From the Herb Basket

Certain herbs can warm you up from the inside out. They can improve circulation and bring warmth to the extremities.

Allspice: Add ground allspice to holiday marinades, roasted vegetables, cookies and pumpkin pie. Its sweet and spicy aroma will boost your mood.

Horseradish: This tangy herb is a natural detoxifier that flushes impurities from the body. It releases enzymes that boost immunity. One tablespoon of prepared horseradish provides as many nutrients as a serving of fresh broccoli. Use horseradish in salad dressings, on cold roast beef or add it to tomato juice for a healthy “energy drink.”

Peppercorns: Add whole peppercorns when preparing sauces, flavored vinegars and oils, or grind them and add to gravies and marinades. Peppercorns contain Piperine- a compound which blocks genes that control formation of fat cells.

 

Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps reduce insulin resistance and can lower blood-sugar levels. Add 1/2 teaspoon when making coffee or a pot of hot tea. Use a cinnamon stick for stirring hot beverages and use ground cinnamon for pie fillings or to sprinkle on baked sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables.

Thyme: Contains antimicrobial properties that kill germs in the throat. Add dried thyme to 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep, strain out the herb, and add lemon juice and honey. Sip slowly. Add fresh thyme to stuffing, poultry dishes, veal and pork.

Nutmeg: Loaded with vitamin C, and also contains myristicin, a natural antidepressant. Add the ground nutmeg to eggnog, stir-fries, spicy meat fillings for Asian dishes. Buy a grater and try whole, fresh nutmeg in baking and pastry making.

 

 

 

Garlic: Eating a clove a few times a week will help boost immunity, especially during cold and flu season. Its pungent compounds kill off germs and keep “good” bacteria intact. Use garlic to flavor sauces, roasting meats, in salads and Italian dishes.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

~ Meadow Walker