Tuesday: How to Use Herbs/Spices for Home Remedies

I think it is fascinating how the spices and seasonings we typically only think of for cooking can be used as natural home remedies for various illnesses. Next time your aren't feeling up to par, raid your cupboards and see if there isn't a natural home remedy in your spices!

Here is an alphabetized list. Be sure to reply to this post with your success (and un-success) stories! What REALLY works for you? (And, of course, discuss health issues with your physician to know what is best to help you with any health issues/problems you may have.)

Allspice pimenta officinalis Although not recommended for those with low blood sugar problems, a tea made from allspice is said to help revive the body when suffering from frostbite and intense cold. Also useful in cold water as an oral rinse for bad breath.

Anise pimpinella anisum Used in tea for gas problems, cough, hiccups, and asthma.

Sweet Basil ocimum basilicum Apply fresh basil or basil made into a poultice and apply it to bee, wasp, or hornet stings. In a tea, it can be helpful for nausea and stomach cramps.

Bay laurus nobilis Use dried bay leaves in the top and bottom of wheat to keep weevils out. As a tea, it can be useful for whooping cough and can  help to clear lung congestion.

Caraway carum carvi When used in a hot tea, it can be helpful for uterine cramping and intestinal gas problems.

Cardamom elettaria cardamomum Used in a tea, it can relieve gas and heartburn; chewing a few seeds will temporarily clear up bad breath.

Chili Powder Used for pneumonia, fever, and extreme cold/frostbite.

Cinnamon cinnamomum zeylanicum Can help with indigestion and can help nausea due to seasickness/high altitudes.

Cloves  eugenia caryophyllata In a tea, it can help bronchitis symptoms and can prevent vomiting.

Coriander coriandrum sativum Oil of coriander can help relieve swelling and pain in arthritic limbs.

Cumin cuminum cyminum When used in a tea, cumin can be helpful for intestinal issues, the common cold, and abdominal cramps.

Dill  anethum graveolus Chewing on dill seeds can help fix bad breath and a tea made of dill can help increase breastmilk production.

Fennel foeniculum vulgare Use fennel in warm water for an eye rinse for sore eyes.

Ginger zingiber officinale Ginger used in tea can be a fantastic remedy for morning sickness and general nausea.

White Mustard brassica alba When used as a warm gargle, it can help relieve sore throats.

Oregano origanum vulgare Use oregano in a tea to prevent sea/air sickness and vertigo.

Nutmeg myristica fragrans When added to baked beans, it can reduce intestinal gas. As a tea, it can also improve appetite.

Paprika capsicum annuum Use in a warm salt gargle to help you recover from mild canker sores.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Used in a tea, it can help mild insomnia, nervousness, and upset stomach. It can make a refreshing mouth rinse for bad breath.

Rosemary rosemarinus officinalis By boiling rosemary leaves in hot water and then applying the cooled solution to hair after washing, rosemary can help alleviate dandruff symptoms.

Saffron crocus sativus In a very small amount, it can expel gas. Be cautious, though, and only use in small amounts.

Sage salvia officinalis Gargling a strong solution of boiled sage can help sore and strep throats.

Tarragon artemisia dracunculus  Using tarragon in a tea can help promote urination and a better appetite. Furthermore, it can help reduce insomnia.

Thyme  thymus vulgaris Use a warm gargle of thyme for canker sores. A poultice of thyme leaves can be used on poison ivy, rash, and burns for pain and discomfort relief.

Turmeric curcuma longa Can be used in an eyewash for crusty discharge from the corners of the eye.