Many of us believe that the only uses for herbs and spices are to enhance the flavor of food and give it that exotic twist and aromatic taste, which are very sought after by nouvelle cuisine. What we are unaware of is that herbs, seeds, and spices offer more than just a special flavor. They provide a wealth of medicinal benefits. Some have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties; others offer anti-inflammatory characteristics to detoxify the immune system and relieve pain. Such nutritional and healing powers should be given special attention. A bouquet of herbs, a pinch of spices, or a cup of herbal tea is not enough to bring on healing, but what is needed is potent compact doses of supplements or essential oils. While the following spices, herbs, and condiments are recommended for treating adults, they should not be given to children under 13 in therapeutic doses.

Garlic, Allium sativum, and the rest of the onion family are popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.

This pungent condiment has medicinal qualities that affect the vascular system. By significantly thinning blood, it can reduce heart attacks and strokes, but in the form of supplements of 200 to 300mg three times daily. Garlic supplements should not be combined with blood thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). To avoid excessive bleeding during surgery, the supplement should be stopped two weeks ahead of time.

Ginger, zingiber officinale, is a sharp highly-flavored root. The supplement and drink are very effective against transient nausea, seasickness, morning sickness, and post-chemotherapy nausea. I found much relief with 500 mg of the ginger extract or capsules during sea voyages. Ginger supplements show more efficacy when taken half an hour before traveling followed by a dose every four hours. Fifteen-minute infusions of powdered or fresh ginger are good for drying up mucus, relieving sinuses, and bolstering immunity. Doses higher than two grams can prompt heartburn.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus satureoides), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) particularly in the form of essential oils, fight gastrointestinal (diarrhea, parasites, stomach pains), upper and lower respiratory tract (sore throat, flu, cough, bronchitis, laryngitis), and urogenital infections. Essential oils, the most therapeutic form, should be organic when taken orally. Undiluted, it can burn the lips and mouth. It should be taken with honey or an oil medium. I find them very effective. Doses should be according to body weight and symptoms.

Sage, Salvia officinalis, boosts mental abilities and memory. The herb seems to inhibit the enzyme that causes Alzheimer’s disease. Thirty drops of sage liquid extract, three times daily, should be given to Alzheimer’s patients or even to healthy individuals to boost mental performance. Excessive doses can trigger seizures. In moderation, the herb reduces menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Gargling with warm sage tea, as antiseptic, soothes sore throats.

Peppermint, Menthax piperita, relieves stomach aches and bloating. Enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil are therapeutic treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes diarrhea, constipation, and spasmodic pains. The capsules (0.2 ml one to three times daily) only dissolve in the intestines to calm painfully irritated bowels. In the presence of heartburn, it should be discontinued. Peppermint essence or oil was a commonly used effective colic reliever when I was a child.

Turmeric, (Curcuma longa), is recently hailed for its numerous benefits and medicinal potency. Its powerful anti-inflammatory action has shown effectiveness on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as tendonitis. The heart and cardiovascular system can benefit from its anti-inflammatory action. It enhances memory and mental performance. Turmeric also regulates blood sugar levels (cinnamon does, too). Amazingly enough