Cures from the kitchen

Time-honored traditions

From our earliest days we have prized herbs for their culinary and healing properties. Archaeologists have discovered coriander seeds in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. And in 3,000 BC, a physician chiseled the first known garlic prescription on a clay tablet in Sumeria.

"Our ancestors discovered many healing herbs simply by trial and error," says Michael Castleman, author of The Healing Herbs. "We'll never know how many roots the ancient Indians dug up before they discovered ginger more than 4,000 years ago." Now, says Castleman, "Scientists are taking a new look at a whole gamut of ancient healing remedies," including many found in our kitchens.

A safe alternative to medications

Unlike many prescription and over the counter medications, our knowledge today suggests that, when used in moderation, most herbs tend not to produce harmful side effects. James Duke, Ph.D., a former U.S. Department of Agriculture botanist and author of The Green Pharmacy says, "Used in moderation, most herbs are more than safe."

The herbs and spices listed below have been approved for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So take to the kitchen and see what you can cook up. For most kitchen remedies, teas are easiest to prepare. Steep one teaspoon herb in one cup of hot water, and drink up to three cups per day. If you're pregnant or nursing, you should check with your physician before using herbs medicinally.

Caraway (Carum carvi)
In some German restaurants you'll receive caraway seeds to chew after packing in a hearty meal. That's because caraway contains two chemicals—carvol and carvene—that soothe the muscles lining the digestive tract. For centuries the herb has been used to relieve indigestion and prevent gas. In addition, caraway's calming compounds relax uterine muscles, which can ease the pain of menstrual cramps.

Cayenne (Capsicum anuum)
If you cut your finger with a paring knife, sprinkle powdered cayenne pepper on the wound. It won't burn, as you might imagine. But it will quickly stop pain and bleeding, because cayenne normalizes blood flow and contains a pain-relieving chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is so effective at blunting pain that it's an ingredient in many pain relief ointments. Blend cayenne with olive oil and rub on toothaches and arthritic joints. You can also relieve indigestion with tea brewed from spicy cayenne, because capsaicin aids digestion by stimulating the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. And numerous studies indicate that it kills bacteria, relieves diarrhea, reduces the pain of cluster headaches, and lowers cholesterol levels.

Cloves (Syzgium aromaticum)
Grandma was right. You can kill the pain of an aching tooth by swabbing it with clove oil. Researchers attribute the remedy's effectiveness to eugenol, a pain-relieving chemical found abundantly in cloves. In addition, the stimulating aromatic buds increase circulation, improve digestion, prevent gas, and ease symptoms of nausea. Cinnamon and tarragon also contain eugenol.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
At the first sign of a cold or flu, pop a garlic clove and chew. You may not be the most popular person in your house, but you'll feel a lot better. Garlic contains a chemical that when chewed, chopped or crushed produces a powerful antibiotic that kills dozens of harmful bacteria, including those that cause food poisoning and bladder infections. Scores of studies confirm garlic's healing properties. Other chemicals in garlic prevent platelets from forming blood clots that could lead to heart attacks and strokes. Several studies also conclude that garlic reduces cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels—and may help in preventing and treating cancer, AIDS and other often fatal diseases. For medicinal purposes, it's best to eat garlic raw. For more on garlic see "Garlic: a hearty herb."

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
"Dr. Mom" knew that ginger ale would calm your upset stomach? Ginger contains chemicals that calm stomach spasms. And for nausea and dizziness caused by motion sickness, ginger works better than Dramamine, according to a study published in the British medical journal Lancet. A mug of ginger tea will warm you up if the flu leaves you shivering. And Chinese researchers report that ginger compounds attack the viruses that cause the flu. Because ginger improves circulation, it's a heart-healthy herb. And studies are under way to assess ginger's abilities to shrink cancerous tumors.

Mint (Mentha spp)
There's nothing better to clear a stuffy nose than a cup of mint tea. Peppermint oil contains menthol, the decongestant chemical found in many over-the-counter cold rubs and nasal sprays. Menthol also calms the muscles in your stomach. That's why many restaurants offer peppermints at the end of a meal. If you're out of peppermint, spearmint works as well. It contains a chemical called carvone, with properties similar to menthol's.

Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)
Sweeten bad breath by munching on this leafy green herb, which contains high levels of chlorophyll, the active ingredient of many commercial breath fresheners. Parsley also is great for those days when you're feeling a little bloated. The herb is rich in apiol and myristicin, chemicals with significant diuretic properties. In fact, German physicians prescribe parsley seed tea to reduce fluid buildup in people with high blood pressure. Parsley may also help if you suffer from hay fever or hives. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology finds that parsley inhibits secretion of histamine, a chemical in your body that triggers allergic reactions. And psoralen, another of parsley's chemicals, shows promise in the laboratory for treating some types of cancer.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Sidelined by a headache? Try a cup of rosemary tea. Researchers says this antioxidant herb increases blood flow to the brain. Perhaps that's why ancient Greeks considered rosemary to be a memory booster. What's more, rosemary is high in calcium, which helps to prevent osteoporosis. But unless you plan to eat rosemary by the plantful, continue to consume traditional sources of calcium—such as low-fat dairy products—as well. And follicle-nourishing compounds in the herb make rosemary a great rinse for damaged or dandruff-ridden hair.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Gargle with sage tea the next time your throat is on fire. Studies show that antioxidant sage contains infection-fighting chemicals. And it's high in astringent tannins, which help to heal bleeding gums and mouth ulcers. Sage has also been used to treat diarrhea, excessive perspiration, sinus congestion, and inflammation. And a German study found that sage reduces blood sugar levels, which means it could help people with diabetes.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
When you can't halt the hacking, it's time for a cup of thyme. The herb contains thymol, a chemical that loosens phlegm and helps in treating bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. Also found in oregano, thymol is a prime ingredient in many commercial cough syrups. In addition, thyme contains carvacol, which relaxes the gastrointestinal tract. It's also been used to relieve laryngitis, diarrhea, chronic gastritis, and lack of appetite. And because of its antiseptic properties, thyme tea makes an excellent mouthwash or a treatment for athlete's foot and skin parasites, including lice.