The Healing Properties Of Spices
When it comes to spices, most people think it’s all about taste. They pull out this spice jar or that solely to enhance the flavor of the spaghetti sauce or the blueberry muffins. A little oregano here, some nutmeg there.
And the truth is, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Of course you should use your spices to jazz up a recipe – that’s what a good spice is for! But spices own another quality as well, and it’s one that doesn’t get talked about nearly as often as it should.
It’s actually quite simple. Spices are good for you – they’re downright healthy. In fact, if you use them right, they can be as powerful as medicine.
That’s right. Spices can make you feel better and live longer and even be happier.
It’s all a matter of what herbalists call essential oils. That’s a buzz word for the vital chemicals that give a plant its flavor and fragrance – its essence, in other words. Carefully distilled from the plant, these oils can provide a long list of health benefits, depending on the plant.
So how do you reap those health benefits? Do you have to buy your own distillery? Not at all. You can consume traces of those essential oils simply by eating fresh herbs. And don’t worry that you aren’t getting bucket loads of the stuff. When it comes to plant medicine, you actually want to aim low. A little goes a long way!
For example, you might want to coarsely chop a few leaves of basil and toss them on your salad. Why not? It’s a tasty spice that goes nicely with greens and tomatoes. But it is also considered a overall health tonic – it promotes physical vitality and mental focus and wellness.
And basil isn’t alone – take a look at any of your spices. Each one of them has its own unique healing properties.
So yes, go ahead and spice up those recipes. But remember – you aren’t just eating delicious food. You’re also doing your body and mind a lot of good.
Related posts: