Spices that heal [infographic]

Food, herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for their powerful health building and curative effects. Traditional cultures the world over have well developed medical systems based on substances that appear in nature.

Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine are among the oldest systems of medicine in the world, and they rely on herbals as a cornerstone of their practices.

The use of spices for healing is less well known, but those two traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, use mixtures of spices in their “food as medicine” principles, including relieving inflammation and pain.

Today, science has helped confirm that adding spices into your daily eating habits can go a long way toward low-side effect, natural health solutions.

6 health benefits in your spice rack

Turmeric may be found on your kitchen’s spice rack, but this relative of ginger has so many health benefits for men that it also belongs in your medicine cabinet.

Eat it or sniff it: The herb with potent powers

Aromatherapy can be a powerful relaxation and healing tool. Used often in traditional medicine, the natural oils extracted from flowers, plants and herbs can be heated to give off soothing or invigorating aromas, and the scents are often incorporated into body oils and lotions.

7 foods that your joints will love

I’m not saying that eating certain foods will completely eliminate your joint pain. However, if you choose foods that can reduce pain and discomfort in your joints and avoid those that promote inflammation, you could go a long way toward improving your quality of life and your ability to participate in the activities you enjoy the most.

Put this spice on your food to kill cancer

A popular spice does more than merely perk up the flavor of food. It also perks up you cancer defenses.

10 reasons to eat ginger

Ginger is a spice that has been valued for millennia for its culinary zing and healing properties. The latter benefit is largely attributed to …

This superspice puts the heat on cancer, melts fat and opens arteries

There’s a wonderfully healthy spice that can help you fight heart disease, dodge cancer, live longer and lose weight. And you can toss some on your dinner tonight — maybe even on your eggs in the morning.

The spice that battles Alzheimer’s

A common spice may help you avoid the destruction of Alzheimer’s. Chances are, the spice is already sitting in a small jar on a shelf in your kitchen.