We already know that herbs and spices contribute to our most memorable dishes and when used in combination, they form the basic characteristics of our favorite ethnic dishes.
Did you know that spices have been used for centuries in ancient healing traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a way to balance the body and restore vitality?
Herbs refer to the leaves, stems and flowers of plants. Spices refer to dried roots, barks, pods, seeds and berries. The most effective way to use both herbs and spices is to add them to your cooking in the last 10-20 minutes of cooking.
I’ve picked some of my favorite herbs and spices, although there are so many to choose from. These are herbs and spices that are easy to incorporate into most North American dishes.
- CARDAMOM is actually a member of the ginger family so it already resides in excellent company. Stimulates digestion, circulation, helps headaches, ulcers and psychoneurosis. Used in baking, stir fry’s, to flavor a delicious cup of Chai or try it in your coffee. Also effective as a breath freshener.
- CAYENNE may have been used by your grandmother sprinkled in socks to keep feet warm! A thermogenic herb – it is beneficial for circulation, colon disorders and the heart. Also may be beneficial to help with arthritic pain in a cream.
- TURMERIC is a root from the ginger family. It is my favorite spice for liver cleansing because it aids liver function and detoxification. Also used for inflammation and parasites. Try it in stir fry’s, curries and scrambled eggs!
- DILL is the secret ingredient to a delicious bowl of tsaziki dip in our house. Reported to help quiet the nerves, lower blood pressure, help with poor appetite, prevent gas, bad breath, and headaches. May also help with mothers milk supply – has any one tried this?
- ROSEMARY is the zip that comes with any “Provence” herb mixture and belongs in the mint family. It is a powerful antioxidant and digestive aid. Use sparingly. Also helps ward of headaches and is used as a memory aid.
- THYME is also present in French style dishes. Beneficial for respiratory disorders, whooping cough, antifungal, antibacterial, and beneficial for excessive emotional stress. May also provide protection from free radicals (molecules that undermine the cells of the body).
- CINNAMON is a delicious addition most baking, and my favorite: a nourishing bowl of rolled oats. Beneficial for menopause, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, circulation.
Herbs and spices are best stored on a closed jar, away from direct sunlight. Did you know that they are generally irradiated? I certainly didn’t, so I’m passing the info along. Most health food stores are already on this, but wherever possible – buy your herbs and spices from a store that stocks a NON-irradiated supply. In addition to cooking with herbs and spices, you can also use them in the form of essential oils. Hopefully this little teaser will inspire you to know that mealtimes not only provide us with fuel, but can aid in the recovery of so many common ailments. Check out this excellent book to learn more about cooking and healing with herbs.
**Pregnant, breastfeeding women and babies have special requirements and should be extra cautious about using some oils and herbs. Please consult with a qualified practitioner before using.
These are my thoughts on living a healthy and simple life. I'm a modern mom with some simple ideas, a little common sense and a natural philosophy. This is the sanest way I know how to navigate the 21 century.
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Thanks for this post Monica! I know that spices and herbs have medicinal effects, but this was a great reminder. I learned a couple things about the specific benefits too. I’ve been perusing your blog and am really enjoying it…great job!
We still can learn so much from eastern cuisines (like e.g. Indian) in terms of herbs and spices. It opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities and as you just proved it’s also good for you!
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