As you all know, I’m not a doctor, nutritionist, or medical professional. Always consult with these experts as to how and how much of these suggestions are safe your own potential remedies. As for the recipes, try what sounds good. I personally put garlic, oregano and turmeric in just about everything.
The following health information is from a publication called “200 Herbal Remedies” from Prevention Magazine.
https://www.prevention.com/search/?q=200+herbal+remedies
Holiday cooking (and eating) is upon us. We often feel guilty about eating too much over the holiday – and we should – but let’s look at something positive about eating – SPICES!
According to the Center for Disease Control, specifically in an article by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, many spices and herbs contain antioxidants. Antioxidants counteract oxidants or prevent oxygen from combining with other elements.
In addition to tasting good, spices and herbs have also been used as preservatives and medication.
Let’s take a look and see how we can incorporate spices into our holiday and every- day cooking.
Allspice
Possible remedies: promote digestion, relieve toothache, alleviate muscle pain
Add to recipes for: Jamaican Jerk dishes, allspice cream cheese frosting, allspice green beans
Cayenne (Red Pepper)
Possible remedies: aid digestion, ease muscle pain, relieve headaches, reduce arthritis pain, lower cholesterol, fight shingles pain, prevent heart disease, treat foot pain associated with diabetes
Add to recipes for: buffalo wings, salsa, pasta sauce, chili mix, creole mix, tacos, nuts, popcorn
Celery seed
Possible remedies: prevent certain cancers, regulate blood pressure reduce cholesterol
Add to recipes for: soups, stews, salad dressings, fish, chicken, coleslaw, salsa, eggplants
Cinnamon
Possible remedies: soothe indigestion, control blood sugar in diabetes, prevent stomach ulcers, ward off urinary tract infections, fight tooth decay and gum disease, prevent vaginal yeast infections
Add to recipes for: coffee, cider, toast, cookies, buns, candy, fruit salad, baked goods
Clove
Possible remedies: may relieve traveler’s diarrhea, calm digestion, soothe minor wounds and insect bites, ease toothache
Add to recipes for ham, pork, squash, steak, chicken, wine, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, gingerbread
Garlic
Possible remedies: may lower cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, ward off certain cancers, reduce risk of heart attack
Add to recipes for: soup, sauces, beef, chicken, salads, vegetables, salsa, pesto, hummus, gazpacho
Ginger
Possible remedies: may help prevent motion sickness, fight nausea and diarrhea from stomach flu, relieves gas and indigestion
Add to recipes for: tea, lemonade, gingerbread, baked goods, sweet potatoes, beets, wine, squash
Oregano
Possible remedies: soothes coughs, aids digestion
Add to recipes for: Pizza, spaghetti, soup, stew, beef, chicken, salads, vegetables, garlic bread
Thyme
Possible remedies: may help kill bacteria and fungi, relieve coughs
Add to recipes for: eggs, marinades, soups and stocks, cocktail elements, and teas.
Turmeric
Possible remedies: may help aid digestion, relieve arthritis, protect the liver, combat heart disease, ward off ulcers, prevent certain cancers
Add to recipes for: soups, sauces, pickles, chicken, rice, eggs, pickles, fish, steak, turkey, cucumbers
More Little Helpers
https://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/herbs-and-spices/spices/ground-turmeric-powder
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-81/allspice
https://www.allrecipes.com/search/results/?search=allspice
https://facty.com/food/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper
https://www.thedailymeal.com/best-recipes/celery-seed
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sugar-and-spice-roasted-squash