Information and Theories
Using Spices and Seasoning to Treat Part 1
By Yona Williams
11/30/07

With all of this talk about using vegetables, berries, and fruit to heal – have you ever stopped to think about all of the good that spices can do for the body? In this article, we will touch upon the healing powers of pepper, nutmeg, and much more.

Nutmeg

Since the 7th century, the Chinese relied on nutmeg as a cure for various concerns. The kernel and essential oil creates decoctions and more to treat diarrhea and other common medical ailments. They include:

Decoction (Kernel): early morning diarrhea, colitis

Capsules (Kernel): nausea, indigestion, upset stomach, chronic diarrhea

Oil (Essential Oil): aching teeth, nausea, gastroenteriris, chronic diarrhea, indigestion

Massage Oil: muscle pain, overexertion, rheumatic symptoms

Basil

European ancient times saw basil as a worthy spice that also found a place in Ayurvedic medicine. The leaves and essential oil of the plant is used to treat coughs, asthma, and other medical problems. For instance, the fresh leaves can treat insect bites and reduce the inflammation and itching that follows. A few examples include:

Infusion (Leaves): Drinking immediately after giving birth and you can prevent a retained placenta

Tincture (Leaves): cough and bronchitis

Wash (Leaves): itchy skin and ringworm

Juice (Leaves): Mix with decoctions of cinnamon and cloves to combat chills
Syrup (Leaves): Combine with honey to soothe coughs

Inhalation (Leaves): head colds

Essential Oil: nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, depression, and uneasiness

Chest Rub: Mix with basil oil and sunflower oil to create a chest rub that treats asthma and bronchitis

Massage Oil: nervous weakness, insect repellant

Pepper

A collection of many different forms of pepper have been known to not only season food, but also treat medical problems, such as coughing or compromised lungs. The fruit and essential oil of this very common spice creates the following remedies:

Decoction (Fruit): Mix ten peppercorns with a slice of galangal to create a remedy for bloating, diarrhea, stomach chills, vomiting, and nausea.

Infusion (Fruit): chronic respiratory problems

Powder (Fruit): indigestion, toothaches

Massage Rub: When blended with cayenne oil, you can create a rub that treats rheumatic aches and pains that come with the common cold.

Cream: inflammation on hands and feet

Rosemary

In the Mediterranean, this herb has gained praise for its uplifting and energizing properties. The aerial parts and essential oil are used to create natural remedies. They include:

Infusion: flu, common cold, rheumatic pains, indigestion, fatigue, headaches

Tincture: Combine with oats, skullcap, or vervain to create a stimulating tonic that battles depression

Compress: sprains

Hair Rinse: dandruff

Essential Oil: treats aching limbs or can stimulate the body when run down by nervous exhaustion

Massage Oil: aching joints and headaches. The massage oil can also stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth.

Garlic

The fresh cloves of garlic create a rub that can treat acne, plantar warts, and draw corns. Cloves of garlic also make the following remedies:

Juice: digestive disorders, infections, combats atherosclerosis

Capsule: prevent heart attacks, battle infections like yeast infections

Macerated Cloves: You may steep three to four garlic cloves in water or milk

and leave overnight. In the morning, you can drink the liquid to treat a case of intestinal parasites.