A MEDICINE CABINET IN YOUR KITCHEN Medicinal Uses of Common spices and herbs Annette M. Leas

Traditional Use of Spices and Herbs Flavoring in foods and baking products Flavoring in teas Aromatics

All Spice Scientific Name: Pimento officinalis Origin: Central America, Mexico, and West Indies Allspice grown on a tree and originates in Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies

Medicinal Uses Indigestion Flatulence Muscle Pain Available forms: Extract, oil, powder

Anise Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum Origin: Throughout the world Anise is an annual flower that is grown throughout the world.

Medicinal Uses Expectorant Antibacterial Diuretic Stimulant Indigestion Available forms: Whole herb, essential oil, toothpaste

Basil Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum Origin: Throughout the world Basil belongs to the mint family and is widely grown throughout the world.

Medicinal Uses Antiseptic Antidiabetic Antiinflammatory Immunostimulant Anxiety Available forms: Leaves (chopped and powdered), tea, and tincture

Cinnamon Scientific name: Cinnamomum Origin: India, South America, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies

Medicinal Uses Antifungal Analgesic Antiseptic Common cold Diarrhea Available Forms: Dried bark, essential oil, leaves, fluid extract, powder, tincture

Garlic Scientific Name: Allium sativum Origin: Throughout the world Garlic is a perennial that grows a bulb dissident like an onio

Medicinal Uses Antilipidemic Antimicrobial Antiasthmatic Antiinflammatory Available Forms: Bulbs, capsules, extract, oil, powder, syrup, tablets, and tea

Ginger Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Origin: Asia, South America, China, India, Africa and The United States

Medicinal Uses Motion sickness Morning Sickness Sore throat Migraine headaches Nausea and vomiting Available Forms: Capsules, dried root, extract, fresh root, powder, tablets, tea, and tincture

Nutmeg Scientific Name: Origin:

Medicinal Uses Anxiety Depression Tooth aches Gastrointestinal disorders Joint pain Available Forms: Capsules, essential oil, powder

Oregano Scientific Name: Origin:

Medicinal Uses Expectorant Insect repellant and bites Athletes foot Intestinal disorders Respiratory disorders Available Forms: Capsules, dried herb, oil

Parsley Scientific Name: Origin:

Medicinal Uses Cough Menstrual Irregularities Flatulence Joint pain Inflammation Available forms: Leaves, seeds, capsules, essential oil, fluid extract, and tea

Sage Scientific Name: Origin:

Medicinal Uses Menstrual disorders Sore throat Depression Alzheimer's disease Gastrointestinal disorders Available Forms: Whole plant, extract

Turmeric Scientific Name: Origin

Medicinal Uses Menstrual disorders Colic Inflammation Dyspepsia Hematuria Flatulence Available Forms: Dried rhizome, capsules, fluid extract, oil, spice, and tincture

Consult Your Physician Dosages Contraindications Side effects / Adverse reactions Drug interactions

References Skidmore-Roth, L. (2010). Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements . St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.