MEDICINAL HERBS AND SPICES AND THEIR USES

The growing popularity of alternative medicine has drawn people to the amazing properties of the first drugs ever used by man. Just as our ancestors learned by trial and error which plants helped them and which plants hurt them, today's health-conscious consumer is attempting to sort out which herbs will benefit them and which they don't need or are dangerous. This is not an easy task when you consider that there are well over 300,000 herbs.

This article will attempt to put together a medicine chest of must-have herbs and spices for the average man or woman in today's stressful world. We will focus on herbs that build immunity, fight stress, help relax, treat common illnesses, and generally improve well-being.

The first important immunity protector everyone should have is that superfood, garlic. This amazing little herb fights viruses (it will prevent your winter colds), and is also good for the heart. In addition, it treats bacterial infections. Typical dose: one or more fresh cloves, raw or only slightly cooked per day, or up to three 500- to 600-milligram capsules or tablets per day. Have some roasted on good bread.

Another fantastic herb for immunity has made quite a name for itself in recent years, and that is echinacea. It may have been proven to be less effective than thought in curing the common cold, but it still has some powerful qualities for reving up the immune system. It can fight off a sinus infection. It will also fight off colds and flu. Typical dose: up to nine 300- to 400-milligram capsules per day until symptoms cease.

Ginkgo biloba is another herb that has recently become a household name. It is a powerhouse of an antioxidant that also improves circulation and memory. It is used for all forms of cerebral insufficiency besides short-term memory loss. It helps dizziness, Alzheimer's, tinnitus and impotence. Recent studies have shown promising findings using it for attention deficiency disorder (ADD). It is beneficial for diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system. Typical dose: 40 to 60 milligram capsules three times per day.

Milk thistle (silymarin) has had a great deal of scientific research behind it about how well it heals the liver. Anyone who drinks or takes prescription drugs should protect their liver with this herb. It helps protect the liver cells from damaging free radicals. It actually alters liver cell membranes, making it difficult for toxins flowing past to break in. It stimulates the flow of bile which helps the digestive system work more efficiently. Typical dose: 70 to 210 milligrams of capsules three times per day.

Green tea really is all that people say it is. It is practically a wonder drug. It is a great antioxidant and tonic. It has been proven to help prevent cancer. Try replacing a cup of your regular coffee with a cup of green tea.

Saw palmetto is a popular herb with men with enlarged prostates, a common problem with aging. Studies have compared it to prescription drugs used to treat the condition, and found the herb worked just as well without the side effects. Typical dose: 160 milligrams two times per day.

Every home should have an aloe vera plant for healing minor burns, wounds, and abrasions, and relieving associated pain and inflammation. Researchers are now saying studies look promising for using it to treat diabetes and reducing levels of triglycerides and blood sugar.

Peppermint is better than Tums for indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and respiratory congestion. Take a cup of it in tea as needed.

Valerian provides mild sedation for relief of insomnia and anxiety. Studies indicate that it also relieves muscle spasms. Take a cup of it in tea as needed.

Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) has shown in studies to stimulate the immune system, but it is mostly valued as a stress reliever. Under stressful circumstances, it returns the body to normal balance. It is also thought to increase stamina. Some say it is the one of the best treatments against fatigue. It works to improve memory and concentration. Typical dose: Standardized extract: 100-200 milligrams, 2 times daily.

Cayenne (Capsicum, hot pepper, chili pepper) - a spice is beneficial for a large host of illnesses and conditions including arthritis, asthma, colds, constipation, cough, cramps, fatigue, hemorrhoids, high and low blood pressure, indigestion, neuralgia, pains in the stomach and bowels, shingles, rheumatism, strokes, tonsillitis, toothache (oil), ulcers, vomiting, and wounds. Hot peppers contain capsaicin which depletes substance P, a chemical involved in the nerve transmission of pain. It is a frequently found ingredient in Cajun and Creole recipes. It will add zest to any dish. Always start by adding a small amount first.

Sage has many uses. It can be grown in your yard. The tea can be used as a gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gingivitis. It is frequently used in formulas for PMS. Stems or leaves of plants can be thrown on hot charcoal to create a terrific aroma to grilled dishes. Try a bit on a grilled cheese sandwich. It is frequently found in Italian dishes such as pizza, gnocchi, and pasta.

Another good choice for a kitchen herb garden is parsley which is frequently found on lists of the top ten most important herbs. It helps regular menstruation. It is helpful for nephritis, cystitis, hepatitis, insect bites and stings, swollen glands, swollen breasts. It prevents cancer. It helps dry up nursing mother's milk. It aids in rheumatism, arthritis, acidosis, obesity, high blood pressure, catarrh, dyspepsia, It is a good diuretic. Parsley is used in soups, cheese and egg dishes and sauces. It brings out the flavor of fish. It is good with vegetables, poultry and meat.

Ginger is often used as an aid in digestion and to help with nausea. It is used in teas or soups to treat colds or bronchitis. Many Chinese medicines contain this spice. It can be used in one-dish meals such as ginger chicken.

Cinnamon has a germicidal effect. Used in mouthwashes and gargles, it can treat infections in the amount. Small amounts will relieve gas and warm the stomach, promoting acidity and having a laxative effect. It makes an excellent laxative and does not produce the usual flatulence and intestinal cramping that accompanies most laxatives. It is currently popular because it has been shown to improve circulation. Get your daily dose by sprinkling some on your morning oatmeal or buttered toast.

Herbs you definitely should not take are chaparral, coltsfoot, comfrey, ephedra, lobelia, pennyroyal, senna and yohimbe. The first three can cause liver damage. Ephedra has also been linked with liver damage as well as high blood pressure and strokes, which is why it is what makes energy drinks that contain it so dangerous. Lobelia, if misused, can lead to coma and death. Pennyroyal has long been used to stop a pregnancy. Senna can cause heart irregularities. Yohimbe can cause a host of minor to severe problems.

It is always a good idea to check with your physician when treating yourself with herbs. Some should not be taken if you have particular medical conditions or take certain prescription drugs.