Welcome to our Healing Herbs and Spices Page.

Some information, found on the internet about herbs and spices, which you may find in your garden or pantry, all believed to have healing properties. There are so many sources of information available on this topic, we have chosen only a few. Some are scientifically based the others are just beliefs. If you believe that any of the information is incorrect or if you have additional information, please let us know.

Basil
Believed to be good for digestion, antioxidant, a good source of magnesium, promoting blood flow, a good source of Vitamin A it promotes healthy eyesight, and because of eugenol (a major component of the oil produced by basil's leaves) it has also been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory in the same vein as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Tumeric
Turmeric is the spice that can make Curry that yellow colour. It has been used for cooking in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. Believed to contain compounds called curcuminoids, with medicinal properties. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

Cinnamon
Believed to have antimicrobal qualities, antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory and also may lower blood sugar.

Cayenne Pepper
Believed to be a powerful healing plant with uses like cleansing and detoxifying regimes. Apparently the plant is used to stimulate circulation and neutralize acidity. Also used for a variety of ailments, including indigestion, confusion, tremors, gout, fever, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever.

Fennel
Believed to be full of Vitamin C and has the strength to zap free radicals that are looking for a place to cause damage in the body, usually in the form of inflammation, which could lead to joint degeneration and arthritis. Also contains, potassium, an electrolyte that helps fight high blood pressure and folate, which helps convert potentially dangerous molecules called homocysteine into a benign form. The fiber may help limit cholesterol buildup. Absorbs water in the digestive system. Also contains manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Antioxidants help resist infection, slow down aging and protect against degenerative neurological diseases.

Cardamom
Believed to have antioxidant and diuretic properties and may lower blood pressure. The compounds in cardamom may help fight cancer cells. It is rich in compounds that may fight inflammation. It has been used for thousands of years to help with digestion.

Sage
Sage gets its name from the Latin word Salvere, which means "to save." It had a strong reputation for its healing properties during the middle ages, and was even used to help prevent the plague. Current research indicates that sage may be able to improve brain function and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease

Peppermint
Peppermint appears to have a long history of use in folk medicine and aromatherapy. As is the case with many herbs, it is the oily component that contains the agents responsible for the health effects. Many studies have shown that peppermint oil can improve pain management in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS

Ginger
Ginger is a popular spice used in several forms of alternative medicine. Believed to be good to treat nausea. Ginger also appears to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and is believed to help with pain management

Rosemary
The active ingredient in rosemary is called rosmarinic acid. This substance has been shown to suppress allergic responses and nasal congestion. Believed to suppress allergy symptoms and assist memory, if you remember to take it.

Garlic
Throughout ancient history, the main use of garlic was for its medicinal properties. It is believed that most of these health effects are due to a compound called allicin, which is also responsible for garlic´s distinct smell. Garlic supplementation is well known for combatting sickness, including the common cold

Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the most common spices in the world packed with many health benefits. It is believed to have an ability to reduce inflammation and excess gas, optimize gastrointestinal action, and regulate enzymatic reactions. It may help to control heart rate and blood pressure and prevent cancer due to its antioxidant properties.