When trying to stay healthy from the inside out, let me introduce you to a few healing spices and supplements to add to your diet this winter. While most of us tend to reach toward the medicine cabinet when we feel an illness coming on, we should actually be looking right in our very own kitchen. Foods, spices and herbs provide the best medicine when it comes to staying healthy. Instead of letting a cold or the flu strike, fight back with these seven healing spices and supplements for a healthy holiday season!
1 Boswellia
When it come to healing spices and supplements, boswellia is one of the best. Boswellia serrata, otherwise known as Indian frankincense, is extracted from the boswellia tree located in western and central India. Boswellia acids are extracted as an essential oil or it is also sold in capsule form. It is used in Ayurvedic healing to treat respiratory issues, digestive disorders, joint pain and inflammation. Clinical studies have recently shown its effectiveness in the calming of asthma, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Frequently asked questions
2 Ginger
Ginger root comes from the ginger plant and it actually provides several health benefits. Known to help with digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting, as well as anti-inflammatory relief, ginger can be enjoyed fresh in food dishes or in tea or it can also be purchased in supplemental capsule form. If a stomach aliment affects you this winter or if you're suffering from achy joints, reach for ginger to calm your symptoms!
3 Turmeric
Similar looking to but much smaller than ginger root, turmeric comes from the root of the plant Curcuma longa plant. While it is often used in dishes that contain curry, turmeric can also be purchased in supplemental form. It is actually the yellow-orange pigment, also known as curcumin, that contains all of the benefits. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is high in manganese, iron and vitamin B6. Use turmeric to relieve gas, menstrual complications or whenever you would reach for an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like Motrin.
4 Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices to use in a wide variety of dishes such as oatmeal, smoothies, on butternut squash, on sweet potatoes or even on roasted vegetables! Cinnamon is high in manganese, fiber and calcium and offers a wide range of benefits beyond blood sugar regulation. Cinnamon also plays a role in preventing blood clots and it also contains anti-microbial properties. Keep cinnamon on hand all year long!
5 Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree berry is often sold in supplemental form and is often used to help regulate hormones in order to alleviate menstrual cycle irregularities. It is possibly effective for treating and reducing the effects of PMS such as breast tenderness, constipation, irritability and mood swings. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing PMS related anger, headache, and bloating. When PMS strikes this winter, fight back with chaste tree berry!
6 Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is sold in both powder and capsule form. It is my favorite addition to my morning green smoothie! High in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, spirulina can help protect your body's cells from damage. It is known to support immune function, so dose up for a healthy body all winter long!
7 Fennel
Fennel, a fresh vegetable grown traditionally from autumn through spring, makes a great addition yo your dishes this winter. Fennel has a very refreshing taste that is used often in Mediterranean dishes, Italian in particular. Fennel is closely related to parsley, carrots, dill and coriander and is high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium and manganese. Also high in phytonutrients like flavonoids, fennel is high in disease fighting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether you choose to take over-the-counter medications when fighting the flu or common cold or not, try adding some of these healing spices, herbs and supplements to your daily routine today (if you're on a medication, be certain to check with your doctor first!). Do you swear by any of these healing herbs, spices or supplements? If so, which ones and why?
