A MEDICINE CABINET IN YOUR

KITCHEN

Medicinal Uses of Common spices and herbs

Annette M. Leas

Flavoring in foods and baking products Flavoring in teas Aromatics

Traditional Use of Spices and Herbs

Scientific Name: Pimento officinalis Origin: Central America, Mexico, and West

Indies

All Spice

Indigestion Flatulence Muscle Pain

Available forms: Extract, oil, powder

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum Origin: Throughout the world

Anise

Expectorant Antibacterial Diuretic Stimulant Indigestion

Available forms: Whole herb, essential oil, toothpaste

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum Origin: Throughout the world

Basil

Antiseptic Antidiabetic Antiinflammatory Immunostimulant Anxiety

Available forms: Leaves (chopped and powdered), tea, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific name: Cinnamomum Origin: India, South America, Sri Lanka, and

the West Indies

Cinnamon

Antifungal Analgesic Antiseptic Common cold Diarrhea

Available Forms: Dried bark, essential oil, leaves, fluid extract, powder, tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Allium sativum Origin: Throughout the world

Garlic

Antilipidemic Antimicrobial Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory

Available Forms: Bulbs, capsules, extract, oil, powder, syrup, tablets, and tea

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Origin: Asia, South America, China, India,

Africa and The United States

Ginger

Motion sickness Morning Sickness Sore throat Migraine headaches Nausea and vomiting

Available Forms: Capsules, dried root, extract, fresh root, powder, tablets, tea, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Nutmeg

Anxiety Depression Tooth aches Gastrointestinal disorders Joint pain

Available Forms: Capsules, essential oil, powder

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Oregano

Expectorant Insect repellant and bites Athletes foot Intestinal disorders Respiratory disorders

Available Forms: Capsules, dried herb, oil

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Parsley

Cough Menstrual Irregularities Flatulence Joint pain Inflammation

Available forms: Leaves, seeds, capsules, essential oil, fluid extract, and tea

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin:

Sage

Menstrual disorders Sore throat Depression Alzheimer's disease Gastrointestinal disorders

Available Forms: Whole plant, extract

Medicinal Uses

Scientific Name: Origin

Turmeric

Menstrual disorders Colic Inflammation Dyspepsia Hematuria Flatulence

Available Forms: Dried rhizome, capsules, fluid extract, oil, spice, and tincture

Medicinal Uses

Dosages Contraindications Side effects / Adverse reactions Drug interactions

Consult Your Physician

Skidmore-Roth, L. (2010). Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements . St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

References