Skip to main content

THE 3 BEST HERBS FOR HEALTH AND HOW TO USE THEM


The potential health benefits of herbs are why they have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Many benefits may come from incorporating herbs into your daily diet. Here are the three best herbs that are thought to be very beneficial to health.


Turmeric 

Turmeric is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It is traditionally used as a spice and in herbal medicine. The curcumin found in turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce inflammation and has a number of positive effects on your health, which include heart health, brain function, better digestion, strengthening of the joints, and possibly lowering the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer.

How to use it:

Turmeric Tea: Boil water and add a teaspoon of ground turmeric. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, strain, and if you like you can add honey or lemon for an extra bit of flavor.

Turmeric Supplements: If you find it challenging to incorporate turmeric into your diet, you can take curcumin supplements. You can find them here.

Golden Milk: You can make a warming and soothing drink known as "golden milk" by combining milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk) with turmeric and black pepper (which enhances curcumin absorption), and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Turmeric in Cooking: You can use turmeric as a spice in your cooking by adding it to curries, soups, stews, rice dishes, and marinades. It is a common ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Turmeric Paste: Mix a small amount of turmeric with some water to create a paste, apply the paste topically to areas with skin issues, You can also make a soothing and refreshing face mask by mixing it with yogurt or honey.

Smoothies: Add a pinch of turmeric to your morning smoothie for an extra health boost.

Turmeric in Salads: Sprinkle a little turmeric on your salads for added flavor and color.

Ginger 

Originally from Southeast Asia, ginger is now cultivated in many parts of the world. It is a popular spice in cooking but is also very beneficial to health. Ginger has a positive effect on the digestive system as it relieves symptoms of nausea and indigestion. It has anti-inflammatory effects because of a compound called gingerol that is found in it. It can also help with muscle pain, menstrual pain, and headaches, and boost the immune system.

How to use it:

Ginger Tea: One of the most common and soothing ways to consume ginger is by making ginger tea.
Slice or grate fresh ginger root (about 1-2 teaspoons) and steep it in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can add honey and lemon for flavor.

Ginger in Cooking: You can incorporate fresh or ground ginger into your cooking. Add it to stir-fries, soups, curries, and marinades for a flavorful kick. Grated ginger can also be used in salad dressings or as a seasoning for vegetables.

Ginger Supplements: If you don't like the taste of ginger or find it difficult to consume it regularly, you can consider ginger supplements in the form of capsules or extracts. You can find them here.

Ginger in Smoothies: Add a small piece of fresh ginger to your morning smoothie for added flavor.

Ginger Candy: Ginger-flavored candies, chews, or lozenges can be a convenient way to enjoy ginger's benefits, especially for soothing nausea or motion sickness.

Ginger for Digestion: Ginger is well-known for its digestive properties. You can chew on a small piece of fresh ginger after meals to help with digestion. Ginger can also be grated and added to hot water with a little honey as a digestive aid.

Ginger for Nausea and Motion Sickness: Ginger has been found to be effective in reducing nausea and motion sickness. You can consume ginger tea or ginger candies before traveling to help prevent it.

Ginger for Sore Muscles: Apply ginger oil or a ginger-infused cream topically to sore muscles to reduce pain and inflammation.

Ginger for Cold and Flu: Ginger tea with honey and lemon can help soothe a sore throat and provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Ginger and Immune Support: Ginger is rich in antioxidants and may support the immune system.
Regular consumption of ginger tea or incorporating ginger into your meals can be part of a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system.


 Garlic 

Widely used in the culinary industry, garlic is also well known for boosting the immune system and helping with heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Additionally, it has antimicrobial qualities.

How to use it:

Raw Garlic: Eating raw garlic cloves can provide many health benefits. You can chop, crush, or mince a clove of garlic and add it to your salads, dressings or dips. It's best to crush or chop garlic and let it sit for a few minutes before consuming it to activate allicin, which is a compound found in garlic that is beneficial to health. 

Cooking with Garlic: Garlic adds flavor to a wide range of dishes. Use it in stir-fries, pasta sauces, soups, roasted vegetables, and marinades. It's best to add garlic towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and nutrients.

Garlic Supplements: If you dislike the taste or odor of garlic, you can take garlic supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. You can find them here.

Garlic Oil: Garlic-infused oil can be used for cooking or as a condiment. However, be cautious with homemade garlic oil as it can potentially develop harmful bacteria if not stored properly.

Garlic Tea: Crush a clove of garlic and steep it in hot water to make garlic tea. Add honey or lemon for flavor. Garlic tea can help soothe a sore throat and boost the immune system.



With this wide variety of ways to incorporate these herbs into your daily diet, you are not only giving extra flavor to your meals but also absorbing all the wonderful benefits that they can bring. However, it is essential to remember that they shouldn't be used in place of expert medical advice or treatment. Prior to using herbs as a form of therapy, always speak with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medication. 











Comments