Dr Nadine’s Nuggets ~ SPICE-0-Rama
Hello Dear Readers, and Welcome to the August edition of NADINE’S NUGGETS ~ morsels of information from various arenas including Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Herbology, Personal Training and Nutrition.
Thank you for your assistance in making a smooth transition to the Mail Chimp software. Please do take a few minutes to Update your Profile (click here) information to ensure you are greeted with your name rather than Hello (empty space). The update provides options to receive reminders for upcoming events, publications etc. This issue explores the Healing properties found in SPICES common to most kitchens. So, without further adieu let’s begin.
TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) can be used as a blood purifier, liver detoxifier, stimulant and vulnerary. Vulneraries are herbs that encourage the healing of wounds by promoting cell growth and repair.
The characteristic golden color of curry powder and most Indian dishes comes from the rhizome or root of this plant. It has a spicy flavor and a warm, bitter energy.
Turmeric can be applied both internally and externally to heal wounds, relieve pain/inflammation in the limbs, break up congestion and can be used to restore the loss of blood during child birth. It is very beneficial to the circulatory system and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
One teaspoon of powdered turmeric root can be taken twice daily to help regulate the menus or to prevent or lessen PMS symptoms. It gently activates liver functionality, becoming a natural liver detoxifier, to help regulate and balance the hormones.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric are helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, whereas the natural antiseptic and antibacterial agents are useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. Turmeric is also used for reducing fevers and nose bleeds.
Affirmation: I can allow my body to release pain and inflammation as I add flavor to my meal with turmeric
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a stimulating herb used to increase energy, drive circulation, break up obstructions and mucus, and will warm the body. The demulcent properties of Cinnamon will sooth any mucilage and can protect damaged or inflamed tissues. The carminative properties can relieve gas and griping.
Cinnamon warms the system and is useful when added to balance cooling foods such as fruits, milk and desserts. Medicinally it is used to warm the organs to treat chronic diarrhea, cramps, heart and abdominal pains, coughing, wheezing and lower back pain. Simmered in milk and taken with a little honey, cinnamon is very effective for the relief of indigestion, gas, diarrhea and dysentery.
I recommend all of my clients, and especially those with Type II Diabetes, take 1 TBS of Cinnamon a day to help moderate their blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that Cinnamon can reduce blood sugar levels, increase the natural production of insulin and lower blood cholesterol.. I personally use Cinnamon as a way to ‘sweeten’ my food and keep any ‘cravings’ at bay.
Affirmation: My organs are warmed and mucus released as cinnamon enters my system.
FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) is crunchy and slightly sweet and most often associated with Italian dishes. This valuable seed spice combines several herbal and healing properties. It is an antispasmodic (used to prevent or relax muscle spasms); a carminative (used to relieve gas and griping); diuretic (used to increase the flow of urine); expectorant (used to assist in expelling mucus from the lungs and throat); and a stimulant (used to increase the energy of they body).
Fennel seeds contain aromatic or essential oils that are very similar in structure and activity to those of Catnip and Peppermint. While Catnip oils are better suited for use in infants, Fennel is especially effective against flatulence in adults. Should you find yourself away from home without your digestive enzymes handy, chewing a small portion of Fennel seeds will relieve the gas, bloating and gripping from the meal you just consumed.
A tea (decoction) can be made using one teaspoon of crushed seeds in a cup of boiled water, steeped for twenty minutes and used to treat colic, cramps and gas and to expel mucus. The cooled tea can be used externally as an eyewash. You will see Fennel used in herb formulas containing strong laxatives to prevent gripping and in cough syrups to prevent chronic coughs.
Affirmation: Hallelujah, no more gas or gripping after that thanksgiving meal by chewing a few fennel seeds.
I was going to add in GARLIC, the world-renowned cure-all as a home remedy in practically every culture, then looked at the length of this NUGGETS. Should you find value in this information, please leave comments on the blog, or send in an email. If you want information on specific Spices or Herbs, let me know and I will do my best to deliver. Until the next publication, may you be pain, inflammation and gas free
~ Flavorful+ Colorful+ Delightful
Dr Nadine
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