Turmeric is a warming and versatile spice with a long list of benefits. From being anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and an antioxidant. It has been used traditionally in ayurvedic medicine to treat poor liver function and digestion, menstrual and skin complaints. It is thought to aid in stabilising blood sugar levels and in reducing high cholesterol levels. Its anti-inflammatory action gives it a wide range of benefits. From possibly reducing pain levels, supporting mental health -particularly depressive mood disorders and supporting arthritic and digestive conditions.
Adding black pepper and fats to your latte help with the bioavailability of turmeric’s active constituent curcuminoids. It is the curcuminoids that give turmeric most of its therapeutic actions; Making it anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant etc.
Ginger is a circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory and a digestive carminative. It increases the flow of warmth and nutrients throughout the body, aids nausea and spasmodic digestive issues and overall digestion. Like turmeric its anti-inflammatory action has been used to treat arthritic conditions and to reduce pain in painful menstruation. Ginger may also be used in acute coughs and colds and upper respiratory infections to aid fevers, thin mucus and reduce the spasming of airways.
Adding spices to our diets where we can, is a very easy and traditional way of supporting our overall health and well-being; From supporting our immune systems through to detoxing the body and reducing menstruation cramps. What we ingest can be key.
Natalee Durrant – Naturopath and Medical Herbalist
