Herbal Medicine in Your Kitchen: Using What You Have to Keep You Healthy

Welcome to my blog, where you will get all sorts of inspiration, ideas, healthy tips and tricks, recipes, and so much more. I can't wait to help you become the healthiest, most vital version of you! The easiest place to start any new journey is exactly where you are at. That's why I've decided to take you into your own kitchen, helping you to explore your existing spices and herbs disguising themselves as food when they are actually potent herbal medicines.

I would like to share with you my list of top 5 kitchen herbs you likely already have in your home that double as herbal medicine. Let's jump into your journey towards organic, whole food based food and medicine to support you through every season, changing tide, and rocky road. I've got your back.

TOP 5 KITCHEN HERBS:

1. Ginger

Zingiber officinalis (we use Latin in the world of herbalism!) is a hot, dry, spicy root that stimulates your circulatory system (think: alleviates cold hands and feet), is anti-inflammatory, a digestive stimulant (relieves bloating or gas), antibacterial, and inhibits coughing. A perfect herb for the cold winter months, for the first signs of a tickly/sore throat, or to ease a full stomach. 

2. Garlic

Allium sativum is hot, spicy, relaxant plant that is an expectorant (helps break up and clear out mucus in the nose or lungs), antibacterial, anti-fungal, natural antibiotic, and immune-enhancer. Crush up 2-3 cloves of raw garlic and mix with 1-2 tblsp. of honey at the first signs of a cold or flu to kill whatever foreign antigen coming on!

3. Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis is one of our few “wisdom herbs” in Western herbalism. It is a powerful circulatory stimulant to the brain, increasing blood flow and allowing for greater concentration, memory, and focus. Boil 1 cup of water and pour over 1 tbsp. of rosemary, let steep for a few minutes and drink warm for an immediate brain boost!

4. Thyme

Thymus vulgaris is a warm, dry, relaxant and diffuse herbs and one of the oldest cough relaxants. Safe to use with all ages (from babies to the elderly), it is a perfect go-to herb for mucus build up in the chest causing irritability and discomfort. You can make a tea (same ratio as Rosemary tea listed above) or as a steam, breathing in the essential oils through your nose and mouth. 

5. Cayenne 

Capsicum annum is much more than a kick for your taco night! Cayenne increases blood flow to the skin- called a diaphoretic- to assist with any conditions of poor circulation or stiffness. It relieves muscle pains if applied topically, stops bleeding to an open wound, and can be used as a gargle for sore throats. One of the original herbs used by physiomedicalists, cayenne is a staple in any herbal medicine cabinet!

If you want to know more about what kitchen herbs double as herbal medicine, sign up to join my inner circle newsletter where I'll continue to give you information, recipes, and ideas for how to get to know your kitchen from a whole new angle! 

I look forward to helping you be the best possible you, 100% naturally!

Blessings,

Danielle