Ginger.
Praised by Confucius and used in recipes by Nostradamus, ginger has been revered as the "universal medicine" for thousands of years. Today, it remains a remedy for nausea, indigestion, fever and infection and has qualities that may prevent heart attacks, aid digestion, prevent colds, flu and skin cancers and aid weight loss.
Thyme
As one of nature's best antiseptics, it comes as no surprise that this herb is used in Listerine and Vicks Vapour Rub. Take it in tea-form to help heal sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, laryngitis and whooping cough.
Garlic
This wonder drug has a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the plague. Raw garlic is now used by some to treat acne and others as a mosquito repellent. Adding garlic to your diet is also known to lower blood pressure, suppress cholesterol production in the liver and even prevent cancer.
Parsley
Apart from sweetening your breath, this common meal garnish can help prevent T-cell lymphoma, eliminate toxins in the liver, treat allergies, asthma and bladder infections.
Lemongrass
Medicinal uses range from soothing upset stomachs to lowering fever, relieving congestion to aiding digestion. A US study also revealed that some people taking prepared lemongrass capsules daily for three months experienced a significant reduction in cholesterol levels.
Mint
Well-known for its ability to sooth the digestive tract and reduce the severity and length of stomach aches, mint can also ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and slow the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Lavender
This shrubby herb is largely cultivated for its essential oils which calm the nerves, soothe headaches, ease dizziness and help relieve depression and stress. In ancient times, women often clutched a sprig of lavender to ease the pain of childbirth.
Dill
The word "dill" comes from the old Norse word "dilla", meaning "to lull", which explains the calcium-rich herb's traditional use: to soothe and relieve. It's known to treat insomnia and also has strong antibacterial properties. |
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