Spice It Up

How would you like to be able to go to the grocery store to pick up the things you need to prevent what may ail you? You can, but you better not pick up the items in front of the pharmacy or buy any of the prepackaged foods. Rather, go to the isle with the herbs and spices and the produce section. You’ll find a great number of healing foods there.

Many of the products that the pharmaceutical industries put out are derivatives of plants. Why not eat the plants and gain the benefits of the nutrients as well. Of course, you need to realize that not all herbs and spices provide beneficial results and some may cause other problems or even kill you. Therefore, self medicating with herbs can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. If you are in the food store purchasing herbs and spices you should be safe. Just make sure you remember that too much of a good thing is not always good.

Herbs and spices can also interact with some medications. Be sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist if interactions can occur if you plan on consuming amounts in quantities greater than general seasoning.

There are so many different qualities that herbs and spices have ranging from lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to decreasing depression. Warding off diabetes risk, reducing inflammation and increasing immune function are more healthful side effects of using certain seasonings.

When you eat fresh foods flavored naturally your whole body reaps the benefits and you reap the rewards of a longer, healthier, active life.

Please go to http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/70/3/491S#SEC6 for a very informative article on this subject.

How To Air-Dry Fresh Herbs From Your Garden Or Herbs From The Market

1. Gently wash herbs and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Tie two to three stalks together.

3. Hang upside down in an airy, dry spot.

4. Herbs will dry in one to two weeks under favorable conditions.

5. When herbs are dry and crumbly, remove leaves from stems.

6. Crush leaves with a rolling pin or leave whole.

7. Pack in an airtight container or zip-top bag with air removed.

8. Use within 6 months.

Tips:

1. Pick best leaves just before herbs bloom.

2. Harvest in early morning as soon as dew has evaporated.

3. Herbs only hold their potency for about 6 months.

Compliments of homecooking.about.com