Super Herbs

I've been finding all sorts of new ways to use some classic old spices, and with that I always find myself geeking out finding out about all the health benefits that come with them, if I do this it's way easier to keep myself reminded about how food is medicine, and really makes it easier to eat clean. Some of my favorites that you might not realize are so powerful are...

• Cayenne: super good pain reliever (not as good as morphine, but much safer and cleaner), does things as amazing as kills cancer cells in the prostate, lungs, and pancreas. Used for high blood pressure and also cleans the arteries, helping to rid the body of the bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Can also stop a heart attack in 30 seconds-Considering that heart disease is the number one killer in America, this is pretty significant. You can also use it to calm your stomach and digestive tract, sounds rough, but is even great for ulcers! But be careful-it's hot! So hot in fact some herbalists have been known to use it to help heal and rebuild flesh due to frostbite.
• Ginger, one of my favorites for juicing, I've been grating it and adding to a lot of soups and stews and it's been lovely. Along with adding punch and flavor to your recipe its also great for pretty much any type of stomach upset, including morning sickness, naseau, and motion sickness. It also boasts tons of anti-inflammatory effects making it great for those with athritis and other types of joint deseases. It's also got huge immune boosting powers and has been linked with reducing cancer cells in ovarian cancer patients.
• Sage, smells so good and is actually in the same family as Rosemary, they're said to be cousins! It also has some great anti-inflammatory properties, and is a great anti-oxidant. Not only that, but it will most definately reduce hot flashes for menopausal women, as well as night sweats for anyone. These are all fabulous, but my favorite is that it is an outstanding memory enhancer. Sage helps provide better brain function-who doesn't need and want that?
• Thyme, I've been finding all sorts of fun varieties, my favorite is a pretty yellow plant called lemon sage I got at Trader Joes. A great anti-oxidant, this herb is packed full of germ killing properties and has historically been used as an expectorant and antiseptic-great for colds, coughs, and bronchitas.