Spice and Herbal Education

Spices

Spices are, put simply, dried plant parts.  Although spices are generally broken down into four basic groups-seeds, fruit, roots and bark- there are of course, exceptions.  Saffron for example is the hand picked deeply golden stamen of the crocus flower and the worlds most expensive spice.

Spices not only add flavor to cuisines across the world, but they have been utilized for centuries as preservatives, colorants, and therapeutics.  Spices played an integral role in the development and production of natural medicines in the ancient civilizations of China and India and many are still popular today.

Spices have been highly prized items for much of human history.  The first recorded reference to spice occurred between 4000 and 5000 years ago although their true value was only recognized during the Middle Ages.

Herbs

Four herbs and spices-celery, ginger, red pepper, and turmeric-are generously endowed with natural COX-2 inhibitors and several healing substances, according to James A. Duke, PhD. They’re much safer than prescription and OTC drugs, and they’re a lot tastier.

Celery contains five different COX-2 inhibitors, more than three dozen anti-inflammatory components, and several arthritis-fighting substances.

Ginger which is well known for digestive complaints and morning sickness, is even better endowed in COX-2 inhibitors and arthritis- and inflammation-fighting compounds than celery.

Red Pepper or Capsicum can inflict pain to the tongue, but its fiery capsaicin interferes with the transmission of pain impulses elsewhere in the body. Red pepper also triggers the release of endorphins, nature’s own opiates, and contains aspirin-like components.

Turmeric relieves aches and pains and is easier on the tummy than aspirin. Looking for an all-natural COX-2 inhibitor? This tasty yellow spice restricts the body’s release of COX-2 prostaglandins, which are secreted in response to sources of inflammation and swelling. Turmeric(a common ingredient in curry) may also help prevent colon cancer.