED
SPICE ACTION antibacterial • antifungal • antiviral • anti-inflammatory • antioxidant • antiparasitic • antioxidant • expectorant • carminative • diuretic • muscle relaxant • analgesic • anticonvulsant.
TRADITIONAL USE bacteria, fungal and virus prevention • loosen phlegm lungs and throat • management of common cold, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, and sinusitis • ease chronic cough • sore throat • inflammation • diabetes, cholesterol and weight management • brain, metabolic, oral, heart, respiratory and gut health • nausea, indigestion, stomach pain • immune support • fight infections • fatigue • migraine, candida • muscle relaxant • gastric ulcer • nausea • menopause symptoms • menstrual pain • indigestion • bloating • flatulence.
BLACK CUMIN SEED (& Black Seed Oil)
SPICE ACTION immunostimulant • antibacterial • antifungal • anti-ulcerative • anti-inflammatory • anticancer • antioxidant • anti-pyretic • hypoglycaemic • anti-hypertensive • anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic • hepatoprotective • anti-parasitic • anticancer.
TRADITIONAL USE candida albicans • bacterial, fungal and virus infections • boost immune cell activity and antibodies • high in antioxidants • asthma and airway inflammation • natural anti-inflammatory for joint pain • oil is used topically for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis • blood sugar and cholesterol balance • weight loss • digestion and gut health • allergies and hay fever • brain health and cognition • cardiovascular, bone, breast, kidney and liver health.
BLACK PEPPER
ACTION antioxidant • anti-inflammatory • anti-arthritic • antipyretic • antimicrobial • antibacterial • antifungal • antiparasitic • antiproliferative • neuropharmacological • antiobesity activity • antidiabetic • antiallergic • antidepressant.
TRADITIONAL USE coughs, cold, flu, asthma and bronchitis • nasal congestion • sinusitis • headache • cystitis, kidney stones and urological problems • skin inflammation • liver and stomach ailments • diabetes • rheumatism • wound healing • stomach ailments • colic • abdominal fullness and disorders of the digestive tract • promote bile • indigestion and flatulence • constipation and hemorrhoids • gynecological inflammation • nerve tonic • heart and liver protective • natural insect repellent.
CARDAMOM
SPICE ACTION antacid • anti-inflammatory • antioxidant • antimicrobial • antiseptic • calmative • analgesic • antispasmodic • sedative • expectorant • anti-ageing.
TRADITIONAL USE gastrointestinal protection • digestion • upset stomach • hyperacidity • cholesterol, blood sugar and weight management • gut, heart, liver, oral and circulation health • urinary tract infections • diuretic • bad breath • gum disease • respiratory conditions and sore throat • nausea and vomiting • cold and cough • insomnia • depression.
CHILLIES (includes Cayenne)
ACTION antioxidant • anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory • analgesic • anti-carcinogenic • anti-obesity • anti-diabetic • antitussive • anticancer, counterirritant • thermogenic • and immunomodulator.
TRADITIONAL USE metabolic syndrome, respiratory and heart disease • stomach ache • flatulence • indigestion • loss of appetite • hemorrhoids • edema • genito-urinary system •topical use in pain-relief • trigeminal neuropathy • neuralgia • rheumatism • acne • dermatitis • psoriasis • wound healing • cluster headache • migraine • sore throat and coughs • inflammation of the joints • rheumatism • arthritis • atherosclerosis • stroke • parasitic infections • stimulates gastric secretions and metabolism • fat burning (thermogenesis) • weight loss.
CEYLON CINNAMON
SPICE ACTION antibacterial, antifungal • antiseptic • antiparasitic • anti-inflammatory • antioxidant • analgesic • anodyne • diaphoretic • haemostatic • carminative • nootropic.
TRADITIONAL USE bacterial, fungal and virus infections • coughs, colds, bronchitis, flu • autoimmune support • candida • sore throat • brain, colon, heart, and dental health • diabetes, cholesterol and weight management • digestion • upset stomach • abdominal pain • gastric disorders • arthritis • urinary tract infections • pain relief • menstrual pain • wound healing.
CLOVES
SPICE ACTION analgesic • antimicrobial • antiparasitic • antiseptic • antibacterial • antiviral • antihistamine • analgesic • anti-inflammatory • antibacterial • expectorant • antioxidant • hepatoprotective • anti-carcinogenic.
TRADITIONAL USE bacterial and virus infections • inflammation • boost immune system • coughs • sore throat • expel mucous • liver protection • digestion • indigestion • dyspepsia • upset stomach • diarrhoea • nausea • flatulence • urinary tract infections • diabetes management • breath freshener • toothache • gingivitis • periodontitis • clear sinus • arthritic pain • altitude sickness • tension, anxiety, and depression • headaches.
GINGER
SPICE ACTION anti-nausea • anti-inflammatory • antibacterial • antiviral • antifungal • antiseptic • carminative • warming • detoxifying • anti-emetic • antioxidant.
TRADITIONAL USE common cold, chills, flu, fevers, coughs • pain • arthritis • candida • migraines • high blood pressure • digestion • travel/motion sickness • menstrual cramps • allergies • eczema • nausea and vomiting • digestion, bloating, flatulence, stomach pain • gut, liver, brain, joint, ovarian, colon and heart health • irritable bowel • dyspepsia • arthritis • headaches • toothache.
NUTMEG
SPICE ACTION anti-inflammatory • antioxidant • antimicrobial • antiseptic • anti-depressant • cellular protective • anti-nausea • antispasmodic • carminative • digestive stimulant.
TRADITIONAL USE immune system and liver-protective • digestive aid • indigestion • nausea • flatulence and cramps • inflammation and pain relief • skin, circulation, and heart health • cognition and memory • sleep aid • liver and kidneys detox • bloating • bad breath • dental and gum disease • constipation • diarrhoea • diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight management • depression and anxiety.
PIMENTO (All Spice)
SPICE ACTION antibacterial • antiviral • antiseptic • hypotensive • anti-neuralgic • analgesic • carminative • antioxidant • anti-inflammatory • cytoprotective.
TRADITIONAL USE colds, flu, fever • respiratory congestion • chest infections • toothache • bacterial infections • dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) • dyspepsia (upset stomach) • joint pain • muscle ache • arthritis • gout • prostate, digestive system, nervous system, and heart health • indigestion • flatulence • stomach-ache • gastric ulcers • colic • vomiting • diarrhoea • diabetes management • headache • stress • fatigue • nervous exhaustion.
STAR ANISE
SPICE ACTION antiviral • antibacterial • antifungal • antimicrobial • anti-inflammatory • antioxidant.
TRADITIONAL USE common cold, viruses, flu • respiratory congestion • bacterial and fungal infections • digestion • digestive ailments • immune system, brain, skin, and bone health • stomach pain • constipation • indigestion • diabetes management • sleep aid • muscle, joint and arthritic pain • menopause symptoms • stress and anxiety • heart, blood pressure and circulation health.
TURMERIC (Curcumin)
ACTION antioxidant • anti-microbial • anti-inflammatory • digestive • hypolipidemic • atheroprotective • cardioprotective • hypoglycemic • antiglycation • antidiabetic • antitumor • anticancer • neuroprotective • antidepressant • hepatoprotective • anti-allergic • immunomodulatory
TRADITIONAL USE natural anti-inflammatory • joint pain, rheumatism, arthritis • treatment of chronic diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases • diabetes • allergies • abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, and dyspepsia • runny nose, sinusitis, and asthma) • liver disorders • depression • immune support • neurogenerative and inflammatory diseases • Parkinson’s disease • memory • healthy ageing.
COOKING WITH SPICE
You can easily add spice to flavour any dish you make – curries, soup, marinades, sauces, salad dressings, stir-fries, baked goods, smoothies, stewed fruit, desserts, puddings, steamed dishes, and slow-cooked recipes.
You can also boost your favourite herbal teas, hot chocolate, chai, and golden turmeric drinks.
Have fun discovering spices and healthy recipes from around the world.
And if they are available where you live, always buy organic spices – or grow your own.
If you’d like to learn more about cooking with spice, have a look at The Vegetarian Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg.
We also have a Healthy Eating Directory blog that connects you with chefs that know how to add amazing flavour to healthy, home-cooked meals.
Healthier living is accessible for everyone when you know how.
Stock up your pantry and enjoy the healing benefits of spice!
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