Herbs and Spices: Health Benefits, Allergies & Uses

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.

Lemongrass leaf

An Allergy to Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine, herbal teas and in essential oil form, according to Drugs.com. Depending on how you use lemongrass can determine what type of allergic reaction you will experience.

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Bread with sesame seeds

Sesame Seeds & Nut Allergies

Sesame seeds are not considered nuts, but certain proteins in sesame seeds can trigger allergy symptoms related to a nut allergy. When the body mistakes certain proteins that are similar to other proteins in foods, it is called cross-reactivity.

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An Allergy to Basil Pesto

If you develop allergy symptoms every time you eat basil pesto, you are most likely allergic to one of the ingredients, not the basil. Basil is not a common food allergen and should not cause an allergic reaction. Basil pesto can be made various ways and may contain various ingredients.

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Vegetables, spices for cooking onions, peppers.

Antidote for Onion and Garlic Allergies

The only effective antidote for onion and garlic allergies is to completely avoid consuming either food, even in small quantities. An allergic reaction to a food is caused by a mistake of the immune system. Your immune system reacts to the proteins found in onion and garlic as if they are dangerous for the body.

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