10 kitchen ingredients that work like medicines
CEBU, Philippines — The use of natural ingredients to treat health problems is becoming more and more common with every passing year, and for good reason. Many common kitchen ingredients provide impressive health benefits.
Beyond their culinary use of making food tasty,these ingredients can help deal with a range of health issues from minor to major. Home treatments can be time-saving, inexpensive and, most importantly, as effective as medicines. Here are 10 of these:
Turmeric
It is a popular spice used in cooking. Its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also make it an effective home remedy for a variety of conditions.
Turmeric can be used to disinfect minor cuts and burns as well as treat the common cold, cough, joint inflammation, arthritis, bruised skin, acne, pimples and various stomach ailments.
It can also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and minimize liver damage caused by alcohol abuse or regular use of painkillers. Due to its antioxidant properties, turmeric has also been proven beneficial in treating many types of cancer, most notably breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and leukemia.
Ginger
This root spice has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. At the same time, it is a powerful natural analgesic or painkiller. Ginger is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E and B-complex.
Ginger can be used to treat an upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, nausea and motion sickness; regular body pain and arthritis pain; a cold, cough and other respiratory health problems; fever; and menstrual cramps. It has also been proven to control different types of cancer due to its ability to slow the growth of cancer cells.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. This spice is also an excellent source of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper, along with vitamin A, niacin and pyridoxine.
It is often used to treat the common cold, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, arthritis pain and painful menstrual periods. It has also been found that regular consumption of cinnamon can help people with Type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar level. In addition, it helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of various types of heart disease. It should not be taken in excess, though, as it may cause toxicity.
Garlic
This spice is often referred to as a superfood due to its stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. In addition, garlic is packed with vitamins and nutrients, such as protein, potassium, calcium, zinc and many others.
Garlic can be used to treat cough, chronic bronchitis, sore throat, hoarseness, sinus problems, asthma, ear infection, indigestion, stomach ache, colic, ringworm, toothache, and bug bites.It can even help lower cholesterol levels and prevent strokes. Also, this strong-smelling herb reduces the risk of several types of cancer and heart disease.
Lemon
Lemon is known for its antioxidant properties along with immune-boosting powers. It also has many nourishing nutrients like vitamin C and folate.
There’s a multitude of medicinal uses for lemon and it is often used in the treatment of headaches, throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, dandruff, insect bites, arthritis, rheumatism, and internal bleeding.
Lemon is also considered for losing weight, reducing high blood pressure and getting rid of kidney stones. When consumed regularly, lemon helps prevent many conditions, as well, like strokes, cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. Plus, it is excellent for the skin and hair.
Honey
Honey has antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-parasitic properties. This sweet is also loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, zinc and phosphate.
It can be used in the treatment of cough, throat irritation, laryngitis, canker sores, eczema, morning sickness, and stomach ulcers. It also relieves issues like skin infections and minor wounds and burns.
In addition, this great natural source of carbohydrates can instantly boost athletes’ performance and endurance as well as reduce muscle fatigue. Raw honey is also used to treat issues related to male impotence and female infertility.
Onion
Onion has outstanding anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, antimicrobial, and carminative properties. It is also a very good source of vitamins C, B1, B6 and K, biotin, chromium, calcium, folic acid and dietary fiber.
It is very effective in the treatment of the common cold, cough, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, hay fever, and asthma. It is also effective in combating stomach infections, nausea, and diarrhea. And the diverse anti-cancer powers present in onion play a significant role in reducing the risk of various kinds of cancer.
Also, onion contains chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes. Eating raw onion can help lower high cholesterol too. Interestingly, it is believed that applying onion juice on bald patches is beneficial in reducing hair loss.
Cloves
Cloves have antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. They are also high in various vitamins, minerals and fiber.
It can be uses to combat a number of health conditions, such as toothache, oral ulcers, sore gums, joint inflammation, muscle aches, body pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, gastric irritability, flatulence, and cholera.
Also, clove oil can be used as an inhalant for treating various respiratory problems such as colds, cough, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
Note: Although cloves are generally considered safe, they may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Cardamom
This aromatic spice is also known as the ‘queen of spices’. It has carminative, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic and expectorant properties. Cardamom also is a good source of minerals, such as potassium, calcium, copper, iron and magnesium.
It helps combat problems like bad breath and mouth ulcer. In addition, due to its carminative properties, it relieves indigestion, nausea, heartburn, flatulence, and stomach cramps.
Cardamon is also good for those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and various kinds of respiratory allergies. Also, cardamom helps increase appetite, reduce stress levels and ease muscle tension.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-flatulent, and antioxidant properties. The seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fiber along with various minerals, such as iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium and zinc.
Cumin seeds are used in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, acidity, stomach pain, morning sickness, renal colic, the common cold, cough, fever, sore throat, and insomnia.
These also boost metabolism and facilitates the absorption of nutrients in the body. Plus, it supports healthy prenatal development in pregnant women and slows the growth of breast and colon cancer cells.
Using these common kitchen ingredients will help keep the house residents healthy as well as ailment-free. These can improve health and promote a better life when incorporated in people’s everyday diet.
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