Mankind has used herbs and spices as medicine since the very beginning. Herbs come from the leafy green part of the plant. Spices are parts of the plant other than the leaves, such as the root, stem, bulb, bark, or seeds.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. (Genesis 1:11 NIV)

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat,  and the leaf thereof for medicine. (Ezekiel 47:12 KJV)

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2 KJV)

Here are six spices highly regarded for their health-restoring properties.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric, a member of the ginger family and the main spice in curry, has become all the rage among spices lately, and with good reason. Here are some of the things turmeric and curcumin, its chief constituent, can help with:

• According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, curcumin “modulates numerous molecular targets and exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities.”
• According to a clinical trial conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, curcumin can help shrink precancerous lesions known as colon polyps when taken with a small amount of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in onions, apples, and cabbage. The average number of polyps dropped more than 60% and those that remained shrank by more than 50%. In a 2006 study, researchers at UCLA also found that curcumin helps clear the brain of the plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation.

Because turmeric/curcumin is not readily absorbed into the human body, adding a spice that contains piperine (like black pepper) will make it more bioavailable to human cells. I use 1 teaspoon of powdered turmeric in my smoothie every morning and add 1-2 drops of Vitality Black Pepper Essential Oil to increase absorption.

Garlic

Garlic is used to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries (plaque buildup in the arteries that can block the flow of blood and may lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and to boost the immune system. Garlic may also help protect against cancer.

Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush, and herpes. Because of its antiviral properties, garlic can be used to treat eye infections and as a natural ear infection remedy.

Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health, and fight hair loss.

Some ways to get more garlic into your diet include making a garlic oil infusion:  crush garlic cloves and add them to a carrier oil (like olive oil). Let the mixture sit for about five hours, then strain the pieces of garlic out and keep the oil in a  jar with a lid. You can also swallow a raw clove of garlic; you might need to cut it in half if it’s too large. Bite down once to release the allicin then swallow with water like a pill.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral spice, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use is to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent the common cold or flu.

A 2004 study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the spice has “obvious inhibiting efficacy.” Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care. It’s also one the seven adaptogen spices to lower cortisol.

Ginger Root

Ginger can prevent stomach upset from many sources, including pregnancy, motion sickness, and chemotherapy. “This is one of Mom’s remedies that really works,” says Suzanna M. Zick, ND, MPH, a research investigator at the University of Michigan. A powerful antioxidant, ginger works by blocking the effects of serotonin, a chemical produced by both the brain and stomach when you’re nauseated, and by stopping the production of free radicals, another cause of upset in your stomach. In one study of cruise ship passengers traveling on rough seas, 500 mg of ginger every 4 hours was as effective as Dramamine, the commonly used OTC motion-sickness medication. In another study, where subjects took 940 mg, it was even more effective than the drug.

Ginger might also decrease your blood pressure, arthritis pain, and cancer risk. Ginger helps regulate blood flow, which may lower blood pressure, says Zick, and its anti-inflammatory properties might help ease arthritis.

Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha  is also referred to as Indian ginseng. Often used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha regulates the immune system and eases anxiety. Ashwagandha has been used in Eastern medicine for over 2,500 years and has immuno-modulating effects that boost your immune system and aid the body in lowering cortisol levels.

There have been over 200 studies on Ashwagandha’s ability to improve thyroid function and treat adrenal fatigue. According to OrganicFacts.net, ashwagandha “has a wide range of health benefits, including its ability to fight against cancer and diabetes, as well as reduce inflammation, arthritis, asthma, hypertension, stress, and rheumatism. Furthermore, it boosts your supply of antioxidants and regulates the immune system. It also has antibacterial and anticonvulsant properties.”

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic spice, which greatly enhances the body’s ability to deal with stress. Ashwagandha should be taken with care. It should not be taken if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant.

Cinnamon Bark

Besides tasting delicious, cinnamon has many beneficial properties. In a recent study of type 2 diabetics, those taking 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day saw a reduction in serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, which also reduces the risk of heart disease.

Cinnamon contains large amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants, even more than garlic and oregano. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the risk of disease.

Cinnamon has been shown to lead to various improvements for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in animal studies. Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.

Make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon (known as the “true” cinnamon”) or stick to small doses if you’re using the Cassia variety. Most cinnamon sold in the U.S. is the Cassia variety.

Learn more in my new book, Be in Health: Bible-Based Health Restoration: Living in Harmony with God’s Ways Regarding Health. Available now.