Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Autumn 2023

Herbs and spices to help tame your pain C ertain herbs and spices have been valued for centuries for their culinary and medicinal properties. As always, you will want to discuss with your physician if these herbs and spices are appropriate for you; some of these can interact with medications in unexpected ways. As with many healthy foods, they’re most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Turmeric is commonly used as a spice, most famously in curry powder. In fact, turmeric is what gives curries their distinctive yellow colour. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family. Before the western world knew of its potent medicinal properties, it was used for centuries to treat health conditions in India and other parts of Asia. Scientists began to learn about the antioxidant components of turmeric. It was also discovered to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. It even has anti-cancer properties, good for joint health, cholesterol, heart health and stress and could help promote liver health. Cloves are a delicious addition to cooked fruit, roasts, sweet vegetable dishes and teas, clove has been used to improve digestive function, the antibacterial properties could even help promote oral health, keep blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria. Try integrating a few servings of cloves per week into your meals. Ginger alleviates aches and pains, helps Your LOCAL UMINA BEACH Hearing Services

most days of the week can be beneficial to the immune system, research has suggested. Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and has long been used for its healing properties as a staple in many forms of holistic and traditional medicine. The main component of cinnamon is aldehyde. This not only gives cinnamon its known taste and smell but also inhibits the growth of certain fungi and bacteria. For example, cinnamon can help treat the fungal disease, Candida. Cinnamon is full of polyphenols. These are antioxidants that protect your body from bacteria and infections that cause inflammation, repair damaged cells by activating enzymes that speed up cell recovery and be relieving in cases of itching, can lower cholesterol, stimulates the blood flow of the digestive system, reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. There has also been scientific research into the relationship between diabetes- and too high blood sugar in general – and consuming cinnamon. It is one of the healthiest spices out there. Replace salt with herbs where possible.

relieve headaches, menstrual cramps and muscle soreness; and can help with your circulation, too! A perfect complement to vegetables, marinades and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. To make fresh ginger tea, you can cut up the root, boil it for 10 minutes, then strain the water and sip as tea. In a pinch, you can use ginger tea bags. You can also find relief from pain by applying a ginger compress to a painful area. Garlic is believed to have medicinal properties. Science is now beginning to confirm it. If you’re currently taking blood thinning medications, make sure to talk with your doctor before drastically increasing your garlic intake. From helping reduce the risk of cancer to promoting heart health and longevity, scientific evidence has shown that garlic can be an important food to keep in regular rotation. Garlic has been used for centuries by cultures around the globe for its medicinal properties, according to the National Institutes of Health—and for good reason. Including a little bit of garlic into your meal plan nausea, arthritis,

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