Your kitchen cabinet is a valuable resource when it comes to first-aid and DIY remedies. From headaches and sore throats to GI issues and insomnia, there are easy-to-access herbs packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, mood boosters and parasite fighters to support your health, head to toe.
Top 10 Kitchen Aids
BASIL
• Digestive aid
• Antioxidant
• Antibacterial agent
• Calms nervous system and the mind
• Anti-inflammatory
• Lowers bad cholesterol
• Lowers high blood sugar
CAYENNE
• Relieves nerve and joint pain
• Relieves nose and throat congestion
• Mild stimulant that is warming and energizing
• Boosts metabolism and digestive power
• Reduces blood sugar spikes
• For sore throat: sprinkle this pepper in hot salt water and gargle
CINNAMON
• Increase poor circulation
• Reduces blood sugar levels
• Prevents diabetes: deactivates insulin receptors and improves cells’ ability to absorb glucose from the blood
• Reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol
FENNEL
• Relieves gas & bloating
• Improves digestion
• Reduces intestinal inflammation
• Can relieve colic in infants
• Reduces bad breath and body odor
• Include this herb in your food or simply crush seeds in chew them or steep in your tea
GARLIC
• Antiseptic, anti parasitic and antibacterial
• Boosts production of infection-fighting white blood cells and blocks enzymes that lead to viral infections
• Reduces high blood pressure and bad cholesterol
• For sore throat and cough take 2 tsp per day of Garlic Syrup
Garlic Syrup
1 bulb garlic, peeled and pressed
½ cup raw honey
Let it steep for a few days in the refrigerator. Keep it in the refrigerator up to one month.
GINGER
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic
• Relieves arthritis pain
• Soothes sore throat
• Relieves nausea and headaches, motion sickness, etc.
• To warm the body and reduce headache pain and exhaustion add ginger powder in your foot bath.
• To relieve join pain: mix 2 tbsp of dry ginger powder and about 1 tbsp of water and olive oil. Apply locally.
ROSEMARY
• Reduces depression and increases blood circulation
• Rosemary tea is often used to relieve chronic headaches
• Relieves muscular pain
SAGE
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Great for treating sore throat
• Reduces excessive menstrual flow and mitigate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
• Reduces excessive perspiration
• Reduces high blood pressure and high blood sugar
• Using sage as a mouthwash helps fight gingivitis and other gum disorders.
THYME
• Digestive aid
• Antimicrobial
• Treats sore throat and respiratory issues
• Steam inhalation with thyme opens bronchial channels and reduces coughing.
TURMERIC
• Highly effective for arthritis, coughs and chronic inflammation
• Blocks a protein that promotes tumor growth
• Supports liver and gallbladder health
• Promotes good sleep and blood sugar stability
*Add black pepper to increase the absorption of turmeric’s active ingredient Curcumin.
References:
Lilia Arnest post on “Herbal Remedies” magazine, pg.71-72, 2016
