❤Your Spice Rack Can Cure You

While over-the-counter drugs are the first things most people use along with a box of tissues during cold season, I on the other hand, reach for my spice rack along with herbal medicine or what we in the islands call "bush medicine". Cause,over the counter drugs often rid the body of its defenses against the infection, rather than treating the infection itself. I always marvel at over the counter medication advertisements, they tell you pop a pill to solve one problem but advises you that same pill can cause heart attack, stroke, blood clots along with a host of other problems. I often wonder what sense does it make to take medication for one problem while knowingly, putting yourself at risk for so many other possible problems. Fortunately, there are accepted spices a person can consume to alleviate many of the symptoms without the side effects of taking the drugs.

See the list below, its given for information purposes. Chat with your doctor before starting any home care treatment.

Anise: Aids in digestion and helps stop coughing.

Basil: Helps clear head congestion during a cold.

Black-pepper:   Provides Joint Pain relief

Cardamom: Can be used to provide relief from common cold.

Cilantro: Helps prevent food poisoning and removes mercury from the body. Cilantro is the name of the young green leaves of the coriander plant.

Fennel: Controls bad breath and, when chewed after spicy meals, masks the odor of garlic and onions.

Garlic: Can act as a decongestant and relieve common cold and has anti-bacterial antiviral, and antifungal properties

Ginger: Steeping ginger in nearly-boiling water to aid in breathing and even potentially ward offsinus infections.

Mint: Can help relive congestion caused by common cold

Onions: Have anti-inflammatory compounds that could help reduce the soreness and swelling of the larynx. Moreover, this bulb can also help in softening the phlegm, thus allowing you to cough and expel the mucus more easily.

Oregano: A favorite in Mediterranean cooking, oregano has powerful infection-fighting properties.

Peppermint: Stops intestinal gas, calms indigestion, controls nausea, and sweetens the breath.

Parsley: Promotes urinary flow and provides antioxidants.

Rosemary: A powerful antioxidant, rosemary also had microbe-fighting properties, and it helps calms nerves.

Sage: Treats the congestion and stuffiness associated with colds, clears headaches, and kills parasites, bacteria, and yeasts. Sage oil may improve memory.

Thyme: Well known as a natural antibiotic, it kills parasites and yeast. It can also soothe the chest and halt coughing.

Turmeric: The main ingredient in curry, turmeric adds zest and color to foods. It’s cancer fighting and lowers unfavorable bacteria in the gut that cause gas and bloating. It has anti-inflammatory properties.


Tulsi (Holy Basil): Provides relief from common cold and cough and has anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief form pains and aches.

The common cold usually lasts for one week, although it may be extended for up to 2 weeks, it can be cured without treatment. If you notice that your cold lasts more than two weeks, then it is something serious and you should visit your doctor.

The most common symptoms of a cold are:
*Cough

*Congestion

*Diminished sense of taste and smell

*Fatigue

*Low Fever 

*Runny or Blocked nose

*Sneezing
*Sore throat
*Watery eyes

Possible cold prevention techniquesTo reduce the chances of getting the cold virus you can follow these simple rules:
*Wash your hands regularly - and always before meals or before touching your eyes and your mouth.
*Disinfect surfaces including staircase handrails, door knobs, light switches.
*Try to avoid people that have the cold virus
*If you do get the cold always drink lots of fluid and get plenty rest.