Herbs and spices like cayenne and ginger offer therapeutic benefits for everything from weight loss to heart health. However, understanding spice allergies and toxicities, such as those associated with nutmeg and paprika, is vital for safety.
Not all cinnamon is the same, although all varieties come from the cinnamomum genus and are evergreen type trees. You will find Saigon cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon on in the marketplace.
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Long ago nicknamed “the stinking rose” for its distinctive odor, garlic — one of the world's first cultivated plants — is known for its health benefits. Garlic contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B-6 and C, manganese, selenium, calcium, iron, copper and potassium.
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Nacho seasoning mix that comes pre-packaged in an envelope or spice jar at the grocery store is inexpensive and convenient, but can contain a lot of unnecessary sodium and sometimes even sugar. Fortunately, it’s not difficult or complicated to make your own nacho spice mix at home.
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Cumin, a spice that originated in Egypt, has been a part of the cuisines of the Middle East and India for thousands of years. This little seed, a standard flavor in curries, may also have medicinal properties, although to date most research has been on animals, not humans.
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Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years -- by ancient Egyptians, gravediggers in the Middle Ages who believed it protected them from black plague, and World War I and World War II soldiers who took it to ward off gangrene.
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Ginger and turmeric -- common kitchen spices used to flavor and season foods -- have several characteristics in common.
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Fenugreek, a kitchen spice and primary ingredient in pickles, is an ancient herb. Egyptian texts attest to its use as early as 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seeds, sometimes taken in the form of a tea, have traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders and menstrual cramps.
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Cilantro features distinctive, jagged leaves and a strong flavor that is often present in Mexican dishes, but the fresh herb pairs well with a variety of foods. Try cilantro in soups, on sandwiches, in sauces and in your casseroles. Growing your own cilantro gives you constant access to fresh leaves.
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A headache may appear as a sharp, steady pain on your scalp, forehead or temples. The pain may stay in one location or spread out to other areas. If you have migraines, the headache may seem like dull ache that throbs in one location.
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The common cold lasts up to two weeks, and may be caused by nearly 100 different viruses, according to MayoClinic.com. Two food items commonly used to treat cold symptoms include cayenne pepper and lemon. Used together or alone, these may decrease symptoms such as congestion, sore throat and fever.
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Fenugreek and fennel seed are both spices that people use on a daily basis in a variety of culinary dishes and pickling. However, both these spices also have medicinal properties for everything from colic in infants to cholesterol management and diabetes.
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Mojo marinades, used in Latino and Caribbean cooking, are made with citrus juice, vinegar and spices for a light, tangy flavor. The Goya brand makes a line of mojo marinades for chicken, beef and pork dishes.
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Sinusitis is the most common chronic illness in the United States, according to Foxhall Internists, P.C. It is an inflammation of the linings of the sinuses surrounding the nose. It can cause facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, headache, a sore throat and even toothache, earache or neck pain.
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Fennel, otherwise known as Foeniculum vulgare, is a plant belonging to the genus Foeniculum. The fennel plant is native to the Mediterranean region, and the plant produces yellow flowers. Fennel is also an edible plant considered both aromatic and flavorful.
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When making your way around the kitchen at meal preparation time, it is important to know the difference between ingredients that are similarly named. Safflower and saffron may bear similar monikers, but they have very different uses in the kitchen.
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Your digestive system consists of a complex network of organs that work together to break food down into usable nutrients, which then disperse throughout your body. Garlic is a food with significant health benefits, but even healthy foods like garlic can cause digestive disturbance.
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A tooth infection can be an extremely painful problem that can result from poor dental hygiene and lack of proper dental care. Typically, tooth infections are treated with prescription antibiotics and root canal procedures. Garlic may also be beneficial for relieving the symptoms associated with tooth infection.
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Ahi, or yellowfin, tuna steaks can make a delicious meal. Often compared to traditional beef steaks, this fish has a mild taste and a light texture. While ahi tuna can be prepared in the oven or fried on the stove top, grilling the steaks is a preferred cooking method because it highlights the fish's subtle flavors.
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In the small amounts needed for seasoning food, you can safely add nutmeg to dishes and drinks, but unpleasant side effects occur if you eat just 1 tbsp. of the ground nut powder on an empty stomach, according to the Utah Poison Control Center.
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In the culinary world, parsley’s status hovers between herb and vegetable. While appreciated for its ability to add color and texture to foods, parsley is under-utilized as a vegetable rich in vitamins A, C and K. As with most foods, eating extremely high amounts of parsley might pose some risks.
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