| Herbs and Spices have been used for centuries, to | | | | people of 'the old wife's tales' stigma. There are a |
| flavor foods and for medicinal purposes. The herb is | | | | large number of scientific studies already done, and |
| mentioned in numerous texts, right from biblical times, | | | | the research is ongoing, specifically on herbs and their |
| and possibly used even before that by Neanderthal | | | | medicinal benefits. |
| man. The healing power of certain herbs is | | | | These are the miracle herbs, in fact all herbs are |
| indisputable, and from the rain forests to Africa, the | | | | miracles, but these specific herbs have had clinical |
| natives of those areas still rely on their 'muti' or | | | | studies done, with proven results, and are being used |
| medicinal plants over modern medicines. | | | | in cancer and aids research. They are also good for a |
| Herbs for Vitamins and Nutrients: Cumin for Iron, | | | | multitude of ailments. |
| Paprika for Vitamin A, Parsley for Vitamin C, Caraway | | | | GARLIC: This is the wonder herb. Here's what Dr |
| seeds for Calcium | | | | McQuade-Crawford, who is the Director, and a |
| Antioxidants: New studies have found that herbs are | | | | Herbalist, of the Ojai Center of Phytotherapy in Ojai, |
| an abundant source of antioxidants. | | | | California, USA has to say about garlic: "A drug that |
| Research is being done into the prevention of cancer | | | | has perfect properties according to what we know |
| cell growth and the protection of delicate arteries | | | | about heart disease and associated risk factors, we |
| from the oxidizing damage which starts the build up | | | | couldn't improve on garlic." she said. Use garlic |
| of plaque, by using these herbs and their antioxidant | | | | regularly for a healthy heart, helps lower blood |
| properties: Coriander, Allspice, Cloves, Basil, Fennel | | | | pressure, aids in the prevention of gastric cancer, in |
| Leaves, Dill, Nutmeg, Mint, Sage, Rosemary and | | | | Aids tests ratio's on T-cells, garlic is antiviral and ant |
| Parsley. | | | | fungal. My personal experience with garlic is that I |
| More Health Properties of Herbs: Mint to relieve gas, | | | | feel the sniffs, a cold, or flu coming on, I eat garlic |
| and for nausea, Cinnamon aids insulin's activity, | | | | for 3 day (a clove a day) and by the end of the first |
| Oregano has antiseptic properties, Sage has antibiotic | | | | day my sniffs are gone. The only disadvantage with |
| compounds, Thyme, aids in the relief of cramps. | | | | garlic is the bad breath fact, but this can be |
| Most people still think of herbal cures and treatments | | | | overcome by chewing a mint or parsley leaf. |
| as something New Age, or similar to astrology, they | | | | BILBERRY: This herb has so many benefits, helps |
| know there is a basis for herbs being used today, | | | | heart, eyes, brain, and circulatory system and helps |
| but because they have become accustomed to fast | | | | to increase the blood flow, good for strengthening |
| - working, over the counter medications, they think | | | | coronary arteries. Bilberry is an antioxidant. |
| of herb treatments as old wives tales. The fact that | | | | GINKO BILOBA: This herb increases circulation and |
| there are scientists doing clinics studies, and whole | | | | aids in memory, vision, brain, vascular disorders, |
| movements dedicated to finding the healing | | | | depression, vertigo, and anxiety. |
| properties in herbs may help in some way to rid | | | | |