| The standard American diet is nothing short | | | | |
| of a death trap. More Americans are | | | | * Ginger is one of the best-known nausea |
| overweight today than at any other time in | | | | preventatives. It is also antibacterial and |
| history. And, as obesity soars, so do many | | | | is commonly used to support the immune |
| other sickness and diseases. Many of which | | | | system, cardiovascular health and arthritis. |
| could be eliminated or at least greatly | | | | |
| diminished if we took responsibility for our | | | | * Tumeric is well known for treating both |
| own well-being. | | | | diabetes and arthritis. |
| | | | |
| Herbs have been a source of medicine for | | | | * Cloves have proven pain-relieving |
| thousands of years. There are now stores in | | | | properties. It is also a natural antiseptic. |
| almost all mid to large size cities that | | | | |
| cater to the natural and organic foods | | | | * Red pepper also is well known for its |
| market. The concept is easy to embrace; yet | | | | pain-relieving properties. If you suffer |
| some people just don't seem to understand the | | | | from migraines or cluster headaches, try |
| simplicity of it. By simply adding herbs to | | | | adding red pepper or cayenne to your meals. |
| our everyday cooking we can dramatically | | | | |
| stabilize and see radical improvements in our | | | | * Thyme is beneficial for its natural |
| health. The problem is that we have to get | | | | anti-aging chemicals. It is also used for |
| more families in the kitchen and out of the | | | | relieving muscle pain and tension headaches. |
| fast food restaurants. | | | | |
| | | | And of course this is just a good starting |
| Herbs come in several forms: fresh, dried, | | | | point. Pick up a book such as the Green |
| chopped and powdered. You will have to get | | | | Pharmacy, or any good herbal cookbook and you |
| familiar with the herbs to figure out which | | | | will be amazed at what you can do to live a |
| form you like to use. Some herbs work better | | | | healthier life just by simply incorporating |
| in a fresh form than others, but it is | | | | herbs in your foods. |
| ultimately a matter of taste. | | | | |
| | | | As far as how to incorporate them into your |
| With such an array of herbs on the market | | | | foods, I dare not go into that arena. Adding |
| today, it would be impossible to go through | | | | herbs to your food is a matter of taste. |
| the benefits of each one. However, most | | | | However, here are some basic tips. |
| people have several very beneficial herbs | | | | |
| right in their cupboards. Let's take one of | | | | * If you are using a fresh herb, you will |
| the basics, garlic. Garlic has been called | | | | need double the amount as the dried form. |
| natural penicillin for centuries. Garlic is | | | | |
| known to prevent both heart disease and | | | | * Start out adding small amounts and suit to |
| cancer. It is very wise to ingest as much | | | | taste. |
| garlic as you can, especially during cold and | | | | |
| flu season. Although it does not leave the | | | | * To determine the best flavor combinations |
| most pleasant aroma in its wake, garlic is | | | | for your foods, try taking the herbs and |
| one of the best natural medicines you can | | | | rubbing them between your fingers. Then |
| have in your diet. | | | | smell them and see what you think. When it |
| | | | comes down to it, your sense of smell is much |
| Here is a list of many other common pantry | | | | more important than your sense of taste. |
| herbs and spices that are very beneficial to | | | | Before long you will know exactly the right |
| your health. | | | | combinations for your families tastes. |
| | | | |
| * Cinnamon is a potent antimicrobial agent | | | | And as Hippocrates supposedly said, "Let your |
| and is very useful in settling an upset | | | | food be your medicine, and let your medicine |
| stomach. | | | | be your food. |