BE AWARE....

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs

By Sumitra Nair, Team iDiva | posted May 25th 2011 at 6:00AM

 

 

You already know grandma's cure to a cold- ginger and basil tea. There are more such healing spices in your kitchen cabinet. Here's more about them.

Turmeric
This golden spice, used in almost every meal is very valuable. "It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling caused due to pain. "It also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis," says Mumbai-based nutritionist Maithili Pashtekar. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon
Often used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. "This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol," says Naini. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Ginger
Good ol' ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that. "It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence," says Naini. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

Basil
Holy basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it "reduces levels of serotonin," Maithili says. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever.  Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic
This condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that, according to Naini, "it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control." It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses. "It helps to digest iron and protein," says Maithili. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

Cumin
Cumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhoea attack. "It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps," says Naini. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

Mustard
Mustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells. "it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause," says Maithili. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

Saffron
Saffron is a powerful antioxidant too. "It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders," says Naini. A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

Cardamom
Known as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity. "It also improves your circulation to your lungs, Maithili says. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups, suggests Naini.

Mint
Mint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.

COFFEE....

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The bad habit that can save your liver

If you've got a healthy liver, you probably never give it a second thought. And if you want to continue to have a healthy liver you never have to think about, do yourself a favor and start your day off with a cup of coffee.

It's not just nature's best eye-opener. It's a nutritional super-drink packed with vitamins critical to health and longevity -- and new research shows it can actually prevent one of the worst diseases of the liver: liver cancer.

On average, any coffee habit at all will slash your risk of this potentially life-ruining -- not to mention life-ending -- disease by 40 percent.

And if you drink three cups a day, you could cut your risk of liver cancer in half, according to the review of 16 studies.

Now, this isn't a clinical trial, so you have to take it with a grain of salt... or at least a splash of fresh cream. But we know from other studies that coffee can reduce the risk of other liver diseases, including cirrhosis.

Coffee could even help undo some of the liver damage from a heavy booze habit. (Emphasis on "some." If you're a hardcore lush, the damage will catch up with you eventually, no matter how much coffee you drink.)

And some people will still try to tell you coffee is a bad habit!

That's just nonsense. Along with liver protection, coffee can prevent other forms of cancer, boost the heart and brain and keep you sharp and focused.

The only thing that can ruin a perfectly good mug of coffee is a sweetener -- whether it's sugar or a sugar substitute. Wean yourself off the stuff and learn to love the taste of coffee.

And if you need something to take the edge off, use more fresh cream.

Liver-ing it up,

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

P.S. from mcl:
For a little variety, I use a tablespoon of coconut oil in my otherwise black coffee, 3 or 4 times a week.  Not only do  I get the benefit of the coffee itself, but the coconut oil adds a significant nutritional value, and it gives the coffee a smooth, silky, very slightly sweet flavor.  BTW, if you do use cream, make sure it's organic and always brew your coffee using an unbleached (brown) paper filter.

8 NATURAL WAYS TO PREVENT AND CURE CANCER....

Article posted on Care2:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-natural-ways-to-prevent-cancer.html