HERBS & SPICES
DIFFERENT CLASSES & PROPERTIES OF HERBS
Anti-emetics These reduce the feeling of nausea and relieve, or reduce, vomiting. Anti-inflammatories These reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals, cytokines. Anti-microbials These inhibit the survival or reproduction of microorganisms, which kills them. Many anti-microbial herbs are also anti-inflammatory Examples of these include: Garlic Bearberry or Uva-ursi Sagebush Baptisia Calendula Cayenne Redroot Myrrh Goldenseal Astringents These constrict or shrink body tissue that reduces secretions. They contain tannins. Anti-spasmodics These relax cramps and spasms. Bitters These are stimulating tonics that support the gastrointestinal, GI, system through a reflex via the taste buds. Bitterness sends signal to brain that prepares the entire digestive tract (liver, pancreas, intestines) to move. Bitterness also helps to release gastrin that increases hydrochloric acid, HCL, production. It also helps stimulate the body’s digestive enzymes, and helps stimulate secretion bile. Bitters are best taken straight and 15 minutes before meals. Divided into two groups: Choleretics Stimulate the production & release of bile. Dandelion root, burdock root, artichoke, turmeric, goldenseal Has laxative effect on GI system. Heptatoprotectants Repair & protect the liver from toxins. Carminatives These ease the discomfort from bloating, cramping and gas. Demulcents These soothing substances help protect irritated or inflamed tissue. They are rich in mucilage. Immune Enhancers These increase immunity. Immunostimulants These are also called surface immune activators. They are taken for the short-term to help the body resist infections beginning stages and are taken through duration of the infection. They increase phagocytosis They increase WBC division and activity They help moderate immune communication chemicals like cytokines. These herbs have a potential to increase autoimmunity and have caused flare-ups in people with autoimmune conditions. Although this is more the exception than the rule, you need to be aware of this. Examples include Garlic bulb Wild Indigo Mrry Purple coneflower Boneset Elderberry Toothache plant Toothache tree Usnea lichen or old mans beard Immunomodulators These are also called deep immune tonics. Typically tonic support is for the entire immune system. Immunomodulators are slower acting, unlike immunostimulants, and they can be used for longer periods of time unlike immunostimulants. They are used in people with poor immunity, those who experience frequent infections and those whose immune system is overactive (allergies and autoimmune conditions). Most immunomodulators possess adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens are tonic herbs that help balance the body and assist it in adapting to emotional, physical and mental stress. Examples include: Astragalus Siberian ginseng, root American ginseng, root Cordyceps Reishi Shiitake, mushroom Privet, fruit Holy basil, herb Roseroot, root Wu wei zi, berries Ashwagandha, root Laxatives These are indigestible carbohydrates that stimulate bowel motility via bulking activity. Mucosal Tonics These regenerate cells that line gastrointestinal, GI, tract. Pungents These are warm and stimulate the gastointestinal, GI, tract. Stimulating Laxatives These stimulate bowel motility and evacuation due to the presence of anthraquinones. They are only used for the short-term as prolonged use can cause excessive loss electrolytes. They can cause cramps and abdominal pain.
ALFALFA
Alfalfa is often eaten as a sprout. It is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. One cup of alfalfa sprouts has only 8 calories but delivers 0.2 grams fat, 0.7 grams carbohydrate, 0.6 grams fiber, and 1.3 grams protein. Alfalfa is packed with soluble fiber that helps to increase satiety early so you eat less. CONTAINS Vitamin A, B3 (Niacin), B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folate), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn) Alfalfa can help with Decreasing cholesterol Blood sugar control Constipation Premenstrual syndrome, PMS, and menopause Alfalfa contains isoflavones that are a type of phytoestrogen, which is a plant-based hormone that acts just like estrogen
ARTICHOKE LEAF (ARTICHOKE)
Artichoke contains cynarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and flavonoids, which are all antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that damage your tissue and body. In addition, artichoke extract may improve secretion and flow of bile fluid, improving digestion, reduce synthesis of cholesterol and protect the liver from fat accumulation. Some studies have shown a significant reduction in blood levels of liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood sugar. Artichoke can help with the following conditions: Indigestion Elevated cholesterol or hyperlipidemia Promotes digestion of fats Liver and gallbladder conditions Polyphenols in artichoke stimulate the flow of bile High blood pressure or hypertension Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS Chronic nausea Mild diarrhea Artichoke is also high in insoluble fiber inulin Inulin is prebiotic, which is a nondigestible nutrient, fiber, that serves as food for the microbiota – the bacteria in your colon. The microbiota in turn is able to produce nutrients for the cells of your colon that include short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, and propionate). This leads to a healthier digestive system. Inulin is also found in asparagus, bananas, dandelion root, garlic, leeks and onions.
ASHWAGANDHA
It is also known as Indian Ginseng. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which are plants, and mushrooms, that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and creates an overall feeling of wellbeing. It functions as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety. It contains withanolides that are naturally occurring steroids that help to decrease cortisol levels that decreases stress. It is known to increase energy and athletic performance. It also improves hormone balance by not only regulating cortisol but thyroid and reprodutive hormones.
ASTRAGALUS
It is an herb used in China to support and protect the immune system, and to promote resilience. It helps regulates white blood cell, WBC, division & activity. It also Stimlulates natural killer, NK, cells Induces Interferon production Balances helper T-cell activity Intensifies phagocytosis Stimulates pituitary-adrenal cortical activity Strengthens innate and adaptive immunity Restores depleted red blood cell, RBC, formation in bone marrow Astragalus’s effects on the immune system takes time, up to several weeks after daily ingestion.
BASIL
It is in the mint family that acts as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains flavonoids and nitrates, and the latter increase nitric oxide, NO, levels. Increasing nitric oxide levels dilates the blood vessels that can help mitigate hypertension. Basil can also help protect your DNA, decrease blood sugar levels, improve the ability to think, reduce stress levels, improve sleep. It contains calcium (Ca), Vitamin A, Vitamin K, B vitamins, traces of iron (Fe).
BURDOCK
It is an antioxidant that is good for bones. It also helps with acne and eczema, detoxify the liver, stimulate bile production, remove toxins from the blood, inhibits cancer growth (especially pancreatic cancer). Burdock also functions as a diuretic, removing excess water from the body and is a digestive aid.
CARDOMOM
It is spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It improves immunity by increasing natural killer (NK) cells, and may supercharge them to kill even more cancer cells. It is a diuretic that decreases blood pressure. It can also help with digestion, decrease blood sugar and increase airflow to your lungs to improve breathing.
CAYENNE
It contains capsaicin, and functions as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief). When nerve fibers are exposed to it they use up substance P so that nerves cannot transmit pain signals. Cluster headaches can be helped by cayenne. It helps to improve congestion, improve immunity, dissolve blood clots, decreases cholesterol and promote weight loss. Cayenne contains vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), Vitamin C, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium, (Mg) and Selenium (SeO4).
CHAMOMILE
It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It helps to calm and relax you, which decreases cortisol levels. It also helps fight insomnia. Chamomile helps with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, can lighten your hair, improve acne. It improves digestion, can decrease pms and menstrual pain, get rid of dandruff by promoting a healthy scalp. It can also help with osteoporosis as it has anti-estrogenic effects. It contains calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn).
CILANTRO
It is also called coriander, as both come from the same plant. It is an anti-inflammatory that can help with arthritis. It contains nitrates that are converted to nitric oxide, NO, that can decrease blood pressure. It can also decrease uric acid levels that cause gout and kidney stones by 50%.
CINNAMON
It is an anti-oxidant that contains more anti-oxidants than garlic and oregano. It helps fight cancer, and the compound cinnamaldehyde is responsible for this. Cinnamaldehyde protects DNA and promotes cell apoptosis, cell death, or the self-destruction of cancer cells. It is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. It helps decrease Candida albicans that can grow out of control in the gastrointestinal, GI, tract. It helps fight heart disease by reducing LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL. It helps to improve insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps inhibit blood clotting. Cinnamon stops the build-up of tau protein, which is what contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, this protein build up begins in the colon and not the brain.
CLOVES
It is another potent anti-oxidant. It contains eugenol that is an anti-inflammatory. It helps detoxify the liver, protect the mucous layer that lines the stomach to avoid ulcers, decrease blood sugar levels . it contains vitamin A, manganese (Mn), potassium (k)
DANDELION
Often thought of as a stubborn weed, it is so much more than that. It is an antioxidant that also helps detoxify the liver, and flushes toxins out. It helps to support the liver to produce bile while detoxifying the gallbladder. It is rich in inulin, which is a soluble fiber that helps to feed the microbiota. Dandelion may promote weight loss by promoting carbohydrate metabolism and reducing fat absorption. It contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium (Ca), folate (B9), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn).
ELBERBERRY
It is a dark purple berry that contains anthocyanin that is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also contains phenolic acid that is an antioxidant. Elderberry has many health benefits. It is an immune-enhancer and anti-viral that can fight again upper respiratory infections, the flu and shingles. It is also an anti-inflammatory. It may decrease cholesterol levels, uric acid levels. It can decrease blood sugar levels by inhibiting the enzyme alpha-glucosidase (α-glucosidase). It increases urination and may improve depression. It contains vitamine A, vitamin C (52 mg per cup) iron (Fe), potassium (K)
GARLIC
This is an important herb you must incorporate into your diet, and it is related to the onion. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, ant-parasitic and an important antioxidant. It is very good for immunity When garlic is crushed, chopped or chewed garlic the alliinase enzyme is activated that converts allii to allicin, which is antimicrobial in the gut Allicin helps alleviate liver injury and inflammation. It boosts your immune system. It also helps detoxify the liver and improves digestion while improves iron, Fe, absorption. It also helps to reduce the cold, flu and pharyngitis (sore throat). It does this by stimulating white blood cells - WBC. More importantly, it supports the development of natural microbiota while killing pathogenic bacteria. Garlic is excellent for your cardiovascular system. It decreases cholesterol by preventing fat from being oxidized and thus being deposited in arteries and tissues. It also decreases blood pressure. Garlic helps fight cancer by blocking cancer cell proliferation while leaving normal cells alone. It blocks the creation of nitrosamines that are carcinogenic thus reducing colon, esophageal and stomach cancer. It is a chelating agent that binds to heavy metals promoting their excretion. It does this by containing sulfhydryl that binds to toxic metals. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate (B9), niacin(B3), thiamine (b1), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (mg), manganese (Mn)zinc (Zn). It is a rich source of vitamin D.
GINGER
It is probably best known for decreasing nausea. But Ginger is much more than an anti-nausea herb. It contains gingerol and shogaol that are anti-viral that help reduce the flu. It is also an anti-inflammatory that improves the endothelium, which improves blood flow. Ginger helps prevent platelet aggregation, and works like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, NSAID’s, like Ibuprofen. It also contains exosome-like nanoparticles that target gut-associated macrophages. It helps to ameliorate headaches that some studies have shown does it better than Imitrex. It also decreases cholesterol levels. It improves digestion by improving gastrointestinal motility and increasing the production of digestive juices and enzymes. It helps detoxify the liver, decreases gingivitis and periodontitis. It prevents the growth of certain bacteria especially in the respiratory tract that decreases risk of infection. It stimulates the immune system. Ginger can also decrease menstrual pain.