Spices for Life

Magic of Herbs & Spices 

by JoElle Martín

 

 

Every since I was a young girl I’ve loved herbs and spices.

 

I remember as a young girl living in Mexico going to outdoor street markets. The herb vendor was always my favorite. The aromatic scents coming from the little baskets of parsley, oregano, cilantro, lemon grass, cinnamon, ginger, and other herbs and spices always made me stop and breathe in deeply.

 

Even as a child I noticed how the delicious scents affected how I felt and woke my imagination. The experience was almost magical.   

 

My aunt taught me to cook with herbs. The dishes I learned to prepare contained basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, bay, oregano, and other herbs. And I added chive and parsley to salads. The spices I came to love in my dishes were clove, nutmeg, garlic, allspice, cinnamon, and cumin.

 

She also taught me how to use lemon grass, mint, linden, cinnamon, chamomile, and hibiscus to make teas.

 

To me, herbs and spices were about flavor and making dishes tastier and more enjoyable. They were about relaxing and tasty drinks. They were about awaking the senses and pleasure.

 

It wasn’t until later that I learned of their health benefits.

 

As I became familiar with more herbs, spices, dried flowers, and plants in general, I was reminded how the earth takes care of us.  We must remember we are born of the earth. It is natural that her plants would not only serve as food to sustain us, but that they would keep us healthy in body and spirit.

 

When I think back to my childhood and how my mind and senses were awakened by the combination of fresh herbal scents and spicy smells in the marketplace in Mexico, I now realize in a way I felt the earth calling to me. It was her energy and spirit.

 

The herb and spices vendor remains my favorite at farmer’s market and they are my favorite section at the stores. I still cook with them and drink them in teas. And while they still seem magical in scent and taste, I am also aware of their healthful benefits.

 

It would fill a book to list all the herbs and spices and these benefits they offer. But I’ve listed only a few of the more popular below as a sample:

 

Golden Seal – Antibiotic/ astringent. Prevent colds.

 

Basil – has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Licorice – has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and is a mild estrogenic. Helps against arthritis, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, colds, coughs, gastritis, and menopause.

 

Cinnamon – lowers blood sugar and cholesterol.

 

St. Johns Wort – an antidepressant and diuretic. Strengthens nervous system.

 

Green Tea – powerful antioxidant, reduces cholesterol, protects against digestive problems, enhances weight loss.

 

Evening Primrose – may alleviate discomforts from PMS and menstruation. Help reduce symptoms of eczema.

 

Garlic – helps immune system, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory.

 

Marjoram – decongestant and useful in bronchitis and sinus headaches. Used to soothe the nerves, reduce stress. Relieves insomnia. Aromatherapy

 

Black Cohosh – aids with PMS, menopause, and insomnia. 

 

Allspice –  effective digestive aid. Has blood sugar regulating effects. Remedy for mild pain relief.

 

Chamomile – aids relaxation, alleviates insomnia, relieves menstrual cramps, used in aromatherapy   

 

Lemon Grass – aids digestion, boosts immune system, improved skin. Aromatherapy.

 

Oregano – antibacterial properties, antioxidant.

 

Cloves – antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. They are also a natural anesthetic and a remedy for toothaches.   

 

Tarragon – sedative that helps sleeping, digestive aid.

 

Peppermint – sooths the digestive tract, helps alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Freshens breath. Aromatherapy.