Thanksgiving is just around the corner, marking the beginning of the holiday season and bringing with it the the warmth of family and friends- and FOOD! Eating the seasonally ripe foods of Thanksgiving prepred with traditional culinary herbs can create a great foundation for a healthy winter season.
Traditionally, herbs and spices were not only used to enhance the flavor of foods, but to also boost health during the cool winter months. Grandma's chicken soup really is the cure for what ails you, because the herbs used to season it pack a powerful immune-boosting punch!
Let's explore the medicinal properties of these common Thanksgiving culinary herbs!
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Cranberry
It's just not Thanksgiving without a festive bowl of this delightfully tart sauce on the table. Cranberries are perhaps best known for helping to prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Did you know that cranberries also reduce inflammation in the body and contain nutrients that may help prevent cancer? Cranberries are also considered a "superfood" because of their incredible concentration of antioxidants.
- Nutmeg
Whenever I open a jar of nutmeg, my mind instantly brings up memories of holiday baking. Nutmeg is a brain tonic- it can help nourish and stimulate the nervous system. Nutmeg is incredible in that it has the ability to improve cognitive function, but can also help relax the brain as a sleep aid. So whether you need help remembering everything on your holiday to-do list, or you're having a hard time sleeping, a little eggnog may be just the treat you need!
- Ginger
Ginger is a spice that can be found in nearly every kitchen across the globe. This snappy rhizome is an excellent solution to problems with the stomach, such as motion sickness, gas, diarrhea, colic and morning sickness. It can also be used to alleviate the nausea caused by chemotherapy or as the result of surgery. A warm cup of ginger tea is a great way to end your Thanksgiving feast!
- Cinnamon
This delightfully fragrant spice is powerful medicine for stabilizing blood sugar. Cinnamon challenges the body to respond better to insulin, stabilizing blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. Cinnamon is also quite high in antioxidants, and is also quite an effective breath freshener!
- Cloves
The flavor of clove brings a spicy warmth to holiday treats and beverages. Cloves also have analgesic properties, can be an incredibly effective sleep aid, and are a powerful anti-parasite and anti-bacterial herb.
We here at Nature Works hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving, filled with the warmth and love of family and friends! Gobble Gobble!
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