Spice for The Mind

Spice for the Mind

                With so much talk about homeopathic and holistic remedies, staying healthy is the first step. There are many vitamins and mineral on the market today that the competition is incredible.  The prices are insane for many supplements, but how sure are we when it comes to knowing what brands to buy.

                So before running to your local supermarket or vitamin shop, lets us look at some spices that are right inside most kitchens.

                Cinnamon, great for baking, awesome on sweet potatoes and even many are starting to add this spice to their coffee, why? Well cinnamon has been known help regulate blood sugar levels, which is helpful to diabetics; as well as improve circulation. This spice is also great for the brain by increasing the ability for the brain to process information, thus making our reaction time quicker. Interesting don’t you think?

                Garlic has been around for years and many of us do know the benefits of garlic, but they don’t include it in their daily diet, not a fact yet, but scientist are starting to see a link between garlic and avoiding brain cancer. Tell me that isn’t great news. Garlic is also a “cillin” providing antibiotic properties; usually garlic will nip a minor infection quickly. A full blow sinus infection or bronchitis needs the real thing; so the next time you feel a possible cold coming on, grab the garlic. It has been stated but not proven that garlic along with watching your diet and exercising can help lower your bad cholesterol level.

Time to plant the garlic (Photo credit: photofarmer)

                Are you a migraine sufferer, then looking into ginger and the herb feverfew would be something you should look into; it has been reported to stop migraines in their tracks in a very short period of time. They recommend 3-4 teaspoons in boiling water with a pitch or two of the herbfeverfew, simmer a few minutes, strain it; let it cool a bit and enjoy. Some like the taste others don’t but it is worth trying. Ginger is also great for those who get car sick, or motion sickness; as well as for those who are constipated. It appears it calm the stomach and relaxes the digestive system.

                Feeling depressed, try Saffron. Saffron is an expensive spice and can be hard to find. In India and other Asian countries as well as Hispanic culture saffron is used in sauces or added to rice. It is suggested have two doses of saffron is just as effective as Zoloft, and a lot healthier.

                Got Olive Oil, almost 99 percent of homes have oil olive, and taking 1 teaspoon a day, first think in the morning will help to get the digestive track moving along, along with coating the stomach from acidity or spicy foods you may consume on any given day.

                Which leads me to Cayenne pepper, if you have poor circulation this spice is for you, some eat the pepper, while others add a dash to their meal; other just take a supplement hoping to avoid the heat of the pepper. It is believed if sprinkled in ones shoe it can help to keep the feet  warm; personally taking a supplement or tincture works just fine; and I know when I have taken a bit too much. My feet fell like they are on fire, because they become so warm.

                So look to stay healthy instead of looking for way to “cure” your illness!