Medicinal Properties of Spaghetti Herbs and Spices

I was recently reminded of herb benefits.  Many common kitchen herbs and spices act as natural remedies for symptoms of colds and other respiratory ailments, urinary problems, digestive complaints, and arthritis, just to name a few.  Whether our “herb garden” is growing in little pots, or chopped and dried in bottles from the grocer, we have an all natural pharmacy at our fingertips.  Herbs and spices offer so much more than pleasure to our taste buds.  Why not pump up the volume? 

I thought it would be fun to look at health benefits of herbs and spices commonly used in spaghetti sauce.  I hope you agree! 

One of my most favorite foods in the whole world is spaghetti.  I could eat myself silly with spaghetti.  Meat sauce, meatballs, sausage, shrimp, no meat, doesn’t matter.  I can’t stop at enough.  I want more than enough.  So spaghetti is a natural pick for me to explore herb benefits in a fun way.  Check out these summaries on health benefits of herbs and spices commonly used in spaghetti sauce. 

The benefits of basil have been appreciated for centuries.  Basil was used to “purify the mind”, “open the heart”, and cure malaria.  Today herbalists prescribe basil for digestive problems.  It is an antispasmodic used to soothe nausea, stomach upset, intestinal problems, and flatulence.  It stimulates saliva and bile production.  Basil is also recommended for respiratory problems, such as bronchial spasms.  It stimulates nasal cilia to clear nasal passages.  Basil helps reduce tension and aids sleep. 

There are over two dozen varieties of oregano, including one known as sweet, or wild marjoram.  Oregano is the wild form of marjoram, but with a more potent and robust flavor than its cousin.  Ancient Egyptians used oregano as a poison antidote and a preservative. 

In the 18^th century, oregano was used for coughs and asthma.  We now recognize many benefits of oregano.  It is an effective antifungal and antibacterial, for the treatment of an array of respiratory conditions.  It is an expectorant, and can help clear congestion related to coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.  Oregano stimulates appetite, relieves tooth pain, and supports menstruation.  It is an antispasmodic, and stimulates bile production.  It is used to relieve stomach pain, bloating, flatulence, and indigestion. 

The ancient Greeks used parsley for bladder and kidney problems, because of its soothing effects and diuretic properties.  We continue to use parsley as a diuretic that purifies the blood and facilitates excretion of toxins.  Parsley is also good for the digestive system, relieving liver and stomach problems, and facilitating digestion and metabolism.  It stimulates appetite, eases bloating, nausea and stomach cramps.  Benefits of parsley have been recognized for menstrual irregularity and bloating.  It eases arthritis.  When consumed regularly, it slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure. 

The ancient Greeks burned thyme as a tribute to the gods, and used it as an antiseptic.  In the 17^th century, an English herbalist identified parsley as being strengthening for the lungs.  Thyme is known today as an effective antispasmodic agent, for the relief of whooping cough and bronchitis.  The antispasmodic properties also serve to relieve uterine cramps and gastrointestinal muscles, which relieves cramps and gas.  Fair to say thyme eases digestion, as the essential oil stimulates gastric secretions.  Its healing compound thymol, is used in commercial cough syrups. 

Thyme has astringent, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.  As a compress, thyme relieves bee stings, insect bites, skin wounds, and external fungal infections like athlete’s foot.  Thyme also relieves joint pain. 

Bay leaves, also known as sweet laurel or bay laurel, have a rich heritage in the cultures of the ancient Romans and Greeks.  Bay leaves are thought to be beneficial as an antiseptic, antirheumatic, digestive aid, and as an expectorant.  They have also been beneficial for bladder and uterine problems.  Bay leaves ease upset stomachs, especially when related to nervous tension.  Bay leaves consumed as a tea, serve to calm and relax, promoting sleep.  The antiseptic action is most potent in the essential oil, and is effective for minor first aid. 

The health benefits of garlic have been appreciated for at least 5000 years.  The builders of the pyramids at Giza are thought to have eaten garlic to rejuvenate after their hard work.  Today we credit garlic with helping to prevent strokes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. 

The essential oils have potent antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral effects.  The sulfur in the oil is a good disinfectant and germ killer.  When we eat garlic, the blood carries it to the organs and skin, which all benefit from the healing properties. 

The onion belongs to the lily family.  Who knew?!  The sulfur-based essential oil of the onion is responsible for the irritation to the eyes.  This irritation is experienced by the entire digestive system when onions are eaten, stimulating appetite and glandular function.  Onions are natural antibiotics, protecting us against bacteria and parasites.  Not only to they kill potentially disease-causing organisms, they promote healthy bacteria in the gut. 

Onions increase HDL, the “good cholesterol”, which in turn helps clean the arteries of fatty deposits, protects the vessels, and reduces cardiac arrest risks.  They keep blood vessels open, cleanse the blood, and reduce water retention. 

Red and yellow onions are among the best sources of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant credited with reducing stomach cancer risks.  Onions also help reduce blood sugar levels, through their insulin-like hormone. 

Fresh onion slices can be applied to the skin for the treatment of warts, insect bites, burns, and abscesses. 

Resources

Information is from The Complete Guide to Natural Healing by International Masters Publishing.  It’s one of those sets where they send card sets in the mail every couple weeks.  I thought it was going to be one binder full, but ultimately was 5!  Here’s a Ripoff Report.  This would be one of those situations where my mom says “you musta had more money than sense”.  At any rate, the cards are very well done, and I like most everything about them except what I wound up paying for them. 

Disclaimer

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  You take full legal responsibility for whatever decisions you make regarding your own health care. 

Not all physicians, nutritionists and pharmacists are expert at herbs, or with potential medication interactions.  Consider consulting a herbalist for individualized evaluation and treatment strategies. 

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