Spice up your health
Spices , which we add to our food to make it taste better , are sourced from some of the most powerful medicinal plants grown on our planet . They have properties which will give your body a much-needed health boost and help it function at its peak . Open your spice cabinet - and mind - to the health benefits of some of these commonly used household spices .
ALLSPICE Named for its aroma , Allspice is a combination of several spices including cinnamon , cloves , ginger and nutmeg . Allspice components may help to ease digestive problems , reduce pain , fight disease-causing bacteria and improve blood circulation . The tannins in this fragrant spice can relieve arthritis and sore muscles , when used as a poultice on the skin or as a bath oil .
BLACK PEPPER This common spice , used in everyday cooking , is packed with health benefits . It helps to increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to facilitate digestion . Black pepper also helps to prevent the formation of intestinal gas and , when added to your diet , it can promote sweating and urination which removes toxins from the body . It can also be sprinkled on wounds to help stop bleeding .
CINNAMON This sweetly flavoured spice has been shown to satisfy cravings for sweets . It also helps to lower blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol . It ’ s a good source of fibre and also has pain-relieving and sedative properties . Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help your body fight off infection and repair
tissue damage . Try sprinkling cinnamon on a slice of toast for a tasty treat or over roasted pumpkin , carrots and sweet potatoes to bring out their natural flavour .
CLOVES This aromatic spice gives food an intense and spicy flavour without added heat . Cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to fight infection . In fact , dabbing a few drops of clove oil on and around a sore tooth can help heal a toothache . Cloves also stimulate the metabolism , aid circulation and promote digestion . Try making your own clove tea by boiling a teaspoon of cloves in a cup of water and adding a dash of honey .
GINGER This tasty spice can be used fresh , dried and in powdered form . Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment . Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting , often in the form of ginger lozenges or candies . Ginger also helps with joint and muscle pain and can alleviate the symptoms of the common cold . Make your own ginger tea by boiling a few pieces of ginger with a teabag , then add honey and milk .
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2021