Plants and herbs are hopefully something you eat every day! They’re meant to nourish the body, but also the mind and soul. Our ancestors relied on plant medicine to stay healthy, but today, few of us remember the healing power of everyday foods. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite healing herbs you might have in your spice cabinet or fridge right now.
Turmeric
Popular in many ethnic dishes, this flavor-packed spice comes from the Curcuma longa plant and is part of the ginger family. Turmeric gets its bright orange color from the flavonoid curcumin, a chemical compound that has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
Many studies have explored turmeric’s herbal healing benefits over the years! It’s most commonly used to promote relief from headaches and arthritic pain and inflammation in the joints, support brain health and cognition, and the immune system.
Fennel
The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used fennel as part of their ancient ceremonies where it served as a symbol of wellness and pleasure.
Not only has fennel been used for thousands of years to soothe many digestive issues, but this ancient perennial healing herb has also been used to promote bone health, support healthy blood pressure levels, and promote healthy, vibrant skin.
The fennel bulb contains many healing compounds like bioflavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins full of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, while fennel seeds contain micronutrient-rich antioxidants.
Thyme
A longtime favorite culinary herb, thyme has long been used as an herbal remedy to promote health. In fact, in Roman times, it was commonly used to prevent and treat poisoning and protect meats from spoiling (before refrigeration!).
A relative of the oregano genus origanum, thyme has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
Thyme is an excellent herb for those looking to support their immune and respiratory systems, digestive tract, nervous system, and more. Full of flavonoids, including the bacteria-fighting carvacrol, thyme is a strong antimicrobial that can help promote relief and healing from sore throats and other respiratory infections. It is why you’ll see this healing herb in Wise Woman Herbals Upper Respiratory Support tincture.
Cinnamon
A sweet aromatic spice that invokes warm and cozy feelings, cinnamon is an incredibly healing herb for those struggling with blood sugar imbalances, circulatory issues and diabetes.
Research has found that cinnamon extract can support healthy glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in those with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it can help promote healthy balanced blood sugar levels, which in return can help you feel more energetically stable throughout the day.
Then next time you reach for your cinnamon jar, take a few seconds to breathe in this flavorful spice and feel gratitude for this nourishing, healing gift from Mother Earth.
Ginger
Who doesn’t love a little ginger in their life? Whether that’s freshly grated over a warm Asian-inspired dish or a cup of warm ginger tea before bed, ginger is a sweet yet spicy herb that doesn’t disappoint.
Perhaps you remember your mother giving you ginger tea when you had a stomach ache as a child. That’s because ginger root (zingiber officinale) is a potent bitter healing herb that can do wonders for the digestive system. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, ginger can help soothe an upset stomach, nausea (even during pregnancy), and motion sickness by blocking the effects of serotonin and stopping the production of free radicals in the body.
