Food is one of my favorite things. I love trying new restaurants with friends and family, gathering together in the kitchen, trying a new complicated recipe. Some of my most cherished memories have been in the kitchen. Food nourishes the body, mind, and soul. It can connect us across cultures, societies, bring us closer to our ancestors, form closer bonds with our children and loved ones.
Once September rolls around, I switch to what I call “Baking Season”. This is when I make sure all my spices, sugars, flour, and nuts are fully stocked. My Bosch kitchen mixer that my mother gifted me sits permanently on the vanishing counter space, and I begin looking through all the recipes I’ve saved throughout the year.
To me, food is our Medicine. It’s more than just sustenance, it’s the loving act of putting something healing together, something that I can share with others. In my family, we always look forward to the times we can come together, and we all know where we’ll be- in the kitchen. That’s where the action is; the stories, the crazy concocted snacks, the sharing, laughter and love.
When I really began delving into herbal medicine, it became clear that some of our first healing herbs were what we use in the kitchen still today. Coriander, parsley, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, and many more. The lists of beneficial properties of these common kitchen spices would go on for many (many) pages, and is only limited by what science has put to research. That means, when we add cinnamon to a warm apple drink in the fall, what we’re really doing is adding nourishment and love.
I often get asked the question, “Are kitchen spices the same as the ones you use in herbal medicines?”. The answer is absolutely. The rosemary in the back of your cupboard may be old and may not have begun life with the best quality, but as long as it still has some of that “rosemary” smell, it still has beneficial qualities. Of course, it’s best to use as fresh as possible, organic if you can get it, but older spices can still work.
Here, we’ll go over a very short list of the benefits of some common herbs that are in many kitchen cabinets.
Thyme 🌱 Thymus vulgaris
Thyme has long been appreciated for its ability to restore the nervous system, especially in cases of chronic fatigue or melancholy accompanied by recurrent infections. It is often utilized to address mood imbalances and disturbed sleep, particularly when low-level anxiety or nightmares are present.
Rich in iron, thyme tea can offer support for various types of anemia.
Research indicates that thyme may inhibit certain cancers and encourage new tissue growth. Its potential for liver protection and cholesterol reduction is currently being explored.
As a culinary ingredient, thyme demonstrates strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Here are some applications of thyme:
Antiviral
Cough suppressant
Bronchodilator
Asthma relief
Anti-inflammatory
Expectorant
Anti-spasmodic
Appetite stimulant
Treatment for digestive stagnation, flatulence, heartburn, gas, bloating, and upset stomach.
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary is widely recognized for enhancing memory and boosting mental function and clarity. It achieves this by increasing blood circulation to the brain and providing stimulation. This herb is often regarded as a natural remedy for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, fatigue, exhaustion, stress, headaches, and migraines.
In terms of heart health, rosemary acts as both a restorative and stimulating cardiotonic.
Additionally, rosemary is closely connected to the nervous system, promoting relaxation and uplifting the spirit while instilling joy and aiding in the restoration of the nervous system. It is also known for its digestive benefits, serving as a tonic, antispasmodic, carminative, and cholagogue. It helps relax and tone the stomach, making it particularly effective for digestive disturbances that stem from mental tension, anxiety, and worry.
Furthermore, rosemary encourages bile production and its flow from the liver, thereby enhancing digestion and supporting detoxification. As a carminative, it effectively alleviates gas and flatulent dyspepsia.
Parsley, Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is well-known for its benefits to the urogenital, digestive, and female reproductive systems, but it actually offers a broad spectrum of potential uses. It plays a role in promoting bladder and kidney health, particularly concerning kidney stones. The high levels of magnesium and chlorophyll in parsley help prevent the dehydration of calcium oxalate and alleviate hyperoxaluria. Additionally, parsley serves as a digestive aid, primarily through its carminative properties, and is also considered to have relaxant and spasmolytic effects.
Traditionally, parsley has been used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic, and it functions as a spring alterative or liver tonic. Alteratives are herbs known for their ability to help “cleanse the blood.”
Historically, parsley has been applied externally for wounds and infections, and its essential oil is recognized for its antimicrobial properties. It is believed that consuming parsley can help alleviate or prevent rheumatism by aiding in the elimination of waste from inflamed joints and kidneys.
Currently, researchers are investigating parsley's potential in combating tumor growth, especially in breast tissue
Garlic, Allium sativum
Garlic exerts a wide range of effects on the cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems, as well as on liver health.
When preparing garlic, be sure to chop it and allow it to sit in the air for a few minutes. This process initiates the conversion of its compounds into allicin, the most potent active ingredient found in garlic.
Research indicates that garlic can help dilate blood vessels, promoting improved circulation and potentially aiding in blood pressure reduction. Regular consumption of garlic not only lowers serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels but also boosts HDL, known as “good cholesterol.”
Additionally, garlic serves as an effective remedy in the early stages of a cold or flu. It contains 18 recognized antiviral and antibacterial compounds, showcasing significant antimicrobial properties against viruses, bacteria, protozoa, worms, yeast, and fungi throughout the body.
For those who may shy away from garlic due to its pungent odor, there are various methods to mitigate its strong scent. Consuming fresh parsley, drinking milk, or even chewing on coffee beans have been suggested as ways to reduce garlic breath.
Moreover, garlic has found its way into the realm of natural beauty and skincare. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice for treating acne and skin infections. Some people even use garlic oil to promote hair growth and combat dandruff.
Incorporating a touch more love and nourishment into our meals is simpler than you might think. The next time you prepare a dish for your family, feel free to toss in a generous handful of parsley or garlic! Your loved ones' health will surely appreciate it. Remember, cooking is an opportunity to express your creativity and care. You can try new spices or herbs such as turmeric, which adds a warm, earthy flavor and boasts anti-inflammatory properties, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of sweetness and antioxidants.
As you prepare each meal, take a moment to appreciate the ingredients and the nourishment they bring. Share stories, laughter, and love around the table, making each dining experience a cherished memory. With every bite, you're not only feeding bodies but also nurturing hearts and souls.
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