There are several herbs and spices with multiple potential health benefits, such as those with anti-inflammatory properties, cognitive boosters, and some of them may even aid in fighting cancer.
Long before modern medicine, the ancient Greeks used a variety of spices and herbs for their healing properties. Hippocrates (460-377 BCE) used saffron, cinnamon, thyme, coriander, and other plants as treatments, many of which people still use today as holistic remedies for fevers, aches and pains, and other ailments.
While there is little to no scientific evidence that they directly cure serious diseases such as cancer,research increasingly shows that many herbs and spices possess Trusted Source properties that may help mitigate certain symptoms.
TURMERIC
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Southeastern and Eastern Asia as a traditional medicine, coloring agent, and spice.
In fact, reports of its use to reduce occasional inflammation, support healthy digestion, promote cardiovascular health, and support the immune system go as far back as 600 B.C.
Turmeric, sometimes called curcumin, is one of the most popular spices used today for cooking and health benefits alike. Laboratory studies have shown that turmeric has some anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic benefits. Of all of these, research shows that turmeric is most effective for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
As a chain-breaking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice, turmeric improves oxidative stressTrusted Source with its ability to scavenge toxic free radicals in the body. Free radicals are tissue-damaging molecules with an uneven number of electrons that can be catalysts for chronic diseasesTrusted Source, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
With its high antioxidant content, turmeric can work to reduce the risk of free radicals forming and reduce the effects of stress on the body.
Cinnamon
Ancient civilizations have used cinnamon since 2,800 BCE for anointing, embalming, and treating ailments. Though not as widely used for its therapeutic properties as it was thousands of years ago, cinnamon still provides myriad health benefits as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic spice.
A 2015 reviewTrusted Source shows that cinnamon may reduce blood sugar levels. Its role in regulating glucose in the body has been suggested in many small randomized control trials, though the results have not been significant enough to prove conclusive.
Cinnamon also has cognitive enhancement effects, and researchers have sought to determine whether the spice could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, scientists have studied CEppt (an extract found in cinnamon bark) to ascertain whether it could help prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s from progressing. When mice ate this extract, it greatly improved their cognitive ability Trusted Source.
GINGER
People have been using ginger for thousands of years as a remedy for nausea and gastrointestinal issues. Today, people primarily use the ginger root as a spice, or as a supplement to treat digestive problems.
Closely related to turmeric, ginger also contains anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source and a very high level of total antioxidants. Only pomegranates and certain types of berries contain more. As an antinausea agent, several controlled studies have proven that ginger is effective as an antiemeticTrusted Source. People can use it for seasickness, motion sickness, and morning sickness.
Some studiesTrusted Source have demonstrated that ginger may have anticancer effects. This is largely due to ginger’s high antioxidant levels. It can also slow down cells reproducing, cause cells to stop dividing, and stop certain activator proteins and signaling pathways that contribute to cancer. That said, most of these studies took place in a lab, and more human clinical trials must take place.
Cardamom
Cardamom is yet another spice that provides a wide range of potential health benefits. Coming from the seeds of plants that belong to the ginger family, people often consume cardamom in teas, such as chai tea, as well as some coffee, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Some of the conditions that research shows cardamom may treat are:
The spice’s healing benefits come primarily from a combination of its volatile oils, fixed oils, phenolic acids, and sterols. In particular, the volatile oils present in cardamom seeds are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antispasmodic.
Animal studies found cardamom may also help with obesity or high cholesterol. When researchers implemented cardamom supplementation on obese rats, the spice lowered their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Cumin
Cumin is a popular cooking spice used for its aromatic effects. Studies show that it is also beneficial for weight loss, cholesterol, stress management, and more. It also has high antioxidant potential.
Research also shows that cumin is an antidiabetic. A group of 80 people took an Ayurvedic formulation containing cumin over a period of 24 weeks, and their postprandial blood sugar was significantly reduced.
Parsley
Parsley is an herb that originated from the Mediterranean region. Many have used it through the years for both culinary flavoring and therapeutic treatment for a range of health conditions, including high blood pressure and allergies.
This herb is full of antioxidants, carotenoids, and other beneficial vitamins that support a healthy body and immune system. Among these is vitamin K, an essential nutrient for bone health.
The nutrients present in parsley include vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, choline, folates, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and copper.
Parsley juice acts as a vital source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Its leaves are a great source of energy, carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Echinacea
Derived from the coneflower plant, echinacea is a supplement that is best known for targeting the immune system and helping prevent colds. While research has yet to prove that the herb can fight viruses, many use echinacea to support the treatment of conditions such as:
- the common cold
- upper respiratory infections
- bronchitis
- influenza
- inflammation
- ear infections
- vaginitis
- yeast infections
Echinacea treatments for these illnesses are not proven to be effective. The majority of studies show otherwise or are inconclusive at best. There may be a loose correlation between taking echinacea and strengthening the immune system, but much of the evidence for the herb’s efficacy is anecdotal.
Oregano
Another herb that is prevalent in the Mediterranean diet is oregano, which many use not only as a flavor enhancer for food but as an aromatic oil and supplement. The herb’s antioxidants contribute to its powerful taste and smell, and may also provide benefits such as:
- strengthening the immune system against infections
- reducing inflammation
- regulating blood sugar
- improving insulin resistance
- alleviating urinary tract symptoms and menstrual cramps
- fighting cancer
Oregano as a standalone herb cannot singlehandedly produce these results. But people may use it for its antioxidative properties that are beneficial for many health conditions.
Peppermint
An extremely popular herb that is commonly used as a flavoring agent, peppermint is native to Europe and Asia. In these regions, people used it before the advent of modern medicine for its cooling effects, antibacterial properties, and to improve digestive health.
Research shows that as a holistic remedy, peppermint is also effective in improving cardiovascular (heart) and pulmonary (lung) health by acting as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by widening air passages (bronchioles) in the lungs. By inhaling the smell of peppermint, a person will also increase their nasal air force, in turn supplying more air to the lungs.
In addition, some studies also show that peppermint is an effective muscle relaxer thanks to its cooling menthol compound, which is why menthol is often an active ingredient in ointments and creams that target muscle pain.