GINGER
Spicy ginger has long been used to treat gastrointestinal distress in herbal medicine, helping to
eliminate gas and indigestion. And recent research has found ginger to be more effective than the
common motion-sickness drug Dramamine in preventing and reducing the nausea, dizzing, vomiting,
and cold sweating associated with motionsickness and seasickness. It can also prevent nausea and
morning sickness associated with pregnancy, and unlike anti-vomiting drugs, some of which have
severe side effects, ginger is safe and natural.
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CINNAMON
As a dietary aid, cinnamon can help lower the impact of high-carb foods on blood sugar. A
study in
Diabetes Care
showed that patients with type-2 diabetes could reduce cholesterol,
triglycerides, and blood sugar by consuming 1g of cinnamon per day. Not only that, but the
scent of cinnamon — or even chewing cinnamon-flavored gum — improved study
participants’ attention, memory, and visual-motor speed.
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TURMERIC
A long-time staple of traditional Chinese and Indian doctors, turmeric’s combination of anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties has been proven to bring relief to those suffering
from diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which free radicals cause joint inflammation
and damage. It can also benefit those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Perhaps most astonishingly, frequent use of turmeric
has been linked to lower rates of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
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BASIL
Commonly used in Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine, basil is rich in vitamins A,
K, and manganese. Studies using natural basil or thyme essential oil to wash produce
dramatically reduced the amount of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that causes intestinal
upsets. As uncooked produce is particularly prone to bacterial infection, adding some basil
or thyme to your fresh salads will ensure they are safe for consumption.
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CHILI PEPPER
Capsaicinoids, substances that create the spicy sensation found in in jalapeno, habanero,
cayenne, and other chili peppers, have long been used in topically applied creams for arthritis
pain. Not only have red chili peppers been shown to reduce triglycerides, blood cholesterol, and
platelet aggregation, but they also reduce the formation of blood clots. Rates of stroke, heart
attack, and pulmonary embolism are much lower in areas that tend to consume more hot peppers.
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enVoyage
