Did you know that most ancient cultures viewed spices as valuable medicine?

At one time, black pepper was worth more than gold!  Some rumors claim that Christopher Columbus was actually in search of pepper when he braved the cold ocean waters in search of the New World.

While traveling in Indonesia years ago, I was injured and needed to fight an infection.  After seeing the local healer (the nearest hospital or clinic was an air flight away), I was instructed to mash cinnamon, cardamon, clove, turmeric and nutmeg in the bottom of my glass, add hot water and drink daily.  The healer gave me a “tsk, tsk!” when I told her I was American.  She said “you Americans don’t get enough spice in your life!”.  I laughed thinking of the over the top MTV videos and other nearly pornographic images in our culture, but this wasn’t the spice she spoke of that day~  She shared that in her culture, spices were used EVERY day as immune boosters and good medicine.  She also mashed some of these great smelling spices into a paste and covered my wound with them.

Many years ago during times of plague, thieves that looted abandoned homes wore paper cones over their noses and mouths filled with these spices to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

One of my favorite aromatherapy oil companies makes an oil to fight infection and increase immunity.  They named it Thieves in honor of those times.  (i could give you my distributor number but then you’ll think I was  just trying to sell you, so I won’t!)   A few drops of this oil on the bottoms of your feet will protect you throughout the fall and winter season from colds and flu.

A friend of mine actually cured his father’s infection by applying topically when doctors had given up on his diabetic toe and wanted to amputate.  (true story!!) I never travel or camp without a small bottle.  I even drop a few drops all over hotel sheets to protect myself from germs.  An added bonus is the homey smell of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper and cardamon!

One of my favorite drinks is Bhakti Chai.  I buy the unsweetened version and add honey!  This spicy beverage packs a large punch of cinnamon, clove, cardamon, black pepper and nutmeg.  It warms me up from the inside and gives my immune system a morning boost.

Another interesting fact to note is that all dental topical pain relievers are made from Clove oil.  A little clove oil rubbed on your gums will stop a toothache or teething pain immediately.  Please don’t get it in your eye or other mucus membrane as it will sting; yet in your mouth it’s miraculous!

Remember making cinnamon toothpicks as a kid?  Turns out cinnamon oil is also wonderful for your gums and for fighting bacteria in your mouth.  Add a drop of cinnamon oil to your toothbrush.

As we approach the holidays, I often start to simmer cinnamon, clove and nutmeg on top of my stove.  My entire home is filled with a wonderful scent and I have the added benefit of purifying the air.   This is great bonus when you have as many pets as we do!  🙂

Trying to quit the smoking habit?  Often times it’s the long deep inhales that relax cigarette smokers.  Try buying some cinnamon sticks and inhale deeply.   You will be surprised at the relaxing effect.  They are also wonderful to chew on since smokers tend to have a need for having something in their mouth.  Your breath will be wonderful and the taste is surprisingly sweet.  Cinnamon is so sweet in fact,  it can be used as a sweetener if you’re lucky enough to find it in liquid form.  True liquid cinnamon is milky vs. clear so be sure to research your source.

Wanting to freshen your breath but skip the gum habit?  Tuck a few dried cloves in your pocket or purse and chew on them throughout the day.

Every time I see a clove, I remember sticking dried cloves into fresh oranges as a kid and using them as drawer fresheners.  As the orange dries and hardens, the intoxicating smell gets better and better!

Cardamon and Nutmeg are well known aphrodisiacs.  So many wonderful Moroccan recipes call for these spices.  Consider making your next lamb or beef stew with a bit of both and perhaps your evening meal will unfold differently!

The spices listed above as well as ginger, rosemary, and sage are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-catarrhyal.  They are also  stimulating to the immune system, circulation and the respiratory systems!

Let’s get spicy!

xo

Images Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net. Spice Photo by Michelle Meiklejohn, Steering Wheel by Rasmus Thomsen, Spoon Photo by Catherine Hadler, Orange Photo by Carlos Porto.