Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices

We all know Vitamins and Minerals have heaps of health benefits, but what about our un sung heroes? HERBS AND SPICES. They're all packed with so many compounds and properties with traditionally used to aid in reducing oxidative stress, nausea and even rheumatic pain. 

Herbs and spices can be incredibly intimidating, making it difficult to see their health benefits. There's a lot of uncertainty and confusion with Herbs and Spices and the ways of introducing them into your routine. We've narrowed down 5 herbs and spices and brought forward their main traditional health benefits and how you can easily introduce them into your daily routine.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is a plant with so many, traditional, uses and health benefits. It is used in multiple forms such as oil, used for aromatherapy, brewed into a tea and used in a lot of Thai recipes.

It's traditional uses were for benefits including, aiding stomach cramps, anti inflammatory properties and it was known for helping regulate blood pressure. But the one that stood out to us, was the qualities it holds that help aid bloating. Due to its anti inflammatory properties, it has the potential to help aid bloating caused by a root issue of inflammation, such as bloating caused by PMS.

How to introduce Lemongrass into your routine:

Lemongrass Oil for aromatherapy 

Infused into Tea 

GINGER

Ginger is a among the healthiest spice traditionally used for it's range of nutrients and compounds to aid different ailments. Including, but not limited to, indigestion, aiding menstrual pains and helping to fight infections.

But the main health benefit that Ginger was traditionally used for is it's help in aiding different types of nausea. Morning sickness, chemotherapy induced nausea and even travel sickness have all been known to be reduced with the help of Ginger.

How to introduce Ginger into your routine:

Grated into tea to infuse 

Blended into a smoothie / juice

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a highly delicious spice but did you know that its packed full of health benefits? Full to the brin of antioxidants, Cinnamon is great for protecting your bodies cells from oxidative stress, it also has anti inflamatory properties and Cinnamon oil has been known to help fight bacterial and fungal infections. 

Cinnamon has been known to be used to aid people with Diabetes by helping to reduce the amount of Insulin resistance, allowing Insulin to do its job at reducing Blood Sugar Level. It is in no way a treatment for Diabetes but it can assist in other treatments of Diabetes.

How to introduce Cinnamon into your routine:

Infuse a stick into tea 

Put Cinnamon powder into a smoothie / juice

TUMERIC

Turmeric is a spice used by many in India in recipes and medicinal uses. The main medicinal compound in Turmeric is Curcumin (this is what gives Turmeric is distinctive yellow colouring). Turmeric contains powerful antioxidant properties that have been known to help fight oxidative stress on cells aswell as supporting your bodies antioxidative production.

The Curcumin compound in Turmeric's main health benefit is its powerful anti inflamatory properties. these properties are ideal for aiding in digestion and for the help in reducing Rheumatic pain (joint pain caused by inflamation). 

How to introduce Turmeric into your routine:

Introduced into a smoothie / juice

Turmeric tablet supplements are available 

SAGE

Sage is a traditional herb used in many cuisines around the world. Due to it's strong aroma and flavour, it's used in small amounts. But even so, it's nutrients and compounds have been used to aid a number of health benefits. Such as lowering 'bad' blood Cholesterol, aid in protecting cells from oxidative stress and may help with lowering blood sugar levels. 

Sage is often used for aiding in the reduction of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and irritability. It's thought to do this by having properties that affect the oestrogen receptors in your brain to believe that the drop in oestrogen that happens during menopause isn't as low, causing a reduction in the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause.

How to introduce Sage into your routine:

Introduce dried / fresh sage into your cooking

Sage oil for aromatherapy