Ginger – When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
Cinnamon – This baking staple can be used in everything from cinnamon toast, tea, sprinkled on top of hot cereal and much, much more. For a meal with Middle Eastern flair, try sautéing lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks.
Red Pepper or Cayenne — Great for adding heat
and color to just about any dish, cayenne pepper or red pepper (different
peppers but same family) taste great on everything. Try them on sautéed veggies
or give your hot chocolate a Mexican makeover by adding a dash of either. Use
them sparingly though because they are HOT.
Basil – Now here’s an herbal
carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One
possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which
has been shown to help ease muscle spasms. Research is still preliminary, but
laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt
the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer.
Black Pepper — One of the reasons black pepper is effective for weight loss, is due to its ability to increase the metabolic rate. This means that the body burns calories faster, which results in weight loss. There is only 1 calorie in a 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper with 11% fat, 81% carbs and 8% protein.
Oregano -- An
indispensible spice in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, and Spanish, Latin American
and Italian cuisine, oregano is the must-have ingredient in tomato sauces and
pairs well with capers and olives. Oregano contains at least four compounds
that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help
reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help
un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This
familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.
Cumin – An aromatic spice with a
unique, bitter flavor, cumin goes best with beans, chicken, couscous, curry,
fish, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, soups and stews.
Rosemary -- While traditionally associated with Mediterranean food, this woody spice can also be used in barbecuing.
Garlic — while technically not a spice, always keep
fresh garlic on hand to liven up just about any dish you make. Rub it on baked
bread, sauté it with vegetables, add some to your pizza, and use it to create a
variety of sauces and aioli’s.
Source:
Prevent Disease
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