5 Traditional Spices That Can Be Used As Medicine
In the 21st century, we've become accommodated to modern day technology and the medicine it’s provided us. Illnesses and conditions that were seemingly incurable decades ago can now be treated with little to no effort. The evolution of science, as well as the Industrial Revolution led to some of the most amazing inventions we use on a daily basis. But as technology evolved, the degree of availability to which it became accessible dwindled to a point where affordable healthcare is a hallmark issue in many countries.
Fortunately, before there was science, there was nature. In some areas of the world, notably in indigenous areas of South America, Africa & Southern Asia, nature still provides the most up to date medicine: herbs, roots & spices. Here are five traditional spices that can cure anything from a common house cold to heart disease.
Cinnamon
Like most spices, Cinnamon has a long and volatile history and was one of the most coveted treasures in the Middle Ages. Native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon, India) and Eastern Asia, Arabian traders brought it to Egypt where it quickly became popular amongst the market places. It gained a reputation for being an appetite stimulator, an aphrodisiac, a digestive, and a quick salve for a sore throat. It still retains these properties to this day, with more benefits discovered. It lends a sweet taste to food without adding sugar, great for people with high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, helping to fight heart disease.
Turmeric
Another Indian legendary spice, Turmeric has long been recognized as a superfood for its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the property responsible for combating inflammation, has been proven to reduce inflammation in the brain which can commonly lead to Alzheimers and depression. Studies report that individuals who use Turmeric as a medicine can show significant progress in areas of the brain where cognitive decline is most present. Lastly, turmeric is extremely useful for pain relief and soothing the discomfort of stiff joints.
Peppermint
Although this herb is usually associated with the Christmas holidays, it has been around long before we related the two. Native to the Mediterranean, Peppermint is a crossbreed between Watermint and Spearmint. When dried and ground into a spice, it is a very effective form of aromatherapy that can be used to clear nausea from motion sickness, childbirth and post-surgery sickness. It is also known to soothe IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), relaxing the muscles in the colon and reducing abdominal bloating pain.
Cayenne
Everyone’s favorite spice, Cayenne is known for its anticancer and anti-aging benefits, thanks to a property called Capsaicin. This compound is what gives chili peppers their spice, but also makes for a great numbing cream for pain relief for joints, ulcers and sore muscles. Cayenne also helps to reduce appetite, and increase fat burning potential making it a great spice for weight loss recipes.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg may come as a surprise to many of you, but it fights the second most infamous mental illnesses in the world: depression. It’s aromatherapeutic , used in a variety of dessert recipes, and even provides Vitamin B, copper, zinc and iron. Interestingly enough, Nutmeg also contains a substance known as myricristin, a hallucinogen stimulant that activates the release of pre-serotonin in the brain. It has been proven to ‘light up’ areas of the amygdala and hippocampus, where depression commonly resides.
Though the world has continued to evolve over the course of human history, we always find ourselves back in Mother Nature looking for solutions. We hope after reading this article, you’ll have to look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Note that this is not healthcare advice nor are we directing you to follow instructions. If you are interested in home remedies it always helps to do prior research.
References
Tapsell, Linda C, and Ian Hemphill. “Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices: The Past, the Present, the Future.” The Medical Journal of Australia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17022438/.
Otunola, Gloria Aderonke. “Culinary Spices in Food and Medicine: An Overview of Syzygium Aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L. M. Perry [Myrtaceae].” Frontiers, Frontiers, 7 Dec. 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.793200/full.
