20 Common Herbs and Spices With Medical Benefits

Eating well is one of the best ways to stay healthy, but in addition to being generally good for you, some foods have additional and more specific health benefits. Herbs and spices have long been used in medicine for a good reason. If you have a certain ailment you want to cure or avoid, then just take a look at your spice rack instead of going to the pharmacy.

Nutmeg

Aside from its capability of acting as a pain reliever, this popular spice is known to also aid in indigestion relief. Furthermore, nutmeg is beneficial for brain and oral health.

Peppermint

There is nothing that peppermint can’t help provide relief for. Some of the better known benefits of peppermint are its ability to relieve stomach gas and treat toothache pain.

Thyme

There are many a nutrient, mineral and even several vitamins that are found in thyme, a herb that is packed with many healthy benefits that includes thymol oil to fight fungus.

Ginger

This spice as come a long way from its traditional culture of China and India. The powerful herb can make bones stronger and prevent certain cancers and the flu.

Cloves

This particular herb comes from the area of South America and is known to come to the aid of everything from allergy issues to vomiting. Other known benefits include cold relief.

Parsley

A Mediterranean herb, parsley is full of nutrients and has several health related benefits that includes help for those dealing with diabetes. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory for toothaches.

Rosemary

There is a long and ancient history that is associated with the rosemary herb that includes many health related benefits found in stress relief, and inflammation treatment. It also fights various infections.

Cinnamon

A sweet spice that is the oldest among all other spices, cinnamon benefits help fight off blood related clots, control blood sugar levels, and is even beneficial in areas involving stomach and brain health.

Turmeric

Typically known as a culinary spice in the Southeast region of Asia, Turmeric also is beneficial when it comes to symptoms involving Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and asthma.

Passion Flower

Also known as the Passiflora incarnate, this lovely flower is known for its tranquil effects. It is known to help anxiety and heart failure problems.

Cayenne

Common in various hot sauces, the cayenne spice has its health benefits, which include blood flow regulation, increasing the circulatory system, and improving digestion.

Chamomile

It’s no coincidence that you feel so much more relaxed after a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is know to help skin and muscles relax.

Red Clove

Commonly known to the regions of Europe and North America, this herb has been known for treating bone loss and also the common children’s cough.

Basil

Basil has several benefits when it comes to the issue of staying healthy. Benefits include uses for stress relief, treating skin, and reducing fevers.

Cardamon

Commonly used in the Eastern Indies as a medicine, this spice has several traditional health benefits that consist of cancer-fighting abilities, dietary finer properties, and a great source of iron.

Marjoram

An aromatic herb that is related to the mint herb family, marjoram is from the lands of Egypt and Arabia. The health related benefits of this herb include improved appetite, thyroid protection, sprains, and more.

Raspberry Leaf

Commonly treated in the form of tea, raspberry leaves are a great additional remedy for common cold-like symptoms, including the flu and tonsillitis. Other benefits include gingivitis issues.

Watercress

Best known as a dietary supplement, watercress is extremely beneficial in the areas of breast and colorectal cancers as well as beneficial in keeping the thyroid and cardiovascular system healthy.

Lemon Balm

A cousin herb to the mint herb, lemon balm is known for it’s typical aid in treating stomachaches, bloating, headaches, toothaches, and more. Lemon balm also treats Alzheimer’s related symptoms.

Red Sage

Loaded with a ton of antioxidants, red sage has several health benefits through its ability to help the brain properly function and can even help Alzheimer disease related symptoms.