Healing With Herbs and Spices - Medicine Never Tasted So Good!

Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years to sustain the health and well-being of mankind. Their antibiotic and antiseptic properties have helped to heal wounds and ward off disease, preserve and flavor food, and cleanse and beautify the body, both inside and out. Spices were so valued throughout ancient times that wars were fought over them, and they were traded equally for gold, making them literally worth their weight in gold.

Today, the value of herbs and spices continues to grow, as they are taking their place in modern medicine as a natural curative and preventive for many ailments. As the health benefits of herbs and spices continue to be tested and proven, the day may come when you can replace your medicine cabinet with your spice rack!

Herbs and Spices .... why Watkins?

Not all spices are created equal. The essential oil content of herbs and spices are what hold their healing and cleansing powers. The higher the essential oil content, the better the flavor and quality, and the greater the health benefits. Watkins uses top quality herbs and spices which are the highest in essential oil content, and great care is taken to ensure that these precious oils are maintained. Other brands may look the same, but the much higher essential oil content in Watkins herbs and spices impart more flavor, aroma, and health benefits.

Here are just a few Watkins healing herbs and spices and their benefits to you. (Medicine never tasted so good!)

Allspice is an antioxidant that protects against cancer, kills microorganisms and is used to treat flatulence and relieve indigestion.

• Adding allspice, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, tarragon or thyme to foods will preserve them and slow spoilage of leftovers.

Basil may help to prevent cancer of the bladder and prostate. It aids in digestion and is used to treat flatulence and stomach upset. As an antibiotic, it may help to fight colds and the flu.

• Keep an open container of Watkins Basil on hand to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay - they shun its scent.

Black Pepper stimulates digestion, circulation, and detoxification. It helps to relieve congestion and fever, and as an antibiotic, may help to fight colds and the flu.

• In some people, inhaling black pepper can help to reduce cravings for cigarettes during withdrawal. (Thanks to Watkins' conviction to quality and high oil content, they are able to offer the only "sneeze-proof" black pepper!)

Cayenne Pepper and other hot peppers boost metabolism for several hours after they are eaten, increasing calorie burning. They contain antioxidants that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and defend against toxic chemicals. Regular consumption of hot peppers can improve circulation, ease flatulence, relieve indigestion, and strengthen the heart and nervous system. The powdered form is often used to treat colds and the flu.

• Put a small amount of Watkins Cayenne Pepper into a plastic or cloth bag, seal it tightly, and place it next to cold feet or inside socks to warm your feet.

Caraway Seed contains flavonoids which fight cancer and are used to treat intestinal spasms and flatulence.

Celery Seed helps to lower blood pressure and fights cancer, and may be useful for treating arthritis by detoxifying the body and improving circulation to muscles and joints.

Cilantro contains phytonutrients that fight cancer and aid in digestion.

Cinnamon helps to keep blood sugar levels steady and aids in digestion by enhancing breakdown of proteins and fats. It inhibits growth of bacteria, fungi and viruii, helping to ward off infections, including colds and the flu, and helps to ease symptoms of diarrhea.

• For diarrhea, mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. Watkins Cinnamon into 1 cup/250 ml. of hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink.

Cloves are antioxidants which fight cancer, kill microorganisms and can help to relieve toothache pain.

• Wriggle a whole clove, pointed end down, next to the tooth to relieve toothache.

Cumin may help to prevent cancer of the bladder and prostate.

Dill contains flavonoids that fight cancer and aids in digestion.

Garlic boosts the immune system and fights infection. It also fights cancer, lowers cholesterol and prevents blood clots, offering protection against heart disease and stroke.

Ginger helps to relieve nausea, including motion sickness, is useful for treating arthritis, and helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also help to quiet a cough by stimulating mucus secretions.

• For prevention and relief of nausea and cough, pour 1 cup/250 ml. of boiling water over 2 teaspoons/10 ml. of Watkins Powdered Ginger and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
• Ginger-Cinnamon tea can help to relieve the discomfort associated with nausea and diarrhea. Mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. Watkins Cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon/1.25 ml. Watkins Ginger to 1 cup/250 ml. boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Marjoram is effective as an insecticide and as an antibiotic, and may help to fight colds and the flu.

Nutmeg is used to ease digestive problems.

Oregano contains flavonoids and other antioxidants which protect against disease and is antibacterial and antifungal.

• Adding garlic, cloves, cinnamon, oregano or sage to hamburger meat or salami can reduce the presence of E.coli, however, the meat must still be cooked to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Onions protect against cancer and heart disease.

Paprika contains cancer-fighting antioxidants and possesses health benefits similar to cayenne pepper and red pepper.

Parsley is an excellent diuretic that is used to ease bloating, reduce water retention and speed the excretion of toxins. It is also used to purify the breath.

Red Pepper Flakes increase metabolism and contain the same health benefits as cayenne pepper.

• For another foot-warming idea, add Watkins Red Pepper Flakes to cornstarch and lightly dust in your socks. Start with a small amount and increase gradually until you find the desired temperature.

Rosemary stimulates the heart and brain, helps to improve vitality and memory, and fights afternoon fatigue. It can help to prevent some vasoconstrictor migraines and helps to prevent the growth of tumors linked to breast cancer.

• Mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. of Watkins Rosemary per cup of hot water or green tea. Strain and drink.

Sage is an antioxidant that fights cancer and may also help to reduce night sweats due to menopause.

• Make a sage infusion by placing 2-3 teaspoons/10 - 15 ml. of Watkins Sage in 1 cup/250 ml. hot water. Cover tightly and steep for at least 20 minutes (or for several hours). Strain and drink.

Sesame Seeds contain pain-fighting compounds and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

• For a toothache, boil one part Watkins Sesame Seeds with three parts water until the liquid is reduced by half. Cool and apply directly to the tooth.

Tarragon contains flavonoids which fight cancer and help to preserve food.

Thyme is an antiseptic and expectorant and can help to dry up nasal passages and congestion. It aids indigestion by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and may help to relieve menstrual cramps.

• Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons/5 - 10 ml. Watkins Thyme in 1 cup/250 ml. boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Turmeric, found in Watkins Curry Powder, Ground Beef Seasoning, and Watkins Linimax, helps to make plaque less likely to stick to artery walls, reducing risk of heart attack. it helps to stimulate the flow of digestive juices which helps to prevent acid buildup, and is used to treat arthritis and may help to treat diabetes.

These are just a few of the hundreds of health benefits found in Watkins Gourmet Herbs and Spices. For the greatest health benefits, use a variety of Watkins spices every day.

After all, variety is the spice of life!