Healthy Herbs And Their Benefits

Herbs are not only great additions to recipes and dishes, but they also hold major health benefits. In fact, some herbs are so good for you that many dietary supplements and medications consist largely of these natural ingredients. The healing power of these herbs is so great, that sites such as Mommy Authority write about them as topics of discussion. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top herbs and their health benefits.

Cinnamon 

This spice is made from the bark of several types of trees that belong to the Cinnamomum species. Mainly used in recipes and products as an aromatic condiment, this herb lends itself to sweet and savory. On top of being a delicious condiment for pancakes and pastries, cinnamon also has a wide variety of health benefits. 

Cinnamon contains a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol that helps the body fight free radicals. This spice also has anti-inflammatory properties, can protect and decrease the risk of heart disease, improves your sensitivity to hormone insulin and lowers blood sugar levels, which makes it a great anti-diabetic herb. 

Turmeric 

Mostly used in eastern cuisine, this bright yellow or orange powder is derived from the flowering plant Zingiberaceae and forms part of the ginger family. Normally used to give curry its distinctive color and add earthiness to a dish, this herb has long been used for its healing characteristics. 

Containing curcuminoids, a powerful medicinal element, turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This compound found in turmeric has also been associated with improved cognitive function and decreasing the risk of brain diseases. As such, many studies have explored the preventative effects of turmeric could have on Alzheimer's Disease.

Holy Basil 

Also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Holy Basil is an aromatic plant that is mostly cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and in the Southeast Asian tropics. Grown for its use in many religious and traditional medicinal applications and for the essential oil that can be made from its leaves, Holy Basil is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a herbal tea. 

This herb is a great immune booster and can help the body fight against infection. It has a long list of known health benefits including its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and pain killing capabilities. 

Cayenne

This pepper is a moderately hot chili that is used to add heat and flavor to dishes. The powder which is most commonly used across the world is made from a skinny red pepper that is dried and ground. While it is most frequently used in cuisine - cayenne is also used as a herbal and health supplement. 

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can greatly improve digestive health and speed up a person’s metabolism. This herb also has the ability to curb hunger, reduce pain and improve blood pressure levels. 

Ginger

Ginger is the root of a flowering plant that is used in many recipes as well as herbal remedies across the globe in many cultures. This herb is jammed packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that make it one of the healthiest herbs around. 

Ginger contains a compound called Gingerol which contributes to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb has also been used to treat nausea and the various types of reasons you would become sick, like morning sickness. 

Garlic 

This herb not only keeps vampires at bay but boasts a range of health benefits. A great taste addition to most savory dishes, garlic is part of the onion genus, Allium and has been consumed by humans for many thousands of years. 

Garlic is rich in minerals that help to boost the immune system. This is why garlic has been said to help combat the common cold and flu. This herb also helps curb blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as plays a positive role in the development and health of the brain. 

If you are trying to improve your health, why not investigate the world of benefits that natural herbs can offer. A pill or medication may be the quickest solution, but is it the healthiest? By increasing your intake of one or more of the herbs on the list, you could reap the rewards yourself.