7 wonderful SPICES you should use daily to protect yourself from cancer and other ominous diseases

Posted on February 11, 2020 by emiliajochymek

NATURE HAS A REMEDY FOR ALL DISEASES

Most of the spices available on the market do not only add flavour to our dishes, but also have anti-microbial, pain- relieving, preservative and medicinal properties. Why to trust chemically engineered drugs, if nature gives us effective and safe solutions to many ailments? I respect the modern medicine, but in my opinion, prescribing medication and ignoring the importance of real causes is highly abused these days. Spices such as turmeric, ginger, nigella sativa, cardamom, cinnamon and saffron have preventing and healing properties. They do not only mask the symptoms, but they can fight diseases by eliminating the causes. I used to be very sceptical in regards to natural medicine. I was cynical about it. To me none of the natural ingredients, herbs or spices could be powerful enough to cure, prevent or even to help with symptoms or causes. I was the first person to laugh about herbalism and alternative methods of treating diseases. Even when I heard some testimonials, I disbelieved them and I had a ready riposte, usually loaded with pseudo- scientific crap. However, I was on loads on medication and I wasn’t getting any better. I still didn’t listen and didn’t want to open my eyes wider. My diet was full of sugar and highly processed “food”, because I thought that they must be safe and they probably could not affect our health, if they are on the market. Somehow, I managed to put all pieces of information that was getting to my mind throughout a few years together. That was an information I mostly over heard unintentionally, because I was so closed minded, that I didn’t want to listen, to hear or even to acknowledge the power of nature. To me, only the scientific research has had a real validation, so modern medicine was the only authentic source of information and treatment. However, when I learnt more about the ways most of the research is conducted I opened my eyes and realised that there is loads of grey areas and many more questions than answers in this highly “researched” and “professional” discipline. The efficiency of natural medicine is not a matter of faith, it is not an ideology you either accept or not. It is based on thousands of years of human experience, testimonials and facts. Natural medicine is working with respect to our environment, human’s body and with its individual needs, so finding the perfect solution for everybody in our “find a quick fix world” isn’t easy. Everybody has different needs, different health profile that require customisation, so talking to a professional naturopath can be the best solution.

BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF NATURE

1. Turmeric

Infections back off! Turmeric is a loaded gun against viruses and bacteria!

Turmeric is a true shield for your immune system. Turmeric has a wounds healing qualities and can stop the wounds from bleeding. Its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties make turmeric an exceptional treatment for skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin cancers etc. and helps in preventing premature ageing. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Turmeric lowers the histamine levels and increases production of cortisone in the body. It reduces back pain and can alleviate bursitis and arthritis. Turmeric helps re-build the liver by destroying some hepatoxins and removes cholesterol from the liver and prevents its absorption. Moreover, turmeric supports the respiratory system by defending the lungs from pollution. It helps with oxygen transport from lungs to blood. It is invaluable in preventing flu and helps recover from colds and coughs. It is one of the best detoxifiers in the world. For preventing purposes about 1.5 grams of turmeric can be consumed throughout a day. It is best to take turmeric along with black pepper to increase its absorption.

2. Ginger

Sharp as a razor, hot as hell!

Ginger is effective in relieving headaches, pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and a wide range of digestive issues such as nausea, pains, motion sickness, vomiting and colic. Some studies demonstrated that the components of ginger are more effective than conventional non-steroidal and anti- inflammatory drugs with less side effects. Ginger reduces inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes patients. A study conducted in Teheran in 2009 suggests that ginger can be an effective treatment for oral thrush. Ginger contains more potassium in 100 grams than a banana, thus can be your weapon against high blood pressure. If your lifestyle is highly stressful, accommodating ginger into your daily diet will help neutralize free radicals in your system. This little root will boost your immune system like a pro! Ginger contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate, vitamin C and E and minerals such as Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. People using warfarin should not use ginger, because of its blood thinning properties.

3. Garlic

For sniffling and sneezing, cancers and wounds. Multitasking herb not just to keep the vampires at bay.

Garlic appears to be the most common natural antibiotic. It is sometimes called a Russian Penicillin, because when Russians run out of antibiotics during the WW2, Russian government turned to use garlic instead. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is said to fight heart disease and cancer and prevents strokes. Alike ginger, garlic has blood thinning qualities. It reduces cholesterol and lowers high blood pressure. Raw garlic or slightly cooked is best, when you want to lower your blood sugar levels. Garlic is high in quercetin, so if you struggle with allergies, eat garlic every day to reduce inflammatory reactions. Syrup of garlic is an extraordinary medicine for colds, asthma, coughs, difficulty of breathing, and most of other disorders of the lungs, especially chronic bronchitis. Garlic foot baths (OMG! this is gross!) can help with Athlete’s foot. It can also be an effective treatment in other thrush and yeast infections applied topically, but I am not going here in more details for aesthetic reasons. 😉 Anyway, it can be even applied directly to burns. Ear infections, headaches, insect bites and stings, parasites, sinusitis, tonsillitis and a few more can be treated with garlic, so never underestimate its power.

4. Cinnamon

Impressive wide- range of uses. Excellent for desserts, mulled wines, upset stomachs and lowering blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon contains more than 10 fungicidal chemicals. India’s Ayuverdic healers used cinnamon as a treatment for fever, diarrhea and menstrual problems. Use it in teas, oriental style coffees (Masala coffee), chais, currys, puddings and even to repel some insects. Sprinkle it over your porridge, omelettes, mulled pears and over your plant soils to keep your garden healthy and insects free. If your plants suffer from fungus or sun burns and plant wounds, spray a cinnamon solution on your seedlings. Make a cinnamon spray and treat your plants with this aromatic mixture. If you have skin problems, such as eczema, acne or dry skin, make natural face masks and scrubs with cinnamon to get rid of these issues. Moreover, cinnamon contains chemicals called catechins which help relieve nausea. In a powdered form, culinary uses of cinnamon are non-toxic, but using cinnamon oil externally can cause redness and burning. If you consider using cinnamon oil internally, consult it with a doctor or herbalist, because cinnamon oil can cause nausea, kidney problems and vomiting.

There are two most common forms of cinnamon that you can buy on the market: Ceylon (True) Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon (Chinese Cinnamon). There are also less popular and not really recommended types of cinnamon, which are called Korintje and Saigon Cinnamon. The main difference between all the types of cinnamon is the amount of the substance Coumarin, which can even cause the liver damage. The lowest amounts of Coumarin are found in True Ceylon Cinnamon. True Ceylon cinnamon support recovering from Diabetes Type 2, because it regulates insulin levels. Cinnamon helps metabolise glucose in the liver. One study suggested that cinnamon not only reduces blood sugar levels by 24%, but also lowers cholesterol by 18%. Ceylon cinnamon reduces inflammation, decreases risk of cancer and protect us from Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Cardamom

Refreshing and delicious little green gem.

Cardamom is a source of the compound cineole, thus it can be a mild stimulant and can act as an aphrodisiac. Cardamom has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve stomach pain. This aromatic spice can help you get rid of colds, flu and can bring you a relief in combating respiratory ailments. It contains anti-asthmatic compounds. Cineole, a powerful expectorant compound, helps with emphysema and laryngitis. Add a teaspoon or two to a fruit juice or tea to see the evidence of its potency. Cardamom strengthens the immune system, contains vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and is a source of melatonin, which can support regulation of your circadian rhythm. Borneol, another powerful substance in cardamom helps bringing you a relief if you suffer from gallstones, especially when added to a strong peppermint or spearmint infusion. Sprinkle cardamom over ice cream, porridge or make a golden milk to enjoy its rich and refreshing flavour and to utilise its health benefits.

6. Nigella Sativa

Little black seeds with huge powers.

Black seeds, black cumin, roman coriander, black sesame. English language gifted those little powerful seeds with many names. In fact, it has even more medicinal properties, such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory. It acts as a pain reliever, protects the liver, regulates blood sugar levels and its anticonvulsant qualities can reduce seizure activity in epilepsy patients. This miraculous plant can be used not only as a condiment, but it also has a lot of nutritional and medicinal benefits. It can be added both to sweet and savoury dishes for its distinctive flavour. Its health qualities include anti-cancer, anti- diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also effective in controlling cardiovascular diseases. I love adding ground nigella seeds to chicken broth, meat and vegan dishes and I mix in the whole seeds to my gluten free crispy breads recipe (soon on the blog!).

7. Saffron

Posh Spice for fancy dishes and to elevate depression and anxiety.

Saffron is known to be the world’s most expensive spice. In traditional Indian, Chinese and European folk medicines its extracts and tinctures are reported to act as stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, eupeptic, gingival sedative, diaphoretic, expectorant, , stomachic, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue (help with the absence of period). Modern medicine research reports that abundant chemical compounds in saffron have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities and can be a remedy for various diseases, such as cancer, gastric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer disease, and to treat mild to moderate depression. Administration of saffron has been also found to ameliorate the side effects of conventional treatments e.g. sexual dysfunction by antidepressant drugs. Saffron has effective anti- anxiety and anti-depressant qualities. Crocetin, the chemical compound in saffron has blood pressure lowering properties. This posh herb can also boost our memory, libido and support a good quality sleep. Moreover, saffron takes care of your kidneys, bladder, liver and brain whilst protecting us from cancer. Enjoy the benefits of this herb by adding it to curries or making a saffron tea.