Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of gingerbread. Often a combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this warm spicy blend not only tastes good, it offers incredible health benefits. Immune building and inflammation-fighting, the warm, stimulating flavors of these four spices can ease digestive distress and help you achieve or sustain optimal health. Be on the lookout this holiday season for ways to spice up your food and your health. Read on to learn the health benefits of each.
- Ginger – A member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Ginger is a popular culinary spice that adds a warm, pungent sensation to any dish. Medicinally, it is used in many cultures to fight inflammation, reduce pain, soothe digestive distress, and curb motion sickness without imposing drowsiness. Freshly grated ginger is considered best for respiratory problems, while dried ginger is considered best for digestive ailments. The spice is known to strengthen heart tissue, support the immune system and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Physiologically, ginger has health-supportive analgesic, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant properties.
- Cinnamon – A member of the Lauraceae (laurel) family. Once among the most sought after and highly valued spices, cinnamon remains very popular in a wide range of cultures. Similar to ginger, cinnamon is good for digestion. It stimulates the digestive tract, enhances the digestibility of dairy, stimulates circulation, and helps to balance blood sugar. Medicinally, it has been used to stimulate appetite, is good for colds, coughs and sore throats, and helps combat fatigue and nausea. Aromatically, cinnamon is both stimulating and calming. It can stimulate the senses while at the same time calm the nerves. Physiologically, cinnamon has antibacterial, antibiotic, antioxidant, decongestant, and diuretic properties.
- Nutmeg – A member of the Myristaceae (nutmeg) family. Along with mace, nutmeg is a common culinary spice used in both baking and cooking. Nutmeg comes from the kernel or seed of an evergreen tree indigenous to Indonesia, while mace is derived from the hard outer shell of the seed. Nutmeg is known to stimulate brain activity and circulation. It also helps relax muscles. It is good for bronchial irritations, digestive tract infections, indigestion, insomnia, and nausea. Added to massage oil, the essential oil of nutmeg is often used to treat muscle pain. Physiological effects include anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, astringent, aromatic, and stimulant properties. A caution: Large amounts of nutmeg (more than 3g/day) can cause hangover-like feelings.
- Cloves – A member of the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family. Cloves give food a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor. Think gingerbread and pumpkin pie! An equally enticing but less common use is in bean soups and chili. Its active component, eugenol, provides beneficial anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anesthetic properties. For these reasons, clove oil is often added to mouthwash, toothpaste, and sore throat sprays. Other health benefits include aiding digestion, protecting the liver, and boosting the immune system. A highly nutrient-dense spice, cloves are a very good source of magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin K and manganese. Physiological effects include digestive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and antioxidant properties.
Experiment with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves this holiday season. By adding a dash here and a dash there to soups, stews, breads, desserts, fruit compotes, or hot beverages, you will be promoting good health and providing enticing flavors for the ones you love…including yourself!
Let me know how you use these four spices in your holiday cooking and baking this year. I can smell the Christmas spirit from here!
Here’s to your health and vitality!
