Rewind some 500 years. What do you see?
Radiant health, robustness and longevity pervading the human fabric, right?
Now, why herbs and spices? What is so special about them? What are their benefits?
You will get to know everything; I promise. Just sit back and relax as I take you through the wonderful world of herbs and spices; the super-foods which possess life-altering properties you never would have imagined.
The Healthy Herbs:
1. Agrimony:
Scientific Name: Agrimonia
Benefits:
- The leaves of this herb help stop bleeding and heal wounds faster
- The herb also cures skin conditions, cough and sore throat
- Aids sleep
2. Basil:
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Benefits:
- Has many disease preventing and health promoting properties
- Contains less calories and zero cholesterol, but a very rich source of vitamins and nutrients required for optimum health
- Vitamin K in basil plays a vital role in bone strengthening
3. Borage:
Scientific Name: Borago officinalis
Benefits:
- Contains notable phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals that provide great health and vitality
- Contains high levels of vitamin A and carotenes; both protect the body against free radicals and help prevent disease
- Contains iron, copper and zinc in abundance
4. Burdock Root:
Scientific Name: Arctium lappa
Benefits:
- The roots and shoots of burdock root are very powerful anti-oxidants
- Contains good amounts of electrolyte potassium which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure
5. Celery:
Scientific Name: Apium graveolens
Benefits:
- Has cancer preventing and immune boosting functions
- Rich in folic acid and vitamin C required for optimum metabolism
- Helps treating Alzheimer’s
6. Chives:
Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Benefits:
- Rich sources of folates which are known to prevent neural tube defects in newborn babies
- Contains B-complex vitamins and other nutrients like copper, zinc, manganese and calcium in abundance
- Helps decrease blood vessel stiffness
7. Cilantro (coriander):
Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum
Benefits:
- Leaves and seeds contain many essential volatile oils like borneol, linalool, cymene and terpinolene; required for optimum health and functioning
- One of the richest sources of vitamin K that helps in mass building in bones
- Helps improve red blood cell production
8. Dandelion:
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Benefits:
- Provides 58% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C
- Leaves contain flavonoids which help prevent lung and oral cavity cancers
- A very good source of dietary fibre
9. Dill Weed:
Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
Benefits:
- Contains dietary fibers which help control blood cholesterol levels
- The oil found in the seeds and leaves is found to reduce blood sugar level in diabetics
- Fresh dill weed herb is an excellent source of anti-oxidants
10. Epazote:
Scientific Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides
Benefits:
- Low in calories and very high in fiber
- Protects the intestines from worm infestation
11. Garlic:
Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Benefits:
- Helps reduce cholesterol production in the body
- Contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties
- Contains selenium, which is very good for the heart
- Consumption of garlic is associated with possible decrease in the incidence of stomach cancer
12. Lemongrass:
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Benefits:
- Contains no cholesterol
- Contains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties
- The oils in lemongrass are known to possess counter-irritant and anti-septic properties
13. Oregano:
Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare
Benefits:
- The active principles in the herb help in improving the digestion process
- Contains ample amount of magnesium and calcium which help improve bone metabolism
- Helps prevent the evolving of pro-inflammatory free radicals
14. Parsley:
Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum
Benefits:
- Helps control blood cholesterol
- Offers protection from free radical mediated injury and cancer
- Promotes ultra-violet light filtering functions which help prevent age related eye problems
15. Peppermint:
Scientific Name: Mentha piperita
Benefits:
- Helps relax the intestinal wall
- Treats colic pain disorders and ‘irritable bowel syndrome’
- Methanol, an essential oil is known to work as a painkiller
16. Rosemary Herb:
Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Benefits:
- Contains good amount of vitamin A which helps maintain a healthy mucus membrane and skin
- Abundant presence of vitamin C helps prevent scurvy and offer protection from other infectious agents
- The herb is an excellent source of iron and enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
17. Sage:
Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Benefits:
- The herb enhances concentration and quickens the senses
- It helps deal with grief and depression
- Offers many benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
18. Savory:
Scientific Name: Satureja hostensis
Benefits:
- Contains dietary fibers which reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels
- Inhibits the growth of certain dangerous bacteria like E. Coli
- Also works as a stress buster
- Protects from lung and oral cavity cancers
19. Spearmint:
Scientific Name: Mentha spicata
Benefits:
- The mint helps relieve fatigue and stress
- Contains good amounts of potassium which regulates heart rate and blood pressure
20. Stevia:
Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana
Benefits:
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Contains vitamins and other nutrients which are absent in artificial sweeteners
21. Sweet Marjoram:
Scientific Name: Origanum majorana
Benefits:
- Contains notable phyto-nutrients required for optimum health and wellness
- Helps remove harmful free radicals from the body
- Boosts immunity and heals wounds faster
22. Tarragon:
Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Benefits:
- It has been a traditional remedy to stimulate appetite and alleviate anorexic symptoms
- Helps lower blood-glucose levels
- Helps prevent clot formation inside blood vessels of heart and brain thereby preventing heart attack and stroke
23. Thyme Herb:
Scientific Name: Thymus vulgare
Benefits:
- Contains many phenolic antioxidants which are very good for optimum health
- Contains other important vitamins like beta-carotene and folic acid which help prevent lung and oral cancers
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