Has it ever come to you as you gaze on your spice cabinet that those teeny-tiny jars were like superheroes hiding behind a secret cover? Well, they kinda were. My granny used to quote, “Medicine doesn’t always come in pills.” And she was spot on. Oftentimes it comes in food that tastes delectable.
Let me tell you something. I used to think that herbs were little green spots that stuck in your teeth when you dined at nice restaurants. Boy, was I wrong.
The Secret Powers Hiding in Your Kitchen
Your kitchen cupboard is a chemist in disguise. No prescription necessary!
I remember when I had this terrible cold. Couldn’t breathe. Drove like death. My roommate made me this drink with ginger, lemon, and honey. I figured she was poisoning me. It turned out she was saving my life. Okay, perhaps that is dramatic, but my sinuses sure did thank her.
The something about some of the most common heroes you may already have on hand:
Turmeric: The Golden Wonder
Turmeric is the spice du jour right now. Everyone’s putting it on everything. And they should!
Turmeric contains this lovely yellow substance called curcumin that’s basically the nemesis of inflammation. It fights off inflammation like I fight the final piece of pizza. With fervor.
How to use it? Add a sprinkle to scrambled eggs. Mix some into your rice. Make golden milk (which sounds fancy but is simply warm milk with turmeric). Just be careful – it stains EVERYTHING. I wish I had learned the hard way, I spilled it on my white counter. Three years later, I still have a yellow stain that reminds me of my kitchen adventures.
Ginger: Not Just for Cookies
Ginger is that spice which is torn about whether it would like to be sweet or hot. It’s the mixed-up teenager of spices.
It’s amazing at working out digestive troubles. Upset stomach? Ginger. Nausea? Ginger. Keeping you awake wondering how much of someone’s birthday cake you devoured on your own? Ginger will sort that one out as well (speaking from personal experience).
I keep ginger tea bags in my office desk. My coworkers find me classy. They don’t know I’m just getting through the afternoon after eating that shady food truck grub.
Cinnamon: Something Beyond Fancy Coffee Spices
Cinnamon might be the least recognized spice. We save it for sweets, but it’s working overtime.
It stabilizes blood sugar levels. It’s anti-microbial. It makes your home smell incredible. It’s literally the spice overachiever.
Pro tip: Throw a stick of cinnamon into your coffee grounds prior to brewing. Your morning cup will be a friend. Your co-workers will be jealous. Win-win.
How to Actually Use These Magical Ingredients
So you bought all these spices because I explained to you they’re amazing. And now they just sit. Judging you. I get it.
The Everyday Magic Formula
This is my simple formula: If it tastes good and won’t kill you, it’s likely fine.
Okay, perhaps we require a bit more guidance than that.
Start small and simple. Introduce one new spice or herb into something you already prepare. Do you prepare breakfast eggs? Add turmeric. Making pasta? Add oregano. Baby steps.
I once tried to cram all the healing herbs I had into one dish. Let’s just say my boyfriend still mentions it when he wants to win an argument. “Remember when you made that curry that had a flavor reminiscent of medicine cabinet?” Yes, dear. I remember.
Healing Food That Actually Tastes Good
Below are some idiot-proof ways to incorporate these healing herbs into your life:
- Anti-inflammatory Golden Milk
Warm milk + turmeric + honey + pinch of black pepper (the pepper helps your body process the turmeric more effectively – science!) It’s a warm hug in a mug. Even my dad, who thinks kale is a conspiracy, loves this.
- Immune-Boosting Tea
Fresh ginger + lemon + honey + hot water. Simple but effective. While everyone in the office is getting sick, I’m the weirdo drinking this and recovering. They all think I’m crazy until they’re asking me for my recipe.
- Digestion-Friendly Spice Mix
Equal quantities of coriander, cumin, and fennel. Keep it in a jar. Sprinkle over literally everything. Your stomach will send you a thank-you note.
When You Should Actually See a Doctor
Sincere disclaimer because I do not want people coming after me: spices and herbs are wonderful, but they are not magic. Occasionally, you are going to require actual medicine.
If you have a nasty case, visit a doctor. Don’t just gobble a whole bunch of turmeric and wait and see what happens. That’s like trying to fix a broken leg with a Band-Aid. Not going to work.
I learned this the hard way when I tried treating my strep throat with ginger tea. Three days later, I was in urgent care getting antibiotics and the doctor was looking at me like I was nuts. “No, honey, you can’t gargle with oregano oil instead.”
Food Can Be Medicine, But It Should Also Be Delicious
What’s the point of healthy food if it doesn’t taste anything? None. Zero point.
The best thing about healing spices and herbs is that they’ll make food actually taste good AND they’re also healthy. Like discovering your dream crush is not only rich, but also super nice. The whole package!
Start trying things out. Enjoy it. Worst thing you can do is you make something taste awful and you end up getting pizza anyway. We’ve all been there.
Keep my granny’s words in mind: medicine doesn’t necessarily come in pill form. Sometimes it comes in delicious food. And sometimes it comes in pill form because you didn’t pay attention to me when I told you when to go get a doctor.
Now go pillage your spice cabinet and unleash the kitchen witch you were meant to be. Your body will thank you. Your taste buds will thank you. Maybe even your significant other will thank you, unless you go overboard like I did with that curry.
Stay spicy, my friends.