Spice it Up

Spice it up – A few healthy benefits from adding herbs/spices to your Holiday Baking
Boost the flavor of your favorite baking dishes with herbs and add those extra health benefits to keep your families’ immune system strong. On my website: www.drdebsherbals.com I have 66 cooking and baking herbs for each one that you select a detailed description on the health benefit will come up, but here are a few of my favorites.
Cayenne: This herb is wonderful for winter colds, congestion, infection, and inflammation. It adds warmth and breaks up congestion, clears sinuses and serves to activate other herbs.
Turmeric: It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
Garlic: (powder, granules or fresh) Garlic can help you lower your bad cholesterol (LDL). Cholesterol is a fatty compound that travels in your blood and may put you at risk for heart disease. Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest congestion and coughs. Garlic is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. The Allicin which is a sulphuric compound is considered a natural antibiotic. Garlic is a good source of vitamin B6 which is needed for healthy immune and growth of new cells. Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition.
Thyme: is a natural medicine that is used for treating chest and respiratory problems. It serves as an effective cure for bronchitis, coughs and chest congestion as well. The herb helps reduce symptoms of irritable bowel and colic. It helps in preventing chronic gastritis as well. It effectively fights against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Dill: stimulates the secretion of bile and digestive juices. This also stimulates the peristaltic motion in the intestines and helps relieve constipation. Dill has long been associated with the management of insulin levels. As a well-known carminative, dill can help prevent the embarrassing condition of excessive gas. An anti-inflammatory herb, meaning that it helps to reduce the inflammation and the associated pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis.
Rosemary: been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. The aroma of rosemary is said to improve your mood. A popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem.
Oregano: Prevents heartburn, reduces gas and indigestion, helps to clear parasites from the body. Can soothe a cough and calm down asthma symptoms. Helps to treat and prevent seasonal allergies. Anti-inflammatory properties and can be used effectively for headaches, flu, sprains, strains and swollen glands. Beneficial for chronic fatigue syndrome. A natural treatment for yeast overgrowth. Oregano is rich in fiber and will improve the flexibility of joints.
Teas: this holiday season instead of bringing a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, what about a selection of healthy teas? There are also 61 teas to choose from on my website.