Top 10 Herbs That Heal

Read on the top 10 herbs that could help us heal from our common diseases.

Hang this in your pantry for food pairings that will help you breeze through sick season.

10 Herbs That Heal

Coughing?

1. ADD ROSEMARY

• The eucalyptol in this aromatic herb is study proven to loosen chest congestion, making phlegm easier to expel. Plus, rosemary is rich in anti-inflammatory tannins, which soothe a sore throat.

Pairs well with: white beans, chicken, Brie cheese, roasted meats and poultry, potatoes, polenta and apples.

2. Crampy tummy?

ADD MINT

• Peppermint contains menthol, a natural plant compound that relaxes pain-inducing intestinal spasms. This reduces belly discomfort by 40 percent, according to German researchers.

Pairs well with: eggplant, tomatoes, lamb, green peas, melon, couscous, hot and cold beverages.

3. Feeling down?

ADD BASIL

• The eugenol and rosmarinic acid in basil boost the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin. According to Indian researchers, this could lead to sunnier moods in as little as three days.

Pairs well with: tomatoes, olives, strawberries, melon, fresh mozzarella, pizza, pasta, white fish, feta cheese.

4. Congested?

ADD CAYENNE

• The fiery capsaicin in cayenne deactivates substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to inflammation. The result: less sinus congestion and pressure.

Pairs well with: root vegetables, roasted, poultry, rice, chocolate, leafy greens, shrimp, eggs, popcorn, grilled-cheese sandwiches, beans, creamy soups.

5. Menstrual Cramps?

ADD OREGANO

• Enjoying 2 tsp. of fresh oregano daily during menstruation reduces or eliminates cramps, according to a Greek study. That’s because this herb’s thymol and carvacrol relax uterine muscles to prevent painful contractions.

Pairs well with: mushrooms, tomato sauce. Olives, summer squash, fish.

6. Achy Joints?

ADD CURRY POWDER

• The curcumin in curry inhibits the body’s production of prostaglandin EZ, an inflammatory compound that over-sensitizes nerves. This blunts joint and muscle pain as effectively as prescription medications.

Pairs well with: lentils, mangoes, rice, cauliflower, spinach.

7. Nauseous?

ADD GINGER

• Ginger’s gingerol and shogaol calm digestive-tract spasms to reduce nausea better than motion-sickness drugs, according to a study at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Pairs well with: citrus fruit, tea, sweet potatoes, pork, coconut, miso soup, onions, relishes, pears, rice.

8. Upset GI tract?

ADD DILL

• Indian scientists found that dills limonene works as well as prescription antibiotics at killing harmful intestinal bacteria such as E. coli.

Pairs well with: salmon, eggs, cucumber, chicken, Cheddar cheese, mixed greens, clear soups, cream, cheese, beets, carrots.

9. Bloated?

ADD PARSLEY

• Thanks to its stores of apiol and myristicin, parsley is a natural diuretic that relieves bloat-inducing water retention by preventing salt from being reabsorbed into bodily tissue.

Pairs well with: grains, onions, Parmesan cheese, pasta, salads, seafood, tomatoes.

10. Always Tired?

ADD CILANTRO

• The carboxylic acid in cilantro bids to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and carries them out of the body. Their removal reverses the toxin buildup that causes chronic fatigue, joint pain, and depression.

Pairs well with: avocados, seafood, corn, black beans, steak.

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