Bottling holistic health to purify the body, mind, and soul sounds both fantastic and impossible; however, what if these magical bottles are closer than you think, perhaps tucked away behind a cupboard door or pantry drawer? Yes! You possess tens of bottles chosen explicitly for their taste, smell, or home remedy. Even though a variety of herbs remain at center stage in the scientific nutrition world, it is an eye-opening education to learn how herbs possess healing and detoxification properties. As the saying goes, we are what we eat. Why not taste the flavors and aromas we also love?
Basil: Breathe deeply! The smell not only is intoxicating, but it is quite effective in reducing stress, relieving indigestion, and headaches.
Recipe for basil extract: One remedy to purportedly inhibit breast cancer and symptoms from treatments is to drink a basil extract tea. Just add two cups of boiling water to 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves and allow to steep for five minutes. Before drinking, remove the leaves.
Cinnamon:Cinnamon, surprisingly, can alleviate nausea, reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, fight bacteria and aid inflammations. While low in calories and sugar-free, it also provides manganese, iron, calcium, and anti-microbial properties. The American Heart Association recommends replacing sugar and other sweeteners with cinnamon.
Garlic: This is the miracle herb that has a broad and lengthy list of beneficial effects on the body and health. In addition to reducing and preventing the symptoms from sickness, such as a cold, it also aids those with high cholesterol and blood pressure, boosts cardiovascular systems, is said to lower cancer rates, and promotes heart health. Powder versus Fresh Cloves: For the convenience of use, most households have a container of garlic powder. Understandably, the task of mincing or crushing fresh cloves and slightly browning takes time; the benefit, though, of fresh cloves is to gain protein and the high content of vitamin C. It takes five cloves to benefit from the miracle herb.
Rosemary: Fresh Rosemary may already be in your refrigerator, contained in a narrow glass of water. The question is, “What can I do with it?” Add sprigs to olive oil, sprinkle on your butter, use it as a marinade, or add to vegetables or potatoes. In addition to adding a high concentration of antioxidants to your dish, the use of Rosemary benefits cancer treatments, healthy digestion, and those with high cholesterol. Beyond the plate, Rosemary soap rejuvenates the blood vessels!
Marinate with Rosemary: Added as a flavoring to meat before frying, broiling, or grilling, Rosemary, among other spices, releases antioxidants to prevent carcinogenic compounds from forming; therefore, consider adding whole or crushed leaves to the surface of your protein whether it is a steak, pork chop, chicken, or fish.
Sage: The name derived from Latin means, “to save.” Combining anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants, just a few sprigs of sage helped in times of great sickness. In addition to improving brain function and memory, it can fight bacterial infections and yeast within the body and reduce chest congestion and inflammation (from arthritis and asthma to gingivitis.) Research confirms sage can lower blood pressure and aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
A Garden of Herbs
From grocery stores to unique shops, you can buy herbs as seeds or plants almost anywhere. Choose a location with strong direct sunlight and easy accessibility. You’ll want to use your leaves or sprigs often, and new growth will form with frequent cuttings.
A few tips:
- Plant each herb separately.
- Choose an appropriately sized pot; you may have to replant as needed.
- Before adding soil, dust the inner pot with baking soda.
- Add rocks to the bottom to assist drainage. Herbs will die if left in standing water.
- Water infrequently. Press down on the soil to see if moisture exists at least two inches below the surface.
- Consider adding herb plants outdoors, such as oregano, peppermint, sage, and lavender, for instance, to repel bugs from your door and patio.
The flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, leaves, and roots are full of antibacterial and antiviral properties, vitamins and minerals. Continue learning more about herbs, and you’ll learn why a specific smell or flavoring is both beneficial and supports excellent health!
