5 Surprising Herbs and Spices That Relieve Pain

Whether or not you consider yourself an able cook, chances are you’ll have a pantry full of herbs and spices to add to your dishes. You might grow them from seed in your garden, add them to flower bouquets, or buy the dried variety from the store to use in your cooking; but have you ever considered that these kitchen staples could deliver more than just flavor?

Most of us buy painkillers and over the counter remedies without realizing how many natural medicines we already have in our kitchen cupboards. With so many flavors at our fingertips, it's easy to forget that most herbs and spices boast a medical history dating back thousands of years. Thankfully, it’s never too late to rediscover the miracle of ancient medicines – here are some of the world’s most surprising natural pain relievers and the ailments they can cure.

Chamomile

Not only will a cup of chamomile tea calm an anxious mind, but the fragrant flower can also help relieve menstrual cramps. If you want to enjoy the full medicinal benefits of the fragrant bud, however, you will need to invest in chamomile capsules. According to research, it would take around 14 teabags stewed in two cups of water to relieve acute menstrual pain, which amounts to a lot of tea!

Turmeric

Known for its yellow color and unique flavor, turmeric is a staple for your medicine cabinet as well as your curries. The spice contains an antioxidant called curcumin, which is known to treat indigestion, ulcers, stomach upsets and general aches and pains. You can add turmeric to soups, curries, and stews, as well as mixing it into teas and plant milk to aid digestion. Just be careful not to get it on your clothing, as turmeric will stain your clothes.

Cloves

These brown, twiggy buds may look strange, but cloves can be used to treat many conditions, making them an essential addition to your spice rack. Thanks to their active ingredient eugenol, ground cloves or clove oil can help relieve toothaches, headaches, and nausea. The spice can be added to food to provide an aniseed flavor, or purchased in capsule, powder, or oil forms.

Cannabis

Although the use and possession of cannabis are illegal in the United States, the Asian plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In America, the use and distribution of medical marijuana are permitted in 29 states to help treat pain, nausea, and neurological disorders in patients. The evidence may be controversial, but it’s hard to deny the plant’s effectiveness when you consider that it was given to laboring mothers in Ancient China. If you’re in the medical field and you want to learn more about the different types of cannabis, visit the WeedSeedShop website.

Thyme

Many people use thyme in their dishes without realizing how many health-boosting qualities this herb possesses. The evergreen plant can help to fight infection, clear out the lungs, and even reduce migraine symptoms. Thyme it also smells great, which is why the Ancient Greeks used it to “purify” their homes. You can include thyme in your cooking, either fresh or dried, or buy it in oil form to add to healthy salads.

This is a guest blog entry.