I love the fact that most of our culinary herbs and spices also have medicinal benefits. Here is a few of the most common ones used by me and my colleagues.
Dr. Laurell’s Favorite,
Thyme- it is anti-microbial and reduces coughing so it is great choice for bronchitis. You can make a tea out of it or better yet add it to a garlic broth. The tea can be used for steam inhalation. Tinctures are also available.
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND
Fayetteville, AR
nwanaturalhealth.com
Dr. Sherri is a Fan of,
Turmeric, hands down one of the most researched medicinal spices.
After sifting through all of the turmeric research earlier this year, I have made a concerted effort to incorporate this healing spice into my food and drinks on a daily basis.
Green Med founder, Sayer Ji, has reviewed over 4,000 abstracts related to turmeric and discovered over 580 researched benefits.
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/turmeric
I add turmeric to smoothies, soups, rice and tea. The taste is mild and easily combines with all different flavors—experiment with it. It is best absorbed with some kind of healthy fat.
*I also take curcumin (the active component in supplement form).
Sherri Jacobs ND, CNS
Charleston SC
Dr. Dawson Loves,
Thyme – I love the taste of thyme and have 3 types growing in my garden. I am fortunate enough to live in a place where the thyme is green and edible all year. This is an excellent herb for any type of viral infection, but especially coughs and colds. I chop it up, with garlic and onions and put it over chicken or fish, mix it into soup or sprinkle on pasta or rice for a delicious, healing meal.
Rosemary – a flavorful herb that goes well with chicken, can be made into a flavorful tea, and is also nice just chewed, one sprig at a time. Rosemary has some antibacterial properties, but it excels as a tonic to lift the spirits and clear the mind. Try chewing rosemary before a test or exam. Rosemary improves circulation and was traditionally used to easy headaches.
Dr. Loreen Dawson, ND
Sechelt, BC
http://www.hummingbirdclinic.ca
Dr. Couvering’s Favorite spice is,
My favorite spice (at the moment) is cayenne – it is such a wonderful topical to relieve pain, itching and achiness. Rub a little oil on (I prefer castor oil if available, but it’s not necessary), sprinkle some cayenne on (not too much, you can burn your skin) and cover. It works in minutes. So far, in the last six months, I’ve recommended it successfully for chiggers, mosquito bites, arthritis, chronic knee pain, residual pain from a broken bone, and low back pain.
Anne Van Couvering, ND
annevanc@gmail.com
Dr. Keller Recommends,
My favorite kitchen spice is oregano. I use it in a variety of Mexican and Italian dishes and it adds great flavor. I also use it or the essential oil for helping heal up sinus and respiratory infections when used with a steam inhalation. It works well and is in almost everyone’s cupboard.
Dr. Melody Keller, ND
Glendive, MT
http://www.radiantnaturalhealth.info
Dr. Klassen Uses,
My favorite medicinal kitchen spice is….
Garlic. Ubiquitous, versatile, tasty, antimicrobial, easy to find. You can use it in almost any recipe and not be obvious.
Dr. Joe Klassen, ND.
Calgary, AB.
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 