Winter Spices Lansing MI

They smell wonderful, they taste great, and they're available everywhere. But there's even more good news: The spices that "warm up" winter foods are also used to treat a variety of ailments and, in some cases, fight off chronic disease.

One of the most reliable and respected sources of information about herbal remedies is the original Complete German Commission E Monographs, an alternative medicine guide originally published for use by European healthcare professionals, then translated and expanded by the American Botanical Council and published in the United States in 2000.  Much of what is known about the role of herbs and spices in healthcare and home remedies also comes from Ayurvedic medical practices originating in India, as well as traditional Chinese medical practices.

Although scientific research on the health benefits of herbs and spices is limited, researchers have begun to discover some big benefits of these tasty treats from the earth.  

Cinnamon

Dried cinnamon bark, which is ground and sold as powdered cinnamon spice, is used to stimulate appetite and treat gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, flatulence and mild spastic conditions and cramping due to decreased production of digestive enzymes. Other forms of cinnamon, such as oil, tincture and extract, are also used medicinally. A 2010 review of studies by German researchers found that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties and may be useful for treating type 2 diabetes.

Ginger

Feel nauseous? Ginger can help prevent and relieve nausea and vomiting from morning sickness, motion sickness, chemotherapy and minor surgical procedures, according to the Commission E monographs. It is also used to treat bronchitis and rheumatic complaints and to stimulate appetite in cases of anorexia. A review published in a 2007 issue of American Family Physician found scientific evidence to support the use of ginger for pregnancy and post-operative nausea but less evidence that it helps with motion sickness or other types of nausea and vomiting. In this same review, the researcher found mixed results for the use of ginger in treating symptoms of arthritis.

Nutmeg

Cancer patients who experience diarrhea post-treatment are sometimes advised to add nutmeg to foods to help slow down movement of the intestinal tract. In laboratory studies, Austrian researchers found that nutmeg may help lower blood fat levels. Because it contains potentially toxic compounds when used in excess, however, nutmeg should be used only in amounts normally called for in cooking and baking.

Cloves

A review of scientific literature published in a 2007 issue of the British journal Phytotherapy Research found that, in addition to its established use as a topical pain reliever and healer, particularly in the mouth, clove oil has been found to have antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral properties. Oil of clove has also been shown to fight various stra...