7 Most Powerful Herbs & Spices For Health

Perhaps one of the most overlooked sources of amazing nutrients is healthy spices and herbs which come with powerful health benefits while injecting flavour into our main dishes. Today, I want to cover 7 of the most powerful herbs and spices that you can use in your home.


7 Most Beneficial Herbs & Spices For Health

Herbs and spices are more than just ingredients used for flavoring food. They have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties, and recent research has confirmed many of these benefits.

From reducing inflammation and improving heart health to boosting brain function and fighting infections, herbs and spices can be powerful allies in maintaining overall health and wellness. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most powerful herbs and spices for health and how they can be incorporated into your daily diet.

 

While we don’t often consume herbs and spices in large quantities, even small doses can be powerful providers of nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, cancer-fighting constituents, vitamins, minerals, and more.

Most Powerful Herbs & Spices With Health Benefits

If you’re looking to step up your healthy living game with aromatic seasonings, you’re in the right place. These are my top picks for healthy herbs and spices with the most benefits. Make sure to check out my Guide To Culinary Herbs & Spices eBook here.


1. Turmeric Benefits

Turmeric - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Turmeric has become a hot topic in health food-o-sphere and for good reason. While it’s known for being added to delicious curries, its uses are becoming increasingly more versatile. I love it because it is so easy to add to the diet, which simply makes it easier to reap the amazing health benefits of this super spice.

First and foremost, turmeric is an incredible inflammation fighter. It can even make a significant difference in individuals who suffer from rheumatic pain. This is because of the constituent curcumin – its active constituent and yellow bioactive compound, lending turmeric its colour.

What Is Curcumin?

Curcumin has a wide variety of biological interactions when consumed. Its anti-inflammatory benefits make it a good choice for healing leaky gut, improving digestion, and addressing autoimmune issues with inflammatory side effects.

Due to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties, it has the ability to slow down inflammation-related ageing processes and diseases. Curcumin is also effective at increasing antioxidant capacity in the body. It’s one of the most concentrated antioxidant foods you can consume! This means an overall reduction of oxidative stress. Finally, curcumin can increase immunity with its antibacterial and anti-viral properties, protect against cancer and the development of tumours, and improve heart health.

One of the simplest ways to increase its bioavailability (or absorption by the body) is by using turmeric alongside a dash of black pepper. It may not sound palatable, but you likely won’t notice a huge difference, especially in savoury recipes or a blended smoothie/golden milk drink. This is due to black pepper containing piperine. The combination can boost bioavailability up to 2,000%

Try these turmeric recipes: My Anti-ageing Smoothie With Turmeric and my Healing Turmeric Zucchini & Coconut Soup.

 

2. Ginger

Ginger - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Ginger is another versatile spice that is really easy to use. Fresh ginger and ground ginger are both beneficial. You can even use ginger essential oil. I especially like to use it brewed in teas. It’s commonly known as a powerful remedy for an achy belly, but its benefits extend far beyond that. For me, ginger is often a part of my daily routine. Did you know it’s closely related to turmeric?

Like turmeric, it’s also anti-inflammatory. This is why it’s so soothing for an upset stomach which can often be traced to a root cause of inflammation somewhere down the line. Ginger can decrease markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein

Additionally, ginger can protect against stomach ulcers and treat menstrual cramps. It can also relieve nausea and diarrhoea. Ginger tea is great for relieving flu symptoms as well.

Raw ginger is relatively high in minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, and iron. Compared to other spices, it’s easier to get a substantial amount of vitamins from ginger because you can use the raw root which provides the most bioavailable source of these minerals. In terms of vitamins, you can get a vitamin B6 and vitamin C boost from the ginger. This may be why it’s so great for immunity.

Oh, it’s also a great prebiotic food for gut health!

Try this ginger recipes: Honey, Elderberry & Ginger Throat Lozenges

 

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Cinnamon is another spice I find quite easy to use and lucky for me, it’s slightly sweet and pretty darn good for you.

I love its versatility and try to use it in savoury recipes as well. I especially love the ease of sprinkling some on raw or baked fruit for a healthy dessert or having some in a comforting and warming tea blend. Fresh ground cinnamon tastes best, and I also like to have sticks handy for brewing or grating which makes for absolutely explosive flavour. It’s one of my top 5 recommended spices for every kitchen.

Cinnamon is notoriously packed with antioxidant capacity. It’s actually one of the most concentrated sources meaning that even just a little cinnamon – around 1 teaspoon per day – can help you get a healthy boost. Antioxidants help slow the ageing process, reduce oxidative stress and rid the body of toxins.

Like turmeric and ginger, cinnamon is also anti-inflammatory. If you really want to reap the benefits, have all three together. They just so happen to complement one another very well!

It’s also thought that cinnamon might be a good fighter of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It may protect the neurons in our brains, inhibit proteins connected to these diseases, and even improve motor function. Overall, cinnamon is an awesome food for the brain and body.

Cinnamon may aid in healthier skin, improve brain function, and fight infection. It’s great for managing blood sugar and insulin levels which is why I love adding it to fruits, sweet potatoes, oats, and other healthy carbs. Finally, cinnamon is a powerful cancer fighter. It may inhibit the growth of tumours, prevent DNA damage, and cell mutation.

Try this cinnamon recipe: Paleo Barbecue Sauce with Apples & Cinnamon



4. Sage

Sage - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Sage is one of the most beautiful herbs, and it’s so simple to grow at home. It smells great and tastes even better. I love it fresh, but it also works its magic dried and ground for easy use, especially outside of growing season. It adds a certain depth to meals, and a crispy sage leaf garnish can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. No – sage isn’t just for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table! Use it all-year-round for its awesome health benefits.

You can use sage to boost cognition, so whether you choose to consume it or inhale the scent of it, you can expect a brain boost. It’s been known to increase memory recall and retention, so it may be a superfood for the mind. This may also be linked to the potential for the sage to be a preventative food for degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Sage is relatively high in vitamin K; just two grams provides 43% of the daily recommendation. It may also normalise cholesterol levels, treat symptoms of menopause, and improve blood sugar which is particularly helpful for those with diabetes.

Lastly, like most herbs and spices, sage has anti-inflammatory properties as well as plenty of antioxidants. My mum always made a strong sage infusion for gargling in the mouth whenever we had a sore or inflamed throat or achy teeth. It works!

Try this sage recipe: Whole Roasted Chicken With Sage & Bacon Stuffing

 

5. Parsley

Parsley - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Most leafy greens are fantastic for you, and parsley is no exception. This superfood really fits the definition because it is a concentrated source of nutrition, antioxidants, and more. Plus, it tastes amazing. It is extremely high in vitamin K, and a single half cup of parsley contains upwards of 500% of the daily recommendation.

Parsley also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, some folate (a B vitamin), and iron. It’s high in antioxidants which can reduce free radical damage and oxidative stress markers. It’s even considered a chemo-protective plant due to its properties being able to fight damage to DNA. Like most other herbs, parsley is high in minerals such as calcium.

If you’re feeling bloated, parsley’s anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful. Parsley even acts as a natural diuretic and stimulates the kidney which can help you shed some water weight and reduce bloating. Finally, it is both antibacterial and antifungal; parsley oil is great for the skin because it can fight bacteria and clear blemishes.

Try these parsley recipes: Garlic & Parsley Cod, Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Parsley Walnut Crumbs, or Georgian Salad.

 

6. Chilli

Chilli - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Chilli is one of my favourite ways to spice things up. I love fresh chillis, ground chilli powder, and chilli flakes alike. Many spicy foods have unique health benefits – most notably, weight loss benefits – and chilli is no exception. Since this spice is derived from peppers, you also get many benefits from the veggie itself.

First and foremost, peppers contain even more vitamin C than an orange does. If you want some serious immune-boosting action, chillis are the way to go! In fact, chillis contain up to seven times the amount of vitamin C of an orange. Moreover, chilli contains vitamin A and vitamin E.

The capsaicin found in spices derived from the pepper is particularly beneficial. It helps to inhibit the neuropeptides associated with inflammatory processes that take place in the body, and it may reduce pain in individuals with symptoms from sensory nerve fibre disorders (arthritis, psoriasis, etc.).

You may already be familiar, but capsaicin can also reduce congestion and relieve a stuffy nose. It goes without saying that the spicier the pepper, the more capsaicin a.k.a. the more benefits you reap. If you can handle the heat, it may be worth the sweat.

Try this chilli recipe: Garlic Chilli mushrooms

 

7. Cumin

Cumin - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Cumin is a staple seed or ground spice in so many recipes. Its warm and earthy flavour is perfect for deepening the flavour profile of many different types of cuisine. Of course, you know exactly what cumin tastes like if you’re a taco enthusiast (and who doesn’t love tacos?). It tastes great, and it’s great for you.

Cumin is a great seed for digestion. One of its main compounds – thymol – aids in the production of bile, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. This can improve the efficacy of digestion, naturally, treat haemorrhoids or help prevent them, and reduce the severity of gas. Moreover, some of these benefits can be attributed to the fibre content found in cumin.

Vitamin E which is found in cumin acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is particularly good for healthy, glowing skin. It’s also pretty high in vitamin C, so like many spices on my list today, it can be a powerful immune booster. Lastly, cumin is anti-congestive, antiviral, and antibacterial meaning it’s great for warding off infection or clearing up the airways while under respiratory stress.

Try this cumin recipe: Mexican Naked Burrito Bowls

 

 I’ve decided to add number 8 to this list.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary - Herbs & Spices With Most Benefits

Rosemary is a delightful, aromatic, and healthy herb I always save a spot for in my herb garden. It looks gorgeous, smells gorgeous, tastes great, and even has a few sneaky benefits to boot. In Roman, Greek, and Egyptian culture, it’s regarded as sacred. What’s not to love about this vibrant green plant?

You can use it fresh, ground, or in essential oil, form to receive the benefits. However, fresh rosemary will have the most bioavailable nutrient profile.

In terms of vitamins, fresh rosemary contains vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and other B vitamins such as folate and thiamin. It’s also high in fibre. In combination with its anti-inflammatory properties, these properties make rosemary a great herb for gut health and digestion. Rosemary may actually increase bile flow which improves digestion overall, and conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease. You can brew rosemary in a tea to treat an upset stomach or nausea as well.

Rosemary oil – one of my favourite essential oils – is fantastic for skin, hair, and sore spots. It’s a soothing remedy for dryness, dandruff, and healing of cuts and bruises. When using rosemary oil as a topical treatment, make sure to properly dilute any essential oils.

Oh, and did you know that rosemary has long been used as a cognitive booster? Perhaps adding a bit to the diet is the key to a little extra brainpower, focus, and mental clarity. Even just catching a lovely whiff can give me a little more energy!

Try this rosemary recipe: Beetroot & rosemary beef burgers or my Rosemary Honey & Garlic Lamb

I hope you learnt more about the amazing health benefits of herbs and spices in this post. Sometimes, a little goes a long way, and I love these nourishing additions to my meals.

Irena Macri
By Irena Macri

About the author: Hi, I’m Irena Macri. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I am a published cookbook author, have been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food. More about me here | Subscribe to my newsletter and freebies

Comment or Rate This Recipe

Made the recipe? Please leave a rating as it helps other readers to discover this dish. You don’t need to leave a comment if rating a recipe, unless it’s 3 stars or below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

26 Comments
  1. My father had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) for 3 years His first symptoms were weakness in his hands and losing his balance which led to stumbling and falling. He never lost the ability to swallow or breathe. His one hand, then his legs, were affected first; then his arms. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help him. The medical team did even less. His decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of his primary physician, he would have died . There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. So this year his primary physician suggested we started him on Natural Herbal Gardens ALS Herbal mixture which eased his anxiety a bit,We ordered their ALS herbal treatment after reading alot of positive reviews, i am happy to report this ALS herbal treatment reversed my dad condition. His quality of life has greatly improved and every one of his symptoms including difficulty in walking and slurred speech are gone. Their official web site is naturalherbalgardens . c o m He will be 74 soon and can now go about his daily activities

  2. My husband will be 85 years old next month and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 16 months ago. his main symptom were and rigidity or stiffness of his right-hand side.he also had some difficulty writing. The original diagnosis was confirmed three months later by a second neurologist. He was on one tablet of pramipexole (Sifrol), 0.25 mg three times a day. Four months ago his neurologist added Biperiden, 2 mg. he takes half a tablet of Biperiden three times a day. He still didn’t feel any better, Since the original diagnosis, his stiffness has slowly increased. He lost touch with reality suspecting it was the medication I took him off the Siferol (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started him on PD natural herbal formula we ordered from NATURAL HERBAL GARDENS, I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in Canada and they all gave a positive response, his symptoms totally declined over a 7 weeks use of the Natural Herbal Gardens Parkinson’s disease natural herbal formula. He is now almost 85 and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed! (Visit their website naturalherbalgardens . c o m) I am thankful to nature, herbs are truly gift from God. Share with friends!!

  3. My father had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) for 3 years His first symptoms were weakness in his hands and losing his balance which led to stumbling and falling. He never lost the ability to swallow or breathe. His one hand, then his legs, were affected first; then his arms. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help him. The medical team did even less. His decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of his primary physician, he would have died . There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. So this year his primary physician suggested we started him on Natural Herbal Gardens ALS Herbal mixture which eased his anxiety a bit,We ordered their ALS herbal treatment after reading alot of positive reviews, i am happy to report this ALS herbal treatment reversed my dad condition. His quality of life has greatly improved and every one of his symptoms including difficulty in walking and slurred speech are gone. Their official web site is ww w. naturalherbalgardens. c om He will be 74 soon and can now go about his daily activities

  4. I was talking to a friend of mine about her interest in natural health products. This is a cool insight so that you can make sure that you are staying healthy. She would love knowing that rosemary is good for vitamins.

  5. What would happen if you took a teaspoon of each spice/herb and made a drink from it and then drank each day. Would you become superhuman? 🙂

  6. Very good information. I’m looking to see what herbs and spices would good to make my own supplemental capsules. Learned a lot from your article.

  7. My Wife was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) when she was 72 years old 4 years ago. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. Her arms weakened first, then her hands and legs. Last year, a family friend told us about Organic Herbal clinic and their successful ALS TREATMENT, we visited their website www. organicherbalclinic. com and ordered their ALS Formula, i am happy to report the treatment effectively treated and reversed her Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), most of the symptoms stopped, she is able to walk and eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly., she is pretty active now and her attitude is extremely positive.

  8. I found out cayenne peppers & hot sauce works to all the red spices works to all the red veggies works to everything all red will work

  9. Helo, I’m living in France, and I should like to have the herbs. Is it possible to by them here?

    Thanks,

    M.Helene

  10. What you know about Saffron?
    It’s megic herb and every body can use it in any age, round the year.
    But it has to be taken only two to five threads, once in a day and real one!

  11. My father was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2013; His initial symptoms were quite noticeable. He first experienced weakness in his right arm and his speech and swallowing abilities were profoundly affected. We all did our best to seek help for this disease no medications they prescribe worked ,we were all scared we might lost him due to his condition, as he had been his brother’s caregiver a few years earlier for the same disease before he past. doctor recommend nuatural treatment from total cure herbal foundation for his ALS we have no choice to give a try on natural organic treatment ,this herbal cure has effectively reverse my father condition ,losing his balance which led to stumbling and falling stop after the completing the herbal supplement which include his weakness in his right arm and his speech, home remedies from totalcureherbsfoundation com is the best although their service is a little bit expensive but it worth it, they save lives.

  12. Thank you for the information. Very well-written about the benefits of spices. Hope to see more of the articles relating to spices.

  13. Thanks for delivering such an informative message about the benefits of eating herbs and spices. Really worth reading your article.

  14. Beautiful, very informative, short and precise information.Thank you 👏👏👏👏👏💕🙏

  15. my husband Parkinson’s disease is totally reversed! all thanks to tree of life herbal clinic visit (www .treeoflifeherbalclinic .com)

  16. Thank you so much for such a lovely article with informative content. I hope to see more of a similar article.

See all comments »

You Might Also Like

424 Shares
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap