Centuries old remedies

• The positive effects that herbs and spices can have on your health has been recorded for years. In fact as far back as 460-377 BCE, Hippocrates used over 300 remedies made from herbs and spices. Records have been found that show the Ancient Egyption papyri used spices such as coriander, juniper, fennel, cumin, garlic, and thyme for health purposes. For centuries the Chinese have created soups and stews using herbs, and Indian cultrues still use herbs as remedies for many ailments to this day.
  
  

Today's society

• Doctors and other experts have begun to recognize the benefits of herbs and spices in the overall health of the human body and immune system. Some have even suggested that a new dietary pyrimid be made to include the protective properties of herbs and spices. Professionals are also beginning to hand out informational pamplets on the uses and nutritional value of herbs and spices in the daily diet.
  
  

Known benefits

• Garlic is widely used against infection and as an antibiotic to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is also commonly used to treat yeast infections in women.
  
  Chamomile is used as a sedative. It also reduces fever , relieves digestive ailments and can be applied topically to relieve diaper rash.
  
  Nutmeg is used to stimulate the cardiovascular system and relieve joint inflammation caused by gout. Care should be taken when using nutmeg as it is toxic in large doses. Do not use if pregnant.
  
  Thyme is crushed and applied to clean cuts and abrasions as an antiseptic. In tea form it is used for colds, menstrual cramps, and to calm the stomach.
  
  Ginger is used for nausea, motion sickness, and nausea due to chemotherapy.
  
  Sage is used for colds, urinary tract problems, and can be used to treat diabetes.
  
  Fennel is used to treat colic and gas. It is also used as a diuretic.
  
  Fenugreek: is used to treat menopause.
  
  Cloves are used as a wound antiseptic. It is also used to treat indegestion, diarrhea, and as a deterrent to free-radicals.
  
  Rosemary is used to calm the digestive system, and in oil form can be rubbed into muscles to relieve soreness and increase circulation.
  
  Turmeric is used to treat arthritis and prevent heart disease. It is also thought to prevent cancer.
  
  Cayenne is used in pharmaceuticals to make asprin.
  
  Celery Seed is used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and to lower cholesterol.
  
  Coriander treats colic and nausea. It also calms the digestive system.
  
  Cinnamon is used to control blood suger levels, and it also treats urinary tract and yest infections.
  
  Golden Seal detoxifies, releives sore throats, gum inflammation, and yeast infections.
  
  Oregano relieves respitory an digestive problems, and also treats yeast infections.
  
  Licorice Root is used to treat menopause, and in some cases has been shown to work as well or better than hormone replacement therapy.
  
  Saffron has been shown to have a large effect in destroying cancer cells found in leukemia.
  
  Curcumin is currently being studied as a treatment for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.