Herbs and spices do much more than add seasoning and flavor to foods, but they can also have potent health benefits as well. While most of us probably have a good supply of salt, pepper, garlic and other common spices in our emergency stockpiles, there are a number of other spices that should be included too. During a time when nutrients and medicine may be hard to come by, every little bit helps, and having these items on hand can give our bodies a much-needed boost when it comes to promoting overall health and well-being during a prolonged crisis.
Here’s a list of some of the most-potent herbs and spices to consider adding to your collection.
Ginger
While a little bit of ginger goes a long way when it comes to flavor, it also doesn’t take a lot to give our bodies a nutritional shot in the arm as well. Ginger is well-known for being a potent cleanser, mild illness fighter and digestive aid. It also a great anti-inflammatory, can help to regulate blood pressure and sugar levels as well as ease menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a surprising number of nutrients that make it an essential medicinal spice to have on hand. It can help to support the immune system, is an anti-inflammatory, can help to promote cognitive functioning, reduce stress, regulate blood sugar and even support oral health and freshen breath.
Turmeric
This is a must-have spice in any kitchen or survival pantry. It is thought to contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of certain tumors. It can also be used to soothe a wide-range of respiratory ailments, and it’s a wonderful decongestant. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory, and it can help to ease swelling associated with injuries as well as infections. It is also a potent antibiotic, is known for cleansing the blood, regulating blood pressure, and some suggest that turmeric can also help to improve memory while helping us to think more-clearly.
Chilies
The heat from chili peppers not only adds bite to our meals, but it also helps to open airways, detoxify the body, produce red blood cells, fight infections and ease digestive discomfort. Chilis are also thought to support vision health, promote weight loss, as well as to improve sleep quality. While the benefits will vary depending on the individual and the type and amount of pepper eaten, incorporating them into our survival diets is worthwhile nonetheless.
Saffron
Saffron is linked to a wide-range of benefits that include boosting mood and alleviating depression or anxiety, improving mental focus and easing the symptoms of the common cold. Saffron is also thought of as a natural aphrodisiac, and it can help to soothe indigestion, reduce gas and even help the body to sweat out toxins.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a well-known antibiotic, and it has been used in cooking for hundreds of years as a way to kill-off certain types of foodborne bacteria. It is also thought to contain compounds that can reduce stress, detoxify the liver, regulate hormones and even inhibit the development of certain tumors.
These are just a few examples of dozens of herbs and spices that provide us with important health benefits in addition to delicious flavoring. Learn more about how they can help you now as well as during a survival situation, and make sure that you add them to your pantry and emergency stockpile. Not only will your food taste great, but chances are that they can support your overall health and well-being as well.