Benefits of Paprika

Paprika is a mild spice produced by grinding the fruits of the family of capsicum annuum plants which include red bell pepper and chili peppers. Paprika however has a very minimal dose of capsaisin, the compound that produces a sensation of burning. Capsaisin is one of the main compounds in the pepper family that provides health benefits - due to the lack of capsaisin in paprika, health benefits aren't as strong (as cayenne or chilli powder). If you can't stand the heat of cayenne pepper, then opt for Paprika - get the benefits without the heat.

Paprika, however, is also said to be extraordinarily high in Vitamin C and is rich in carotenids which are red and yellow pigments found in vegetables and herbs that impart health benefits.

It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in medicine as a topical analgesic.
But while paprika abundantly contains these healthy constituents, it is not particularly known for its medicinal benefits as a stand-alone spice. However, it does contribute to an overall healthy diet when used as a seasoning in dishes.
The following are the paprika benefits that may be derived from consuming this herb:

• Paprika helps to regulate blood pressure.
• Paprika may help improve blood circulation.
• Paprika may help assist digestion by normalizing acid in the stomach.
• Paprika as an antibiotic.
• Paprika has anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Cayenne

Spicy is the new HOT!!

Cayenne - It contains trace minerals, high antioxidants, vitamins, and capsaicin. Also contains vitamins like vitamin C, E and carotinoids.

Capsaicin, found in cayenne can reduce platelets stickiness, increase your metabolism, stimulates the immune system and blood circulation. It can even kill harmful bacteria, germs, viruses, and other infections that may be hidden in our body. 


 

• It's aids in blood circulation, in turn increasing circulation of oxygen and helps nourish cells and tissues.
• Cayenne has been shown to stop a heart attack as it happens (but please don't experiment on this.. leave it to the doctor)
• It's beneficial in weight loss by increasing metabolism
• It helps adjust with blood pressure.
• Cleans the arteries, gets rid of bad LDL cholesterol and tryglicerides.
• Stimulates peristaltic motion in intestines and aids in assimilation and elimination of unwanted matter.
• Warms the body internally and externally
• Been used as a frost bite remedy. I have experimented in the crude cold winters of Canada, by putting a sprinkle on cayenne in my boots. Not only did they keep my feet warm.. at points I couldn't wait to get home to remove my shoes because I felt so much heat, it felt like a burning sensation.
• I've also used cayenne poultice on stiff muscles.. neck strains are a nuisance especially when you need to move. A little bit of cayenne made into a paste using olive oil, and rubbed onto painful area. Please note: some muscle injuries get worse with heat applications - cayenne will only make it worse. (if your doctor says put an ice pack on it.. then NEVER use cayenne)
• Superb for rebuilding the tissue in the stomach, facilitating healing with stomach and intestinal ulcers. Cayenne pepper for ulcers is not something most would have considered, and it still should be considered as a slight irritant especially when you have ulcers, but a little at a time NOT on an empty stomach and you should be fine. Remember if you're unsure, you can always start of with the tiniest of doses. 
• And please remember NEVER to take it on an empty stomach.  I've experiment with cayenne and filled capsules with cayenne to get myself a bigger dose without tasting and feeling the heat on my tongue. Big mistake: I took the capsule on an empty stomach - and with in 20 minutes, there was an unpleasant party in my stomach - fire crackers and bombs. Too much cayenne can irritate the stomach - sometimes resulting in ulcers. It seems ironic that a substance that can heal ulcers can also cause them, but we always have to remember to Balance.  Getting too much of a Good thing, will not always result in a Good outcome.

D'Tox Drink (When sour is your friend)

The D(areen)'TOX Drink.

HOW TO:
One squeezed lemon or lime, a pinch of cayenne and water.

Note: lime has 15 x the nutrients that a lemon has

HEALTH BIT

Water
* Flush your system

Cayenne:
* Increases metabolism by immediately influencing the venous structure.
* Regulates Blood Pressure
* Cleans the arteries, helping to rid body of bad LDL cholesterol & triglycerides.
* Aids Circulatory system - regulates the flow of blood
* Stimulates peristaltic motion of intestines & aids in elimination
* warms the body
* Rebuilds stomach tissue, facilitating healing with stomach & intestinal ulcers.
* Antifungal properties
* Feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of the arteries, veins
Lemon/Lime:
* Contain flavonoid compounds with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties
* Stop cell division in many cancer cells
* antibiotic effects
* excellent source of vitamin C - neutralizing free radicals
* Limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)


Functions:

• promotes healing of all body cells
• Collagen formation in blood vessels, bones, cartilages, and muscles.
• helps prevent cancer and heart disease
• detoxifies the body
• supports the good bacteria in your gut
• kills candida, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites
• prevents hardening of the arteries
• neutralizes harmful environmental and bacterial toxins
• protects us from pollution and dangerous pesticides
• destroys free radicals
• combats stress
• acts as an antidepressant
• removes heavy metals like mercury and lead
• lowers high cholesterol

Sources: Fruits such as guava, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple, and mango; Vegetables such as raw red sweet pepper, raw green sweet pepper, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.

Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint

The peppermint has several therapeutic effects. It’s been used to sooth the digestive tract in the past & may be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.








Other healing properties include:

• May protect against cancer
• Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus
• Relieves the symptoms of allergies and asthma

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger

Sliced Ginger, Ginger Root, Ginger Powder

Ginger is on my top 10 list. It's an amazing root that has a warming effect to your body and is wonderful in flavoring recipes. It's been used by myself on several occasions, even to the point where i hold a little bit of the powder in my purse. My number one relief from it would be nausea, it's instantaneous!

Pickled Ginger (Sushi Side)

During Sushi meals, I ask the waiters for some extra ginger, and I leave some for the end to finish off a meal. It helps when I'm over-stuffed, and aids in my digestion. 

• 

  Ginger Candy

   
•  Its consistent ability to resolve nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and other stomach upsets
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Eliminates intestinal gas
• Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract
• Antioxidant properties
• Relieves dizziness 
• Boosts your immune system

Grated Ginger

• Protects against bacteria and fungi
• Encourages bile flow
• Promotes cardiovascular health 

Benefits of Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another spice that has a variety of healing properties and has been studied by science for a variety of ailments.

• Reducing anxiety and treating insomnia
• Nutmeg extract has antibacterial activity that can significantly reduce certain strains of E. coli.
• Calming muscle spasms
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Joint pain and gout
• Lowering blood pressure
• Male infertility and impotence
• Improving concentration
• Increasing circulation
• Lowering cholesterol
• Toothaches (nutmeg oil)

**Please note that nutmeg contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene derivatives, terpenes and myristic acid. Only Minimal amounts of nutmeg should be taken at one time. Taking too much nutmeg (one or more nuts; in some cases less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, swelling and shock.

Benefits of Cloves

Benefits of Cloves

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties
• Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis
• Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism
• Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria
• May encourage creativity and mental focus
• Relief from tooth & gum pain