Cinnamon significantly
decreased the blood sugar in people who had type II diabetes and ate
a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon a day. This powerful bark decreases
cholesterol, keeps your teeth and gums healthy, improves digestion
and alleviates the congestion that comes from colds and allergies.
It is also anti-inflammatory and improves blood circulation. All
that and it tastes good.
Turmeric is perhaps a less well-known spice, unless you love
Indian food and curry. This spice is bright orange and comes from
the root of a plant in the ginger family. It is a powerful
antioxidant (just as strong as vitamins C and E) and works as an
anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, it can be drunk in the form of
golden milk to reduce inflammation and joint pain, or put on a
swollen area as a poultice. People with liver problems or hepatitis
also drink turmeric or take turmeric capsules because this spice
increases the production of bile in the liver and protects it from
toxins.
Basil is not only delicious on pizza or ground up in pesto,
but also boosts the cardiovascular system. People who have colds or
asthma drink basil tea to make breathing easier and to invigorate
the lungs. Basil also has a calming effect on the nerves, relieves
headaches, brings down fevers, and promotes healing from insect
bites and skin infections.
Oregano has always been known to help relieve bad breath. It
is also great against swollen throats, coughing, insomnia and
headaches. This herb is also a powerful antioxidant. Oregano has “42
times more antioxidants than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12
times more than oranges, and four times more than blueberries.”
Not often the we find so many good tasting things that are actually
good for us.