Reduce the Winter Chill With These Warming Herbs & Spices
Now that the winter chill is here and we are looking for ways to stay cozy both at home and work, look no further than your kitchen cupboard or spice rack! When it comes to herbal medicine, there are certain herbs and spices that improve circulation and generate internal warmth.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these culinary winter warmers and their benefits…
Ginger has been used for centuries in Western, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine as both a medicinal and a culinary spice. Whilst known for adding a ‘zing’ to food and drinks, the botanical name of ginger is Zingiber officinale which is derived from the ancient Sanskrit name of ‘Singabera’ which means ‘shaped like a horn’ due to the appearance of the ginger rhizome. As well as being a warming herb, ginger has numerous health benefits including as a digestive aid, for relieving nausea, and has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) comes from the bark of an evergreen tree and is a popular addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. Cinnamon is not only a circulatory stimulant, but also well known for supporting healthy blood sugar regulation and reducing digestive symptoms such as bloating flatulence and indigestion.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) with its bright golden colour it is visually warming to the eye and has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine. The active component in turmeric is curcumin – a superstar ingredient in the herbal medicine world, which has been the subject of clinical trials particularly researching its potent anti-inflammatory action. Traditionally in Western herbal medicine, turmeric is also protective for the liver and has antioxidant properties.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a favourite addition to Indian and Middle Eastern food, both sweet and savoury. It comes from the seeds of a plant related to the ginger family. Cardamom has anti-bacterial properties and has traditionally been used as a herbal breath freshener.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a native Mediterranean herb that has a long history of use as both a culinary and medicinal herb and as a symbol of remembrance. Traditionally rosemary has been used for digestive issues and headaches. Rosemary is a circulatory stimulant that is also known for supporting cognitive function and memory. It is said that ancient Greek scholars wore garlands of rosemary to stimulate their mind, improve memory recall and academic ability!
Cloves are the flower buds of the evergreen clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), a warming, aromatic herb that has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Clove is often used as an ingredient in herbal mouthwash to promote oral health and prevent gum disease.
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) adds a spicy kick to meals and has a warming effect on the body. It contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and supports healthy blood glucose levels. Capsaicin may be used topically for pain relief.
Black pepper the dried berries of a flowering vine Piper nigrum, is a culinary staple and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and TCM for its multiple health benefits. This warming spice improves the absorption of certain nutrients and herbs such as turmeric when consumed alongside each other.
These culinary herbs and spices can be easily added to food and drinks for their warming properties and circulation boost, amongst other health benefits. A cup of herbal tea, chai latte, pickled ginger, curries, slow-cooked casseroles or soups are just some ideas for making these herbs part of your everyday winter warming routine!