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Monday, August 1, 2016

Herbal Boost

Herbs are a great cooking tool to spice up your meal, but have you ever wondered what else they're doing to your body? Herbs have been used for thousands of years across many cultures to treat ailments. Which ones are your favorites?


Lavender: one of the most versatile essential oils, lavender is used for everything from a sleep aid to insect repellent.

Thyme: one of the ingredients in mouthwashes, potentially for its antimicrobial properties

Oregano: a cure-all used for breathing problems, coughs, bloating, enhancing gallbladder function, appetite stimulant, decreasing spasms of the GI tract, UTIs, reducing inflammation associated with arthritis, and as a sedative.

Mint: a fragrant herb used in gum, tea, and candies. It has been used to treat nausea, headaches, breathing problems, and cognitive issues.

Basil: an adaptogen that increases the body's resistance to stress, holy basil is used for is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to decrease the effects of stress, aging, asthma, and diabetes.

Sage: often found in Italian dishes, sage is used for stomach pain, excessive perspiration, and to decrease inflammation.

Parsley: flushes out the urinary tract and kidneys

Cilantro: removes heavy metals from the body and boosts liver function

Chamomile: a relaxing, anti-inflammatory herb typically used in teas before bed. Clinically, chamomile has been used for anxiety, would healing, and treating the common cold.

Rosemary: a Greek symbol of friendship, loyalty, and remembrance used for stomach problems and externally to enhance circulation. Rosemary may be useful in increasing cognitive function and reducing anxiety.

Turmeric: the main spice in curry and extremely beneficial in reducing inflammation related to arthritis

Eucalyptus: traditionally used for respiratory problems, eucalyptus is often used topically as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. In combination with mint, it may be used to effectively treat headaches.

Ginger: used for thousands of years to help digestion, appetite loss, fever, and colds. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, making it widely used for stomach illnesses. Ditch the ginger ale and try some ginger tea!


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