medicinal uses of common spices and herbs annette m. leas

A MEDICINE CABINET IN YOUR

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Medicinal Uses of Common spices and herbs

Annette M. Leas

Flavoring in foods and baking products Flavoring in teas Aromatics

Traditional Use of Spices and Herbs

Scientific Name: Pimento officinalis Origin: Central America, Mexico, and West

Indies

All Spice

Indigestion Flatulence Muscle Pain

Available forms: Extract, oil, powder

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum Origin: Throughout the world

Anise

Expectorant Antibacterial Diuretic Stimulant Indigestion

Available forms: Whole herb, essential oil, toothpaste

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum Origin: Throughout the world

Basil

Antiseptic Antidiabetic Antiinflammatory Immunostimulant Anxiety

Available forms: Leaves (chopped and powdered), tea, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific name: Cinnamomum Origin: India, South America, Sri Lanka, and

the West Indies

Cinnamon

Antifungal Analgesic Antiseptic Common cold Diarrhea

Available Forms: Dried bark, essential oil, leaves, fluid extract, powder, tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Allium sativum Origin: Throughout the world

Garlic

Antilipidemic Antimicrobial Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory

Available Forms: Bulbs, capsules, extract, oil, powder, syrup, tablets, and tea

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Origin: Asia, South America, China, India,

Africa and The United States

Ginger

Motion sickness Morning Sickness Sore throat Migraine headaches Nausea and vomiting

Available Forms: Capsules, dried root, extract, fresh root, powder, tablets, tea, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Nutmeg

Anxiety Depression Tooth aches Gastrointestinal disorders Joint pain

Available Forms: Capsules, essential oil, powder

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Oregano

Expectorant Insect repellant and bites Athletes foot Intestinal disorders Respiratory disorders

Available Forms: Capsules, dried herb, oil

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Parsley

Cough Menstrual Irregularities Flatulence Joint pain Inflammation

Available forms: Leaves, seeds, capsules, essential oil, fluid extract, and tea

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Sage

Menstrual disorders Sore throat Depression Alzheimer's disease Gastrointestinal disorders

Available Forms: Whole plant, extract

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin

Turmeric

Menstrual disorders Colic Inflammation Dyspepsia Hematuria Flatulence

Available Forms: Dried rhizome, capsules, fluid extract, oil, spice, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Dosages Contraindications Side effects / Adverse reactions Drug interactions

Consult Your Physician

Skidmore-Roth, L. (2010). Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements . St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

References