HONOLULU (KHON2) — As food prices soar, more and more people and families are losing access to healthy food options.
So, KHON2.com decided to explore some alternative ways we can supplement our food intake. Please keep in mind that this is not medical advice or nutritional guidance and that this information is not coming from the American Medical Association.
This is merely a guide to introduce you to the things that those herbs in your cupboard to add to your meal.
So, let’s take a look at what this life hack potentially have offer.
Thyme
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body.
Expectorant: Helps in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Rosemary
Cognitive enhancer: Improves memory and concentration.
Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive aid: Stimulates appetite and digestion.
Marjoram
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain.
Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive aid: Relieves digestive issues like bloating and gas.
Calming: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Fennel
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Diuretic: Increases urine production to remove toxins.
Hormonal balance: Helps regulate menstrual cycles.
Basil
Antioxidant: Protects against oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and viruses.
Adaptogenic: Helps the body adapt to stress.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and stomach cramps.
Cardamom
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Diuretic: Promotes urine production.
Respiratory health: Helps in clearing congestion and improving breathing.
Dill
Digestive aid: Relieves indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Calming: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Parsley
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Diuretic: Promotes urine production and helps in detoxification.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Bone health: Rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health.
Ginger
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Digestive aid: Eases nausea, indigestion, and bloating.
Anti-nausea: Effective against motion sickness and morning sickness.
Immune booster: Enhances immune function.
Garlic
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Cardiovascular health: Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Immune booster: Enhances immune function.
Chives
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive aid: Eases digestion and prevents flatulence.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Cardiovascular health: Contains compounds that support heart health.
Oregano
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Immune booster: Enhances immune function.
Sage
Cognitive enhancer: Improves memory and brain function.
Antioxidant: Protects against oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria and fungi.
Hormonal balance: Helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menopausal symptoms.
Mint
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and viruses.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Respiratory health: Helps in clearing congestion and improving breathing.
Calming: Reduces stress and anxiety.
Tarragon
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and stimulates appetite.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Fights against bacteria.
Calming: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Allspice
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Cinnamon
Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Blood sugar control: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Cardiovascular health: Lowers cholesterol and supports heart health.
Clove
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Analgesic: Relieves pain, especially dental pain.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Fenugreek
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and promotes healthy digestion.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Blood sugar control: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Lactation support: Increases milk production in breastfeeding women.
Cilantro
Detoxifying: Helps remove heavy metals from the body.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Saffron
Mood enhancer: Helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Cognitive enhancer: Improves memory and learning.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and promotes healthy digestion.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory: Potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and promotes healthy digestion.
Joint health: Supports joint function and reduces arthritis symptoms.
Yarrow
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and promotes healthy digestion.
Wound healing: Promotes healing of cuts and abrasions.
Menstrual health: Helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual pain.
Za’atar
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive aid: Eases indigestion and bloating.
Cognitive enhancer: Improves memory and cognitive function.
These herbs and spices have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.