Culinary herbs and spices have been very important across nations. They have been valuable for food preservation and their health benefits up to this day.

A lot of herbs and spices that can be found in the market and even in your garden are very healthy and nutritious. They contain essential vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for your health. 

Here are some herbs and spices together with their vital health  benefits:

1. Elderberry

Elderberry is known for its powerful antioxidant and antiviral properties. The extract from its flowers and dark purple berries are widely used for treating the common cold and flu as well as a daily tonic to support general health. Moreover, it offers a lot of health benefits including boosting your immunity, promoting heart health, and reducing your stress levels.

Common Uses:

• Helps boost immune system
• May be used for treating infections
• May act as a diuretic and laxative
• May help promote heart health
• Can reduce stress levels

2. Ginger

Ginger is known for its aromatic rhizome that is abundant in vitamins and minerals, the reason why it is ideal to be included in dishes. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is used as a tonic root to treat common ailments. As a culinary spice, it is known to stimulate appetite as well as relieve nausea and indigestion for it can help prevent formation of gas in the stomach.

Common Uses:

• May help ease colds, sore throat, and flu
• Can help alleviate muscle pain and headache
• Aids stomach problems like flatulence and indigestion
• Can boost immune system and general health
• May help regulate blood sugar levels & cholesterol

READ MORE: The Power of Ginger: Relieves Nausea, Indigestion and Arthritis Pain

3. Garlic

Garlic has been used for both medicine and food in many places around the world. It has a pungent flavour but many healing benefits including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Moreover, it contains powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-hypertensive properties that can promote general health and wellness.

Common Uses:

• May help prevent stroke and heart attack
• Helps reduce cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure levels
• May help prevent colds, flu, and respiratory problems
• It can also help prevent infections both externally and internally
• May help reduce symptoms of arthritis and menstrual pain.

RELATED ARTICLE: Osteoarthritis 101: Things You Need To Know about Osteoarthritis

4. Calendula

Calendula is a common herbal oil and medicine for complementary treatment because of its cooling, healing and gentle properties. Moreover, it is traditionally used for healing a wide range of skin problems including rashes, chapped skin, and lacerations. Babies and people with sensitive skin can use calendula oil and is a must in first aid kits.

Common Uses:

• Helps prevent premature ageing, acne, and dry skin.
• Can help treat skin problems like rashes and eczema.
• Helps fight plaque-build up and keep healthy gums.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties that ease spasms and muscle pain.
• Drinking calendula tea can boost digestion and heart health.

READ MORE: Calendula Oil for Wound Healing, Sensitive Skin and Baby Care

5. Echinacea

Echinacea or coneflower contains anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful for medicinal uses. Proven to be helpful in treating chronic inflammatory conditions and in fighting infections. Moreover, it can also help boost your immune system. It was also historically used for treating snakebites, sepsis, sore throat, colic and malaria.   

Common Uses:

• May help reduce symptoms of colds and flu
• Prevent infections of the respiratory and urinary tract
• Can also help speed-up healing of wounds
• Contains effective anti-inflammatory properties
• Scientific studies show it is a natural cure for ADHD

READ MORE: Should you use Echinacea to fight infection and inflammation?

6. Peppermint

Peppermint has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different health problems such as digestive disorders and respiratory diseases. It contains antiseptic, antiviral and antispasmodic properties. Due to its minty aroma and cooling sensation it can help provide relief for headaches and acts as a decongestant if you have colds.

Common Uses:

• Helps promote digestion and treat diarrhea and constipation.
• A natural remedy for cold sores, cold, flu and cough.
• Promotes immune, digestive and respiratory health.
• Helps energize mind and body and reduce stress.
• Provides relief from hives, headaches and dysmenorrhea.

READ MORE: Peppermint Essential Oil Aids Digestion, Respiration and Menstruation

7. Arnica

Arnica is traditionally used in homeopathic medicine in treating different kinds of ailments especially when it comes to muscle soreness, bruises, and sprains. It is renowned for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties that's why it is essential in every household’s first aid kit. It can be used as a cream, ointment, and tincture.

Common Uses:

• Promotes respiratory and heart health reducing heart and lung problems.
• When applied topically, it can heal acne, insect bites, and inflammation.
• It can effectively relieve sprain, muscle soreness, and joint pain.
• Improves blood circulation and reduce the clogging of arteries.
• Reduces vision problems related to diabetes.

READ MORE: Arnica Oil for Inflammation, Wound Healing and Pain Management

8.Oregano

Oregano is a well-known herb for its powerful medicinal properties. Fresh and dried oregano are also used in cooking that help enhance the taste of any dish. It contains high antioxidant properties and has carvacrol that can help fight free radicals, bacteria and viruses. Moreover, oregano can also help relieve inflammation and boost overall health. 

Common Uses:

• Reduce inflammation like sore throat and also symptoms of arthritis.
• It can also treat gut problems like indigestion and bloating. 
• Can be used for the treatment of colds, cough and flu.
• Also speeds up metabolism and digestion 
• May help detoxify and rejuvenate body. 

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Natural Oils Used ti Prevent and Treat Colds and Flu

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is widely used as a spice and food colour. Moreover, it is also used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, digestive problems, and other health issues. It contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial if you have inflammatory conditions like arthritis.  

Common Uses:

• Reduces joint inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis. 
• Helps support heart health, digestive health and liver health. 
• Can also be used for the treatment of skin disorders like eczema. 
• Its antioxidant properties can reduce free radical damage to body tissues.
• It can also help lower bad cholesterol and glucose levels. 

READ MORE: Pick Turmeric for Osteoarthritis Relief, Liver and Heart Health

10. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active component responsible for giving spiciness and pungency to different types of chili peppers. However, capsaicin also has therapeutic properties that are beneficial for one's health. Research shows that it can ease pain and provide relief to arthritis. Ancient people also used chili not only for cooking but also in treating different ailments. 

Common Uses:

• Reduces arthritis pain since it contains analgesic properties. 
• Promotes healthy metabolism and supports weight loss management. 
• Helps boost immune system since it contains antioxidant levels. 
• Supports healthy digestion and reduces digestive problems. 
• Lowers blood pressure, glucose levels and promote blood circulation. 

READ MORE: Capsaicin for Weight Loss, Metabolism and Soothing Pain

Disclaimer: The health information published on this web page is solely intended for educational purposes. VitaminsOnly strongly recommends to consult health care professionals for any questions concerning your health.