Healing Spices is an excellent book written by Dr. Bharat Aggarwal (Professor of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) with Debora Yost (former vice president of Prevention Magazine). I totally recommend buying this book. It’s the definitive guide to the medicinal benefits of culinary spices. Spices fight oxidation and inflammation, the processes behind most chronic diseases. The book has fifty sections that discuss some of the most powerful healing spices in the world. Each section in the book includes:
• description of the spice
• a list of conditions that the spice can prevent or treat
• tips for buying the spice
• how to cook with the spice
• recipes that incorporate the spice
First, one brief caveat. Some of these results are from animal trials or studies in test tubes. More human trials are needed, but the book clearly describes which results are from studies in humans.
Here are some notes on the health benefits of the spices:
Ajowan:
• has analgesic effects
• improves breathing ability in asthmatics
• decreases blood pressure
• suppresses coughing
• kills drug-resistant bacteria
Allspice:
• has analgesic, anesthetic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
• lowers high blood pressure
• helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
Almond:
• lowers the risk of heart disease
• reduces symptoms of metabolic syndrome
• allows diabetics to reduce their medications
Amchur:
• contains lupeol which blocks DNA mutation
• reduces enlarged prostate
• normalizes blood sugar
• reverses gum disease
• slows the rate of bone loss
• protects liver cells against pollutants
• strengthens thyroid
• slows the development of heart disease
Aniseed:
• increases relaxation
• improves digestion
• has anti-inflammatory properties
• relaxes the respiratory muscles in asthma
• inhibits ulcer formation
• treats constipation
• helps prevent dehydration
Asafoetida:
• kills swine flu
• slows the formation of cancer
• relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Basil:
• has anti-stress effects
• reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
• kills the bacteria that cause acne
• may block or suppress liver, stomach, and lung cancer
• lowers blood sugar
• relieves eye problems when added to eye drops
• pain relief
• speeds wound healing
• reduces uric acid that causes gout
• inhibits the formation of stomach ulcers
• relieves malarial symptoms
Bay Leaf:
• lowers blood sugar
• lowers LDL cholesterol
• inhibits the growth of cancer
• alleviates the pain and swelling of arthritis
• prevents stomach ulcers
• improves digestion
• fights bacterial infection
• kills the SARS virus
• speeds wound healing
Black Cumin Seed:
• strengthens the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells
• prevents heart disease
• stops cancer proliferation, metastases, and angiogenesis and triggers the death of cancer cells
• reduces the symptoms of asthma and allergies
• reduces the development of stomach ulcers
• offers protection against flare-ups in ulcerative colitis
• reduces pain and inflammation
• slows the progression of multiple sclerosis
• treats contact dermatitis
• decreases frequency of seizures in epileptic patients
Black Pepper:
• improves digestion
• enhances the effectiveness of medications
• prevents and treats cancer
• reduces arthritis symptoms
• prevents Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline
• lowers the risk of falling in the elderly
• improves the ability to swallow in people who suffered a stroke
• stimulates the appetite of neurologically damaged children on feeding tubes
• helps with smoking cessation
• lowers high blood pressure
• prevents heart disease
• treatment for overactive thyroid
• prevents hearing loss
• reverses vitiligo
Caraway:
• reduces gastrointestinal pain
• normalizes blood sugar levels
• contains limonene which can stop the growth of cancer
• prevents food poisoning
• reduces triglycerides
• relieves constipation
• enhances the absorption of anti-tuberculosis drugs
Cardamom:
• improves digestion
• slows or stops the development of stomach ulcers
• prevents colon cancer
• lowers blood pressure
• prevents blood clots
• eases symptoms of asthma
• clears up sinus infections
Celery Seed:
• prevents gout
• fights inflammation
• reduces the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps
• lowers high blood pressure
• decreases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
• treats and prevents liver diseases
• kills the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers
• stops the growth of the fungus that causes yeast infections
Chile:
• has anesthetic effects in skin cream
• increases levels of synovial fluid that lubricates joints
• reduces chronic nerve pain
• provides relief from postherpetic neuralgia in shingles
• reduces symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
• treatment for chronic neck pain
• benefits fat loss by increasing metabolism, decreasing appetite, increasing fat burn during exercise, dissolving fat cells
• reduces insulin resistance
• prevents fatty liver disease
• prevents blood clots
• increases resistance to oxidized blood fats
• leads to lower resting heart rate
• prevents arrhythmias
• reduces damage after a heart attack
• causes death to tumor cells
• protects the gastric lining and prevents stomach ulcers
• reduces symptoms of functional dyspepsia
• reduces the redness and itching in people with psoriasis
Cinnamon:
• helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
• decreases triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
• lowers levels of oxidation
• fights metabolic syndrome
• stops spikes in blood sugar after a meal
• controls polycystic ovary syndrome
• fights fungi and bacteria
• slows tumor angiogenesis
• protects brain cells from damage caused by a stroke or hepatic encepahlopathy
• improves wound healing
Clove:
• has anesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects to treat toothaches and oral diseases (such as gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis)
• fights bacteria such as heliobacter pylori, E. coli, staphylococcus, proteus, klebsiella, enterobacter, and pseudomonas
• strengthens the effectiveness of acyclovir against herpes simplex and protects against infection by the virus that causes genital herpes
• inhibits the hepatitis C virus
• stops blood clots
• stops cancer cells from multiplying
Cocoa:
• protects arterial health
• decreases LDL cholesterol and LDL oxidation
• lowers high blood pressure
• improves coronary circulation
• reduces the tendency of the blood to form clots
• lowers the risk of heart disease
• improves survival after a heart attack
• lowers the risk of stroke
• increases cerebral blood flow to potentially treat dementia and strokes
• reduces mental fatigue
• improves insulin sensitivity
• increases resistance to UV-caused skin damage
• leads to softer skin
• lowers the risk of preeclampsia
• increases endurance
Coconut:
• reduces abdominal fat
• kills disease-causing bacteria like staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, enterobacter, and enterococcus
• kills the bacteria that cause acne
• kills candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infection
• reduces the development of colon cancer
• may prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• may fight Chron’s disease
• relieves pain
Coriander:
• soothes irritable bowel syndrome
• eases chronic constipation
• stops intestinal spasms
• protects against stomach ulcers
• reduces redness in inflammatory skin diseases
• decreases blood sugar levels and increases insulin
• relieves anxiety and insomnia
• blocks the development of colon cancer
• protects the liver from damage
• limits the growth of yeast infection
• reverses damage from lead exposure
Cumin:
• lowers triglycerides
• lowers blood sugar
• delays the progression of cataracts
• cuts the formation of advanced glycation endproducts
• increases bone density
• prevents the formation of cancers
• suppresses convulsions in seizures
• prevents food poisoning
• improves the effectiveness of rifampicin in fighting tuberculosis
Curry Leaf:
• reduces blood sugar
• improves memory
• reduces the number of tumors in colon cancer
Fennel Seed:
• relieves menstrual pain
• helps eliminate colic
• helps reduce cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• inhibits the formation of tumors
• decreases swelling and pain in arthritis
• lowers high blood pressure
• treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
• decreases intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Fenugreek Seed:
• regulates blood sugar
• reduces insulin resistance
• can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells
• can prevent or reverse fatty liver disease
• prevents the development of cataracts
• prevents the development of kidney stones
• reverses and prevents gallstones
• increases activity of white blood cells in the immune system
Galangal:
• treatment for arthritis and osteoarthritis
• turns off cancer genes
• lowers blood sugar
• inhibits stomach ulcers
• reduces allergies and congestion
Garlic:
• protects against atherosclerosis
• lowers high blood pressure
• thins blood to protect against heart disease
• reduces risk of heart attack
• prevents multiple cancers
• prevents infections and colds
• lowers blood sugar
• helps prevent enlarged prostate
• improves skin health
• clears up oral candidiasis
• decreases the number of damaged red blood cells in sickle cell anemia
• improves treatment for alopecia areata
Ginger:
• remedy for nausea
• reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis
• suppresses cancer
• treatment for migraine
• helps control asthma
• helps heartburn and stomachaches
• reduces heart attack and stroke
Horseradish:
• fights infections and as effective as antibiotics
• decreases activity of cancer cells
Juniper Berry:
• battles bladder and urinary tract infections
• prevents organ rejection in kidney transplants
• treats indigestion
• has diuretic effects for controlling high blood pressure and congestive heart failure
• treats inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases (bronchitis, colds, cough, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, gynecological diseases, wounds, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain)
• lowers high blood sugar
• decreases the growth of breast cancer cells
• helps prevent liver damage in alcoholism
• inhibits the virus that causes cold sores
Kokum:
• an aid for fat loss
• kills cancer cells
• inhibits the formation of gastric and peptic ulcers
• promotes the growth of neurons and may be neuroprotective
Lemongrass:
• stops the oxidation of LDL cholesterol
• kills cancer cells
• reduces anxiety
• induces sleep
• reduces the number of seizures
• fights yeast infections
Marjoram:
• slows the progress of Alzheimer’s disease
• stops the growth of leukemia cells
• prevents heart attacks and strokes
• improves digestion
• protects against organ damage from lead toxicity
• prevents ulcers
• kills disease-causing fungi and bacteria including Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus
Mint:
• eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
• reduces indigestion
• reduces GI spasms during colonoscopy and endocopy
• reduces congestion and respiratory discomfort
• relieves pain in postherpetic neuralgia
• improves attention and performance
• treatment for hirsuitism in PCOS
• reduces stress, anxiety, and nausea when inhaled
• improves effectiveness of treatment for tuberculosis
• lessens hot flashes in chemotherapy
• slows and kills a variety of cancers
• decreases inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and stops plaque buildup
• alleviates allergic rhinitis
Mustard Seed:
• prevents and slows the growth of a number of cancers
• lowers the risk of heart disease
• normalizes glucose and insulin levels
• helps prevent benign prostatic hypertrophy
• improves symptoms in people with bronchitis
• improves brain health
Nutmeg:
• kills leukemia cells
• has antiaging effects on human skin
• alleviates symptoms of anxiety
• reduces depression
• improves learning and memory
• increases libido
• helps prevent seizures
• kills rotavirus that causes diarrhea
Onion:
• prevents cancer and kills cancer cells
• reduces heart disease
• lowers high blood pressure
• has beneficial effects on bone density
• improves appearance of surgical scars when used in a gel
• therapy for allergies
• lowers the risk of enlarged prostate
• lowers blood sugar
Oregano:
• kills parasites
• fights food poisoning
• heals ulcers
• reduces colitis
• strengthens and heals the liver
• inhibits yeast infections
• helps alleviate metabolic syndrome
• slows or kills various cancers
• as potent as drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s disease
• reverses the hyperpigmentation that causes age spots
• kills Staph infections
Parsley:
• fights cancer
• prevents heart disease
• lowers blood sugar
• treats constipation
• prevents stomach ulcers
Pomegranate:
• reverses arterial plaque
• repairs the heart by increasing blood flow
• reduces angina
• keeps arteries flexible
• lowers high blood pressure
• controls and reverses diabetes
• stops the growth of cancers
• reduces dental plaque
• improves erectile function
• reduces skin damage
• improves sports recovery
• slows the development and reduces the severity of arthritis
• prevents Alzheimer’s disease
• kills flu viruses
• reduces inflammation in ulcerative colitis
Pumpkin Seed:
• improves prostate health
• reduces heart disease
• treatment for iron deficiency anemia
• reduces swelling in arthritis
Rosemary:
• decreases levels of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines
• reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• reduces radiation sickness
• protects the skin from damage and treats dermatitis
• reduces the growth of melanoma
• improves memory recall
• suppresses and kills cancer cells
• prevents liver damage
• improves blood flow
• reduces pain and inflammation in arthritis
• lowers blood sugar
• may treat peptic ulcer
• increases urine flow in urinary tract infections
• treatment for depression
Saffron:
• as effective as antidepressant medication
• decreases atherosclerosis
• effective as donepezil at slowing mental decline
• reduces menstrual pain
• relieves the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
• treats infertility in men
• improves erectile function
• prevents and treats cancer
• reduces anxiety
• improves sleep
• improves memory
• treatment for age-related macular degeneration
• helpful in preventing Parkinson’s disease
• relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Sage:
• improves memory recall
• improves mood
• treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
• eases sore throat
• treatment for cardiovascular disease
• clears up skin rashes
• prevents skin cancer
• stabilizes blood sugar
• kills the herpes virus
• protects against the development of stomach ulcers
Sesame Seed:
• lowers high blood pressure
• may prevent Alzheimer’s disease
• has anticancer potential
• prevents loss of muscle control and mental decline in Huntington’s disease
• speeds up wound healing
Star Anise:
• fights viral and bacterial infections including the flu, Epstein-Barr, septic shock, E. corrodens, Herpes simplex 1, HIV, hepatitis B, Streptococcus mutans
• kills cancer cells
• reduces damage to brain cells
Sun-Dried Tomato:
• helps prevent and treat prostate cancer
• reduces the risk of other cancers
• reduces the risk of heart disease
• lowers high blood pressure
• increases bone density
• protects against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease
• improves fertility in men
Tamarind:
• provides relief from dry eye syndrome, bacterial keratitis, pink, eye, and age-related macular degeneration when used in eye drops
• diminishes the risk of atherosclerosis
• reduces the risk of kidney stones
• slows the growth of colon cancer
• lowers blood sugar in type 1 diabetes
Thyme:
• fights acute bronchitis
• prevents tooth decay
• protects neurons
• fights cancer
• reduces the formation of blood clots
• stops the herpes simplex 1 virus
• fights antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• lessens the severity of colitis
• prevents stomach ulcers
• protects the liver and brain from alcohol-related damage
Turmeric:
• as effective as prescription drugs for reducing inflammation
• as effective as defeating breast cancer cells as tamoxifen
• inhibits 22 different types of cancer
• inhibits the toxicity of environmental chemicals
• prevents Alzheimer’s disease
• slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease
• alleviates symptoms of arthritis
• prevents clogged arteries
• reduces the size of blood clots
• reduces the risk of cerebral vasospasm
• lowers triglycerides
• regulates blood pressure
• reduces damage from a heart attack
• cleanses and rejuvenates the liver
• remedy for skin ailments (acne, blemishes, itching, rashes, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma)
• makes wounds heal faster
• fights inflammatory bowel disease
• prevents cystic fibrosis
• reduces depression
• controls blood sugar levels
• treats eye conditions such as uveitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and postoperative cataract care when included in eye drops
• reduces the formation of gallstones and improves gallbladder health
• helps prevent age-related macular degeneration
• protects against cataracts
• reduces pain
Vanilla:
• kills cancer cells, limits metastasis, inhibits angiogenesis, and has antimutagenic effects
• potential treatment for sickle cell anemia
Wasabi:
• stops tumor cell growth and kills cancer cells
• defends against bacteria that cause food poisoning
• kills the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers
• prevents tooth decay
• prevents blood clots and thus protects against heart attack and stroke
• increases bone density
• treatment for eczema
